Detox and Biotransformation Flashcards
List five ways toxins cause damage.
- Oxidative Damage
- Enzyme Inhibition
- Damage to DNA
- Damage to cell membranes
- Endocrine disruption
What is the scientific name for PFOA and what is it used in?
Perfluorooctanoic Acid.
It is a man-made toxin used in non-stick cookware (teflon), water resistant clothing, carpet, etc.
What % of PFOA is found in Americans?
96%
How many years does it take your body to rid itself of PFOA?
4.5 years
Is there a safe level of PFOA for humans to consume/absorb?
No. There is no safe level.
What is the scientific name for PBDE and what is it used in?
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether.
It is a man-made compound from the chemical Bromine. It is a toxin that is used as a flame retardant.
What is the blood’s normal PH range?
7.35-7.45 PH
List five naturally occurring exogenous toxins.
- Ionizing radiation (i.e. UV light and radioactive elements like radon and uranium)
- Oxidation (free radicals)
- Animal and plant mycotoxins (i.e. moulds/fungi)
- Products of combustion (i.e. carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide)
- Heavy metals (i.e. arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead)
List six Endogenous Toxins.
- Byproducts of intestinal microorganisms
- Intermediary Metabolites (chemicals created through Phase 1 and Phase 2 of liver detoxification)
- Non-end product metabolites (chemicals from metabolism that may not be an end product)
- Hormone Overload (If hormones aren’t processed properly they can accumulate and create an imbalance)
- Free Radicals (i.e. oxygen containing molecules made from white blood cells)
- Toxic emotions/memories
Definition of Exogenous Toxins
Exogenous toxins are naturally occurring and synthetic that comes from outside the body.
Definition of Endogenous Toxins
Endogenous toxins are made inside the body from normal metabolism and various biochemical reations.
List two sources of toxins.
Endogenous (inside) and Exogenous (outside)
Definition of Metabolomics
Metabolomics is the study of the chemical process involving metabolites (the by-products of regular metabolism)
List nine synthetic Exogenous toxins
- Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, larvicide
- Industrial chemicals
- Food toxins (i.e. preservatives & additives)
- Drugs
- Inhalants
- EMFs
- Skin Products
- Cleaning Products
- Plastics
Definition of Exposome
Exposome is the combined exposures from all sources that reach the internal environment.
Definition of Total Toxic Load
Total Toxic Load is the total body burden of exogenous chemicals, heavy metals and toxic exogenous compounds.
Definition of Chemical Body Burden
Chemical Body Burden is the quantity of an exogenous substance or its metabolites that has accumulated in an individual or population.
What is the formula to calculate disease risk?
Toxic Potency X Cumulative Exposure X Susceptibility
List four things that chemical sensitivity depends on.
- Species
- Life stage
- Biochemical Individuality
- Toxin Synergy
Definition of Toxin Synergy
Toxin Synergy is the effect caused when exposure to two or more chemicals at one time results in health effects that are greater than the sum of the individual chemicals.
Definition of Endocrine Disruptor
Endocrine Disruptor are natural or man-made chemicals that mimic or interfere with the body’s hormones. These disruptions can cause tumors, birth defects and other developments disorders.
List nine glands that make up the endocrine system.
- Hypothalamus
- Pituitary
- Thyroid
- Parathyroid
- Adrenal
- Pineal Body
- The Ovaries
- The Testes
- Pancreas
What is the Endocrine System?
The Endocrine System is made up of all the glands in the body that make hormones.
What are hormones?
Hormones are the body’s messengers. They control mood, growth and development.
What is the ideal transit time for your bowels?
18-24 hours