Identifying your “toxic burden” is literally life-changing. Chronic exposure to toxic chemicals now plays a key role in the treatment of complex, multi-faceted health problems. It simply cannot be ignored. Found to varying degrees in everything from cosmetic and skin care products to cookware and children’s toys, these foreign substances accumulate in the body and cause cellular disruption in almost every tissue. Because the human body metabolizes these pollutants and eliminates them in the urine, measuring urine metabolites is an effective way to assess the level of exposure to the various pollutants.
Learn about which toxins we are screening for in your body, and how they may be affecting your health.
Parabens
Parabens are chemical preservatives that prevent growth of bacteria and mold and increase the shelf life of numerous consumer products. It is estimated that parabens are present in 75 to 90% of skin products including: moisturizers, cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, sunscreens, perfumes and toothpastes. Parabens easily penetrate the skin and can mimic estrogens. Their weak estrogenic effect has a potentially disruptive effective on the endocrine system of both men and women.
Phthalates
Phthalates are a class of chemicals commonly used as plasticizers (softening agents) in the manufacture of soft vinyl (also known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVCs are used to make many consumer products, including soft vinyl children’s toys and child care articles. Exposure to phthalates has been linked to asthma, birth defects, hormonal changes, thyroid irregularities, skin allergies and increased risk of diabetes.
Volatile Solvents
Also known as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, volatile solvents include chemicals like xylene, toluene, styrene and benzene. These chemicals are found in household products like: paints, varnishes, paint stripping products, and adhesives. VOCs are air borne particles that contribute to poor air quality and are a major contributor to smog. Vapors from photocopiers and printers, automobile exhaust, cigarette smoke, fingernail polish and fueling stations are a few common sources of exposure. Exposure Your test will identify whether parabens, phthalates or volatile solvents are playing a role in your wellness.