The most common environmental and food borne toxins that seemed to be associated with the gut are heavy metals, plastics, pesticides and moulds. These toxins are silent and show few signs that they are there. They slowly and persistently derange our gut microbes and our immunity, allowing unwelcome microbes into our bodies to do further damage.
Although we commonly think of the worst toxins in our environment coming from outside the home such as exposure to car fumes and living near crop fields sprayed with pesticides, we should also know that our homes may be toxic to our gut as well as the outside environment. After analysing blood and urine samples from patients, it seems that shampoos, perfumes, cosmetics and chemicals used for cleaning are common sources of toxins which may harm the gut microbes. Not only that, they may also cause direct damage to the DNA and switch on our bad genes. This is called epigenetics. Patients are often unaware that commonly consumed foods are readily available sources of these toxins. Grains and cereals may contain heavy metals, pesticides and moulds. A high carbohydrate diet will feed harmful microbes including viruses. Surprising to some is that less commonly thought of sources for sugars such as sweet fruits and fruit juice may also be harmful to the gut. This is because these grow mould when still on the tree or when in storage. Fermented foods such as sauerkraut can mitigate some of the harmful effects of toxins and help to repair the gut. Studies show that fermented cabbage such as Kimchi, help to detoxify the body of pesticides. Not only that, fermented cabbage has also been shown to reduce high cholesterol, high blood pressure and raised blood glucose
When advising patients about their joints, my management strategies will be determined as always after taking a comprehensive history and performing a thorough examination. Specific blood and urine tests can be ordered to determine the state of the gut and the presence of toxins. However, we can take a gentle look at our indoor environment and see if we are exposing ourselves to toxins from shampoos, body lotions, cosmetics and cleaning solutions.
Perhaps if we are looking to eat a more gut microbe-friendly diet we could switch to non-grains for a while. For some this will cause consternation but you can live without grains. Many patients with chronic pain, find that a 2-week stint without the toxins in their diet, (a ‘Diet to Detox’ programme) can help to greatly reduce or take away completely their joint pain. It is said that the gut microbes need 2 weeks to repair themselves. The gut is repairing, which then reduces the inflammation and fixes the immunity thus allowing the joints to heal. Many people also find that they lose weight.
Increasing the amount of fermented food, particularly cabbage would also be expected to reduce blood pressure and blood sugars. So, just maybe, the ‘Diet to Detox’ protocol may get your gut and immune system in the best shape to fight any unwelcome visitors.
Dr Ese Stacey MBBS DCH DRCOG MRCGP MSc Sports Med LF Hom FFSEM
Sport and Exercise Medicine Consultant
Blackberry Clinic, Brighton
