Page 80 - The Autoimmune Protocol

The Autoimmune Protocol

understand that there are common substances and objects that we are exposed to each
day that may be harmful:

The Kitchen and Household

Many household items contain toxic chemicals, from household cleaners, to soaps and
cosmetics. Plastics contain bisphenol A (BPA) which is a toxic substance that is thought
to be associated with damage to the brain and prostate glands, especially in a growing
fetus. Some non-stick pan coatings (like Teflon) contain dangerous chemicals that have
been linked to high cholesterol and heart disease.

Our microwaves are another item in our kitchen that not only reduce the nutrition in the
foods we eat, but emit radiation and cause possible health issues, especially if they are
used to cook the foods we eat on a regular basis.

Cosmetics and common toiletries like shaving cream, shampoo, conditioner, hair
products, and skin creams contain toxic ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate,
Propolyene glycol, methylisothiazoline, polythylene terephthalate, ploymethyl
methylcrylate, benzyldehyde, toulene, methylparaben, propylaparaben, octinoxate,
isophthalates, ethylparabens, aluminum zirconium, isopropyl myristate, and phthalates.
Each of these ingredients have been linked to issues like hormone disruption,
neurological damage, immune system disruption, fertility issues, rashes/skin irritation,
allergies, and changes in cell structure. Look for the aforementioned ingredients in the
items you buy to avoid exposure. There are apps you can download on your cellphone that
help you determine whether or not a product is safe when you are shopping. One helpful
app is called “Think Dirty.” The Think Dirty app can be downloaded on your phone and
all you have to do is take a picture of the product to figure out if the product contains
dangerous chemicals or not.

Dental Fillings

Many of us have had to have dental work done at one time or another. Did you know that
dental amalgam fillings contain toxic metals like mercury? Mercury is a substance that
has been linked to a disturbing array of autoimmune diseases.

Some with amalgam fillings claim to have developed diseases like arthritis, multiple
sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease, Parkinson’s disease/muscle tremors,
fibromyalgia/muscle or joint pain, lupus, and Crohn’s disease as a result. Before going in
for dental work, make sure your dentist knows where you stand on the type of fillings you
desire and opt for resin fillings instead.

Cell Towers

In our demanding, fast-paced world, it is no surprise that people want fast internet
wherever they are.

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