4 Hidden Toxins That Can Silently Destroy Your Health

As a father of two small children, there is a part of me that’s always on the lookout for any danger or unthought-of detail that might hinder them.

I know I’m not alone. It’s the loving sacrifice that we humans make for one another. We watch each other’s backs.

So when it comes to the 4 hidden toxins (below) that silently infiltrate our homes and bodies on a daily basis, it’s up to all of us to help get the word out.

So what are they?

I don’t want to spook you, but you have enemies to your health sneaking into your body through common household items that you’d never suspect.

In our modern world, companies are cutting corners so that they can push more product out and make a higher profit. Some of these things are obvious like: pesticides, flame retardant sprays on couches, and preservatives in almost all of our food.

But others are much more sneaky…

So without further ado, here are 4 hidden toxins many of us ingest every day.

The #1 way that we are taking in toxins is through the substance that we need most as human beings: our water.

And there are 2 main ways this is happening:

1.) Bottled Water (contains Bisphenol A, aka BPA)

Did you know it is estimated that Americans alone purchase more than 70 billion bottles of water per year?

What you might not know is that each of these bottles contains toxins that have been scientifically proven to have a negative effect on our health.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is the chemical compound that big companies use in their factories to shape plastic and make seals for the inside of cans. This toxin has been sneaking into our daily lives since the ’60s and most people don’t even give it a second thought.

The dangers of BPAs were exposed by the FDA. They have reported that BPAs, as well as PVC — which is sometimes used to make plastic more durable — negatively affect your overall health because they severely disrupt the endocrine system. Meddling with hormones and neurotransmitters in the body sets off a chain reaction that can alter mood, brain chemistry, development of babies, infants and children. It can increase blood pressure, cause infertility, and could even provoke cancer cells.

Here are some easy ways to avoid these toxins:

• Check labels and make sure that the plastic products you purchase are BPA free.
• Choose fresh produce over canned.
• Choose ceramic or glass over plastic as often as possible.

Another way that we ingest toxic water is from the tap.

2.) Tap Water (contains Toxic Metals and Contaminants)

If you are experiencing an unpleasant aftertaste when drinking from your tap, you may have toxic metals, antimicrobials, or contaminants from rainwater runoff making their way into your system every day.

If you have an older home, be sure to check the plumbing often. Rusty pipes are the main cause of toxic metal exposure, especially lead. Steady exposure to lead can lead to lasting issues like changes in mental health and an array of digestive ailments.

Disinfectants that are added to water at treatment plants are another culprit. Chlorine may kill microbes, but when mixed in with organic matter, it leaves a train of cancer-causing disinfectant byproducts.

You know all those drains you see on the side of the road? Have you ever wondered where the water goes? The answer is straight into the river, through the water treatment plant, and back into people’s homes.

Herbicides and pesticides have been found in tap water due to these rain gutters and through irrigation runoff from farms. Exposure to pesticides can lead to short term illness like diarrhea or stomach cramps, but can also lead to more serious problems like cancer or respiratory illnesses.

Though your city is required to check for and notify you of any illnesses that can be caused by bacteria in the water, here are the easiest ways to protect yourself from these toxins:

• Get your water tested.
• Install a water filter on all of your sinks and showerheads.

Our mouths are not the only entryway for our bodies to receive nutrients and toxins through. A new study has shown that the pores in your skin can absorb up to 64% of the contaminants in your drinking water alone!

The word “organic” doesn’t always guarantee that your skincare products are 100% toxin-free. After digging into some of the biggest “natural” beauty brands, we found that many have cut corners and exploited loopholes.

We’ve found that standard lotions, oils, and shampoos contain 2 big sneaky intruders:

3.) Parabens

Parabens are an extremely common preservative that has been shown to disrupt estrogen production and has also been detected in malignant tumors. These chemicals are abundantly found in deodorants, shampoos, toothpaste, body washes, makeup, and other cosmetic products. 

Science recognizes them as known endocrine disruptors which can lead to cancer.  This is a huge public health concern that has been raised by numerous scientific panels and consumer advocacy groups. 

One British study found that tumors in 19 out 20 breast cancer patients had detectable amounts of various parabens. Even if there is not a causal relationship to cancer, there certainly is a link that is being ignored at the highest levels of public health. 

Currently, the FDA does not even recognize that parabens adversely affect human health: 

“At this time, we do not have information showing that parabens as they are used in cosmetics have an effect on human health.” 

In fact, they do not regulate this and no FDA approval is needed before a product rich in parabens can be in the open market.

4.) Phthalates

Phthalates are usually hidden under the word “fragrance,” a known hormone disruptor linked to reproductive defects.

What’s alarming is that researchers know that these compounds are bad for our health, but these substances are everywhere in consumer products while many who lead public health do not know how bad they are for us! 

Known as ‘plasticizers’ as they help make plastics more flexible, these chemicals are found in most products you buy. 

The National Institute of Health admits that certain types of phthalates are endocrine disruptors (mess with your hormones) and cause cancer. Other phthalates negatively impact our reproduction and development. Yet, they clearly state that “Many children’s toys and products are made with phthalates.” 

To avoid exposure, the NIH recommends:

• When possible, avoid foods with plastic packaging. 
• Avoid heating food in plastic.
• Avoid plastic containers and plastic wrap that may contain phthalates.

You’ll notice that avoiding plastics is nearly an impossible task. 

According to the CDC, research shows that women have higher levels of phthalates, perhaps due to the concentration found in personal care products, e.g. shampoos, conditioners, body washes, soaps, and other cosmetics. 

Phthalate metabolites were found to be widespread in the US population, indicating widespread exposure to these toxic chemicals.

Lab-made facial products are prone to cause inflammation, breakouts, scarring, and even more serious things like cancer. Our bodies just don’t know how to process things that aren’t natural, aka from the Earth. 

So the next time you look for safe skincare products, be mindful that you are purchasing all-natural, plant-based products.

Finally – because toxins are so rampant in our modern world – and almost impossible to avoid completely – I strongly recommend that you also embrace lifestyle choices that help to detoxify your body on a regular basis.

Stay curious,

Nick Polizzi
Host of Proven: Healing Breakthroughs Backed By Science
& Founder of The Sacred Science