Ever wondered what kinds of toxins are circulating in your body? Well, believe it or not, a clue lies in your checking account. That’s right – the very chemicals lurking in your blood can be determined by your financial status.
We all have a concoction of industrial chemicals in our lives, thanks to the products manufactured by multinational corporations. Research from the University of Exeter Medical School’s European Centre for Environment & Human Health in England reveals that the chemical profiles in our bodies differ based on our economic background.
As people become wealthier, their lifestyle changes and, consequently, the types of toxins within their bodies change. However, it’s crucial to note that the overall amount of chemicals doesn’t necessarily decrease. Instead, the researchers recommend “dealing with groups based on lifestyle, rather than earnings” to better address chemical build-ups within the body.
So, let’s break down the chemicals typically found in bodies based on wealth levels.
The Toxins in Wealthier Bodies
Are you wealthy? The toxins that predominantly make their way into your body include mercury, arsenic, cesium, and thallium. Now you wonder, how did these chemicals end up in my body?
The answer lies in your diet and lifestyle choices. A rich person’s diet generally contains more fish, which is responsible for those heavy metals mentioned earlier. According to the FDA, mercury concentrations can vary in different fish species, with some fish containing higher levels than others. Seafood that typically contains higher levels of mercury includes swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish.
Another compound commonly found in wealthier bodies is benzophenone-3. You may not recognize the name, but it’s a component in many sunscreens that people apply to protect themselves from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Unfortunately, this chemical can be absorbed through the skin and disrupt the endocrine system, according to the FDA.
The Toxins in Less Wealthy Bodies
If you’re on the lower end of the socioeconomic spectrum, your body may harbor higher amounts of lead, cadmium, antimony, and bisphenol A (BPA). Widespread culprits for these chemicals include cigarette smoke and junk food.
Lead can be potentially toxic, especially in children, affecting their brain development and nervous system. Exposure to lead can occur through contaminated air, water, soil, and even certain household products, according to the World Health Organization.
Cadmium, another heavy metal like lead, can be absorbed by the body through tobacco smoke or consuming contaminated food such as shellfish and offal meat. The Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry states that long-term exposure to cadmium can lead to kidney, bone, and lung diseases.
Antimony, which can be found in trace amounts in cigarette smoke, can lead to lung, heart, and gastrointestinal issues when exposed in large doses, as stated by the CDC.
As for BPA, this chemical is present in many everyday products like water bottles, food containers, and even some cash register receipts. BPA has the potential to mimic estrogen in the body, disrupting hormone levels and leading to a host of health issues, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Reducing Toxins – Tips for Everyone
No matter your financial background, some simple tips can help reduce exposure to potentially harmful toxins:
- Opt for organic produce to limit pesticide consumption.
- Cut down on processed and junk foods that often contain unhealthy additives.
- Use glass or stainless-steel water bottles and containers to avoid BPA.
- Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating or preparing food, to minimize the chance of ingesting harmful chemicals.
Taking these small steps can make a significant difference in reducing the toxins circulating your body and ultimately lead to a healthier life.