Grow your chemistry with nature
If you are what you eat, what would you prefer to be - a healthy individual made from proteins and lipids, or a chemical storehouse of preservatives, artificial flavouring and colours?
Our diet plays a critical role in all the actions within our body, from biochemical actions like digestion and hormonal balance to complex genetic processes. Our DNA and food communicate with each other, and their dialogue directly influences our well-being. Various studies around the world have indicated that the food we eat not only regulates our health but that of our children and their children too.
All over the world, researchers and scientists have shown that nutrients from our food regulate the process through which genes are expressed. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is transcribed into ribonucleic acid (RNA) which is further translated into proteins. These proteins function as building blocks of the body. From hair and nails to digestive enzymes and defensive molecules, everything is made of proteins. Our body produces these proteins using nutrients from our food. The amount, form and even frequency of nutrients have a direct impact on protein production. Our diet modifies the workings of genes, which in turn, alters their ability to synthesise protein. When protein synthesis is affected, it has a direct effect on the growth of our body, immunity and even our ability to think.
Just like the food we eat influences our genetic makeup, the reverse is also true. Our genes can trigger different responses to food products. The best example of this is lactose intolerance, where some people cannot digest lactose due to deficiency of the lactase enzyme. Lactose intolerance is not a congenital disability, but one that develops with age.
In an age where processed food is taking over our refrigerators, pantries and kitchens, it is essential to be aware of what we are putting into our body.
Snacks, chips, sodas, cakes, processed meat are made for our convenience and designed for slow spoilage. They often contain ingredients harmful to the body's biochemistry. During processing, the food undergoes chemical treatments involving the use of many strong acids and alkalis. This results in a loss of nutritional values as the natural content of vitamins and minerals are washed off. Processed food also contains high amounts of sodium that destroy the electrolytic balance of the body. The addition of sugars, preservatives and colouring agents enhances the flavour and shelf life of the product. Some processed foods like margarine contain harmful trans fats that are known to cause cardiac diseases and plaque build-up.
As with our bodies, the biochemistry of the surrounding environment is also essential. Everything, from the food we eat, to the air we breathe, comes from the environment. Maintaining ecological balance is critical to living a healthy life on this planet. For the last few decades, we have done nothing short of torturing the earth by dispersing numerous chemicals rampantly into our ecosystems. Our lakes, lands, rivers, seas and even our bodies are all chemical Petri dishes.
All through the day and night, we continuously bombard our body with chemicals in different forms. The average male uses at least nine personal care products in a day, which include shampoo, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, hair conditioner, shaving products and many more. All these products contain about 85 chemicals in the form of fragrances, stabilisers, etc. While some of these are benign, some of them are potential carcinogens, neurotoxins and endocrine disruptors. Chemicals pose more risk to women as they use as many as 100 products including makeup and personal hygiene products that amount to about 168 chemicals. Risks increase in case of pregnant women as certain chemicals from these products are teratogens (products affecting unborn children) that can pass through the placental barrier and show adverse effects on the growing foetus.
According to environmental experts, an average house is home to about 62 different types of chemicals. These chemicals come from our detergents, floor cleaners, dishwashing soaps, etc. Every day we are exposed to them routinely, from noxious fumes of toilet cleaners to synthetic fragrances of phthalates. The components of everyday household products have potential for tumour formations in humans. They also cause several chronic disorders such as asthma, reproductive disorders and endocrinal disturbances.
Unfortunately, manufacturing companies are not obligated to disclose noxious ingredients in their product description. Companies argue that they use these chemicals in minute amounts and they therefore do not pose any danger to human life. However, if you are routinely exposed to chemicals - even for a brief period - it automatically increases your exposure and risk.
One of the most prominently used compounds not described in the contents is phthalates. Phthalates are used as an adhesive as well as solvents for a wide range of everyday products such as air fresheners, hygiene products, detergents, cosmetics and personal care products. We can also find phthalates in printing inks, food packaging, pharmaceuticals and sealants. Overexposure to phthalates can destroy the hormonal balance of the body.
Some time ago, I saw a commercial for an antibacterial soap with triclosan as one of the ingredients, and I was shocked. Companies are brazenly telling people to wash their hands and even bodies with a chemical, which was primarily registered as a pesticide. Triclosan is also a carcinogen, which harms our body by destroying our hormone regulation mechanism. Triclosan in toothpastes and soaps is discharged into our sewer systems and ends up in our food.
Chemicals are in our everyday life in the form of processed food, our personal and home care products and much more. We cannot eliminate toxins from our lives entirely. However, we can change several things to reduce the effects of these chemicals by choosing organic and less toxic options. In my previous posts, I have spoken of the importance of sustainable farming practices. But how do we bring sustainability in our daily life? The answer is simple - by going natural!
The only alternative until someone invents chemical free processed food is to go back to basics and stick to chemical free 'whole foods’ like vegetables, cereals, fresh poultry, meat, eggs and fruit. Yes, there will be a little more work to cooking, but it will always be preferable than gobbling down preservatives and flavours. Any nutritionist worth their salt will recommend fresh apples over a carton of apple juice. Though the companies mention that these juices are free of preservatives with no added sugar, it is practically impossible. Every packaged food product contains preservatives in a certain amount. Which makes me wonder, what are we feeding ourselves - preservatives and sugar or real fruit juice?
While we cannot entirely avoid the use of cleaning products, we can switch to natural cleaning solutions. There are multiple DIY cleaning product recipes on the internet. With the use of simple household products such as lime and vinegar, we can create fantastic cleaning products.
And when it comes to shaving, I won't say stop shaving entirely but yes, you can use natural products to replace your shaving creams and after shave moisturisers too.
If we have the will, nature will show us the way.