Without buying organic (or of course, growing it yourself) you really have no idea what icky chemicals are lingering on your fruit, veggies, meat and dairy.
One key reason to avoid these nasties is their link to autoimmune disease. To quote Dr. Douglas Kerr, M.D., Ph.D., Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, from the foreword to The Autoimmune Epidemic:
"There is no doubt that autoimmune diseases are on the rise and our increasing environmental exposure to toxins and chemicals is fuelling the risk. The research is sound. The conclusions, unassailable."
Let's delve into what science currently tells us about this complex relationship.
Understanding Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system, which normally defends the body against pathogens, mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. These diseases can have profound impacts on quality of life and often require lifelong management.
The Role of Pesticides
Pesticides are chemicals designed to kill or control pests such as insects, weeds, and fungi. They are used extensively in modern agriculture to protect crops and ensure high yields. However, these chemicals can persist in the environment, accumulate in food chains, and potentially affect human health in various ways.
Research Findings
-
Epidemiological Evidence: Numerous epidemiological studies have observed associations between pesticide exposure and increased risk of autoimmune diseases. For instance, studies have linked occupational exposure to pesticides among farmers, pesticide applicators, and farmworkers with higher rates of autoimmune conditions.
-
Animal Studies: Experimental studies in animals provide further insights into the potential mechanisms by which pesticides could trigger or exacerbate autoimmune responses. These studies often involve exposing animals to pesticides and observing immune system changes or autoimmune symptoms.
-
Mechanisms of Action: Pesticides may disrupt immune function through several mechanisms:
-
Immune Dysregulation: Some pesticides can alter the balance of immune cells and cytokines, which are critical for immune system regulation.
-
Endocrine Disruption: Certain pesticides act as endocrine disruptors, affecting hormone signalling pathways that play a role in immune function.
-
Oxidative Stress: Pesticides may induce oxidative stress and inflammation, processes implicated in autoimmune disease pathogenesis.
-
Specific Pesticides: Different types of pesticides have been implicated in autoimmune disease risk:
-
Organochlorines: Persistent pesticides like DDT and its metabolites have been associated with autoimmune diseases due to their long-term environmental persistence.
-
Organophosphates and Carbamates: Common insecticides used in agriculture have been linked to immune system alterations and autoimmune responses.
-
Glyphosate: Controversial studies suggest that glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, may impact immune function and contribute to autoimmune conditions.
If you or a family member suffer from an autoimmune disease, choosing organic for most produce, or at least the dirty dozen, is a step in the right direction. Some other ways to recover include:
-
Check for hidden infections such as (yeast, bacteria, viruses), and treat them with the help of a doctor.
-
Check for hidden allergens and avoid them.
-
Get tested for celiac.
-
Get tested for heavy metal toxicity, especially lead and mercury.
-
Fix your gut with probiotics and probiotics.
-
Use nutrients such as Vitamin B, C, D, magnesium and fish oil to support your immune system.
-
Practice deep relaxation as stress worsens the immune response.
-
Anecdotally, diets that avoids sugar, caffeine, dairy and gluten have also had success. Our Immune Boost Box contains staples in an autoimmune diet such as turmeric, oranges and lemons, avocado, broccoli and pumpkin.
The link between pesticides and autoimmune diseases is becoming consistently stronger as research continues. This is yet another reason why it is so important to choose certified organic produce from businesses such as Organic Box, whether you already have immune issues or simply want to prevent them.
