Welcome everybody and thanks for joining us on episode #20 of “Health Talk with Dr. Kell”. We are at the end of a four-part series called “Inflammation and The Autoimmune Response”. In week one, we talked about nutritional triggers for inflammation with Dr. Kell and Ted Hahn, clinical nutritionist. Ted’s favorite quote is, “If it doesn’t have fins, feathers, fur, or grow out of the Earth – don’t eat it!”
In part two, we discussed the physical triggers for inflammation in the body, which are injury and infection. With injury and infection, the body’s B Cells and T Cells jump into action helping the body to heal. It’s best to let the body move through this process naturally. When not injured, mild to moderate exercise can be good for the immune system. It gets the heart pumping and blood flowing throughout the body.
Last week, in part three, we discussed the emotional triggers for inflammation. Happiness, relaxation and calmness help to boost the immune system. Fear, hurt, sadness, anxiety, anger and hatred can suppress the immune system because these emotions kick in the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight), and our bodies release excess cortisol due to the stress. Solutions and suggestions include: recognize your feelings and acknowledge them, develop trusting relationships, try meditation and yoga, and stay engaged and involved in life.
Finally, we’re wrapping up with part four, discussing environmental triggers for inflammation, which include nano and micro plastics, heavy metals, processed foods and their packaging, and cosmetics.
What are micro and nano plastics? They are small pieces of plastic that occur in the environment as a result of plastic pollution and the breakdown of larger forms of plastics that are present in the environment.
At this point, environmental exposure to microplastics and heavy metals is inevitable for humans, animals, and sea creatures. When plastic pieces undergo leaching, they release chemicals that are carcinogenic in nature. There are things you can do to reduce the micro and nano plastics in the environment.
Choose stainless steel water bottles, lunch containers, and straws, use reusable bags at the grocery store, eat a healthy diet with less processed foods packaged in plastic bags, choose cosmetics that are free of nano plastics such as acrylates, styrene, copolymer, polyethylene, nylon, and PMMA. Instead look for products made from natural materials with as few ingredients as possible. Each of us CAN make a difference by choosing to help the environment, and in turn, help decrease our toxic exposures, and support a healthier immune system.