Modern Dangers of Eating Freshwater Fish
Historically, freshwater fish (i.e. bass, trout, catfish) has been a nutritious choice because they are high in protein and higher in minerals than most saltwater fish. Freshwater fish can be harvested in lakes, rivers, and streams.
However, in a recent study, the majority of freshwater fish can be dangerous to eat because they contain high levels of PFAS.
What are PFAS?
PFAS stands for perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (includes PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS). They’ve been around since the 1950s and have more recently been termed “forever chemicals” because they don’t naturally break down in the environment…Meaning they remain permanently in the air, soil, water, or in our bodies.
These forever chemicals, which can be found in commonly used products (such as food packaging, firefighting foam, floor polishes, cosmetics, non-stick cookware, clothing, stain-resistant carpeting and other fabrics, etc.), can–and actually already have–seeped into the soil, water, and air. This widespread contamination of chemicals is quite alarming as it is harmful to us and the environment.
Mode of Exposure to PFAS
We can be exposed to forever chemicals in a variety of ways. Food boxes and packaging used in pizzas and fast food can contain them. Drinking water from a well contaminated with them is another. Since these chemicals are found in some cosmetics, using makeup near the eyes or mouth is a possible way they can get into the body.
We are now seeing evidence of PFAS in freshwater fish which makes them dangerous to eat. While this newsletter is focusing on freshwater fish, forever chemicals have also already seeped into livestock and other animals via their food and water supply.
Researchers looked into freshwater fish of about 500 samples from rivers and lakes across the United States between 2013 and 2015. The result is really shocking. According to their study, eating one serving of freshwater fish could be the same as drinking water with PFOS at 48 parts per trillion for a month. Simplified, it is 2,400 times more than what the EPA allows in drinking water.
The Potential Health Risks of Forever Chemicals
The EPA says that forever chemicals may cause the following:
- Decreased fertility
- High blood pressure in pregnant women
- Developmental delays in children
- High risk for some cancers
- Low immunity
- Disrupted hormones
- Increased cholesterol levels
- High risk for obesity
While the government is apparently taking active steps to solve this issue that has long been overlooked, what do we do in the meantime? Clearly these forever chemicals are bad for our health. Avoiding them entirely may not be possible, but now that you know more about the sources, you can minimize your exposure (reduce use of plastics, check labels on cosmetics or packages and choose ones that are labeled free of PFAS/PFOS, avoid eating freshwater fish, and support your health in other ways (diet and lifestyle). We should be aggressive in keeping ourselves healthy so that our body is more resilient to the toxins we aren’t able to avoid.
It is my passion to work with people like you whose health symptoms are getting in the way of you living life fully and with a sense of freedom in your body. I can help you to regain your health so you can feel great and free to enjoy life fully.
If you’re ready to discover where your best health has been hiding, I’d love to connect with you!
Apply for a complimentary Unstoppable Health Discovery Session. http://bit.ly/schedulinghealth (subject to availability).
Until next time, I’m wishing you unstoppable health!
~Rebecca
P.S.
Know someone who could use my help?
Send them the link to apply for a complimentary Unstoppable Health Discovery Session. bit.ly/schedulinghealth (subject to availability).
What Alcohol Does To Your Immune System
Most of us know that alcohol isn’t great for our health. It increases inflammation, encourages unfriendly bacteria in the gut to overgrow, interferes with metabolism, and even moderate alcohol consumption of 4-5 drinks/wk contributes to fatty liver disease. But our focus for today is what alcohol does to your immune system. Here are 3 things to keep in mind regarding alcohol.
Alcohol Distracts Your Immune System
When you drink alcohol, the body prioritizes getting that alcohol out of your body as fast as possible. While it’s doing that, your body is less able to protect you from both outer stressors and inner stressors like taking out cancer cells. According to the CDC, all types of alcohol increase your risk of cancer and the more you drink, the greater the risk.
Alcohol Increases Risk of Respiratory Infections
Alcohol damages your body’s defenses, specifically the immune cells and cilia (microscopic hairs) in your lungs that help you fight off harmful bacteria and viruses therefore making you more susceptible to respiratory infections.
Alcohol Damages Healthy Bacteria
Alcohol consumption is shown to harm beneficial bacteria while contributing to increased growth of harmful bacteria. Not a good combo. A healthy gut is essential to a healthy body.
If you drink alcohol, I recommend taking this opportunity to revisit your relationship with it as well as the frequency you consume it. Spreading it out more, not drinking daily or most days, is healthier for your immune system (gut health, liver, etc). If alcohol is your “go to” for social events or de-stressing after a challenging day or week, this is a great opportunity to explore some alternative tools.
It is my passion to work with people like you whose health symptoms are getting in the way of you living life fully and with a sense of freedom in your body. I can help you to regain your health so you can feel great and free to enjoy life fully.
If you’re ready to discover where your best health has been hiding, I’d love to connect with you!
Apply for a complimentary Unstoppable Health Discovery Session. http://bit.ly/schedulinghealth (subject to availability).
Until next time, I’m wishing you unstoppable health!
~Rebecca
P.S.
Know someone who could use my help?
Send them the link to apply for a complimentary Unstoppable Health Discovery Session. bit.ly/schedulinghealth (subject to availability).
When the New Year’s Honeymoon is Over…
While some of you may be consistent with your health habits (high fives!), I am already noticing the annual trend I call “The New Year’s Honeymoon is Over”. This is the transition time where we really see the distinction between those that feel they “should” make healthy changes and resolutions from those who are “committed” to creating permanent healthier habits.
In my work as a nutritionist and transformational coach, I am not interested in fads, quick fixes, or temporary improvements because I’ve seen over more than 2 decades that they don’t lead to any sustained improvement in quality of life. The people who work with me discover that while they may want a quick fix for whatever symptom is ailing them (I mean, who doesn’t want to feel better immediately?!), there is so much more happening below the surface. Our mindset is what drives our habits. Until we create alignment with the results we say we want and the accountability of creating a lifestyle that supports those outcomes, results will be inconsistent or temporary.
So today, I invite you to take a look at where you are showing up in a committed way in your life with your health and wellness. In what areas do you consistently create results? It is here that you will discover your commitment. Lean into this place. Commitments are so much deeper than “shoulds”. We don’t sustain changes when they come from a place of obligation. Get clear on the benefits your health provides to you and those you love. What do you love to do, how do you love to spend your time…and if your health were suffering, how would all of that change? I want you to really picture this because in this moment of truth is a tremendous opportunity to step into a new way of BEING.
Many of you know that life isn’t fair and that there are no guarantees to any of us having consistent health. BUT, if you are committed to feeling great in your body and mind, the way you take care of yourself will certainly impact the likelihood that you will create a life where you enjoy being alive and healthy.
Before we say goodbye for today, I’d like to share some recipes I recently came across. We all know that variety is the spice of life and when we have healthy options for variety, we are more likely to be consistent on our path to wellness, so here you go:
- Brisket Chili
- Tuna & Green Bean Salad
- Spicy Sesame “Noodles”
- Moroccan Chicken Skewers with Cauliflower Couscous
It is my passion to work with people like you whose health symptoms are getting in the way of you living life fully and with a sense of freedom in your body. I can help you to regain your health so you can feel great and free to enjoy life fully.
If you’re ready to discover where your best health has been hiding, I’d love to connect with you!
Apply for a complimentary Unstoppable Health Discovery Session. http://bit.ly/schedulinghealth (subject to availability).
Until next time, I’m wishing you unstoppable health!
~Rebecca
P.S.
Know someone who could use my help?
Send them the link to apply for a complimentary Unstoppable Health Discovery Session. bit.ly/schedulinghealth (subject to availability).
