Environmental toxins damage DNA across generations

Pesticides. Heavy metals. Exhalations from transport and much more. All of these substances are toxic to our bodies. But in addition, they cause changes to our DNA that not only damage our health, but can be inherited by our descendants.

Some toxic substances are mutagenic – they cause mutations or irreversible changes in our genes. But far more are those that cause so-called epigenetic changes. These are biochemical reactions that change the activity of many of our genes, and many of them can turn them off or on.

However, epigenetic changes have negative consequences for our health, physical and mental condition. Worse still, many of them can be inherited by our offspring. A polluted environment can negatively affect the health of our grandchildren and great-grandchildren, for example.

Here is a small “taste” of the epigenetic action of some toxins. However, epigenetic research is still in its infancy, so we will certainly learn about many more in the future.

DDT will affect three generations

The negative effects of DDT have been known for many decades, which is why this pesticide is also banned. But now scientists have discovered that the epigenetic changes it causes can be inherited over at least three generations. DDT in particular is a significant hormone disruptor that causes reduced fertility in both men and women. It is therefore possible that the declining fertility of today’s population is not only due to postponement of motherhood, but also to the effects of DDT on previous generations. In addition, DDT may also cause hereditary obesity problems.

Lead damages not only the brain

Lead is a heavy metal that is highly toxic. It is particularly damaging to the brain and nervous system and poisoning with it can be fatal. Research has also shown that pregnancy is a very sensitive period, when even small doses of lead cause epigenetic changes in germ cells (mainly changes in gene methylation). These changes have been demonstrated not only in children whose mother was exposed to lead, but also in her grandchildren. Epigenetic changes can not only adversely affect the development of the nervous system, but can also cause asthma, for example.

Dust increases risk of stroke and Alzheimer’s disease

In terms of air pollution, fine particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, which are part of transport exhalations, are a major risk. According to research, they are behind the increased risk of stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Danger hidden in plastics

Phthalates and bisphenol a, which are used in the manufacture of plastics, also have significant negative epigenetic effects. They interfere with testosterone production and negatively affect fertility in both sexes. The principle of the negative effects of both groups of substances is largely epigenetic, and the heritability of these changes over several generations has also been demonstrated.

How to defend yourself?

The positive news is that many epigenetic changes are reversible, especially by modifying lifestyle, diet and, where appropriate, taking substances with epigenetic effects. If we supplement these with thorough detoxification, we can significantly improve not only our own health but also that of our offspring.

Chlorella – this unicellular freshwater algae is one of the most effective natural detoxifying agents. It helps to remove heavy metals, polychlorinated biphenyls and other toxins from the body, plus it supports the regeneration of the liver as the main detoxifying organ.

EGCG, curcumin – these two substances are characterized by a broad-spectrum positive epigenetic action, in addition to supporting liver and kidney health. Curcumin is recommended to combine with piperine, because it increases its absorption many times.