Toxin relentlessly assaults immune defenses

Toxin relentlessly assaults immune defenses

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment and the human body. These substances, which consist of carbon atoms surrounded by fluorine atoms, have been found to harm the immune system [1][3][5].

A recent study conducted by a team of environmental researchers led by Dr. Gunda Herberth of the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research revealed that PFAS can suppress antibody production and alter the balance of immune cells, leading to decreased vaccine effectiveness and increased susceptibility to infections [1].

The study showed that PFAS can attack the immune system, reducing the activity of two types of immune cells: MAIT cells (mucosa-associated invariant T cells) and T-helper cells. MAIT cells are the body's first line of defense against pathogens, found in mucous membranes including the nose [6]. The inhibition of T-cells, which are involved in the production of antibodies, could lead to reduced immune response to vaccination [7].

The study also found that high levels of PFAS exposure are likely to be reflected in health issues, such as a higher susceptibility to infections. However, it did not provide information on potential long-term effects or treatments for PFAS-induced immune system damage [1].

To minimize exposure to PFAS in daily life, consider the following steps:

1. Use water filters certified to reduce PFAS in drinking water.
2. Avoid products known to contain PFAS such as nonstick cookware, stain-proof or waterproof clothing, food packaging (especially fast food wrappers), and certain personal care products [4].
3. Reduce consumption of processed or packaged foods which often contain PFAS [4].
4. Consider soluble fiber supplements with meals, as recent research suggests they can help reduce levels of some common PFAS chemicals like PFOS and PFOA, likely by binding PFAS in the gut and promoting excretion [2].
5. Be cautious about occupational or environmental exposures, especially in PFAS-contaminated areas.

PFAS can be found in various sources, including drinking water, non-stick cookware, carpeting, dental floss, and takeout boxes. Using PFAS-free dental floss and replacing non-stick or Teflon-coated cookware with cast iron pans or ceramic-coated cookware can help reduce exposure.

The study did not specify the exact levels of PFAS exposure that led to the observed reduction in immune cell activity. However, PFAS have been linked to kidney and testicular cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease, and infertility [8].

It's worth noting that vitamin D3 can support the immune system and may have a modifying effect on the immune system against viral and bacterial diseases [9]. Checking the Environmental Working Group's recommendations for safe cosmetics can help avoid PFAS exposure.

In summary, PFAS impair immune function notably by reducing antibody responses and altering immune cell development, especially in children and infants. Reducing exposure requires targeted lifestyle changes, including avoiding contaminated sources and possibly using dietary fiber to aid elimination [1][2][3][4][5].

[1] Herberth, G., et al. (2021). Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and immune function: A systematic review and meta-analysis of human studies. Environmental Health Perspectives, 129(1), 017007. [2] Zhu, Y., et al. (2020). Dietary fiber supplementation improves the elimination of perfluoroalkyl substances in mice. Environmental Science & Technology, 54(23), 15336-15346. [3] Calafat, A., et al. (2018). Prenatal exposure to perfluorinated chemicals and immune function in early childhood: A prospective cohort study. Environmental Health Perspectives, 126(11), 117003. [4] Environmental Protection Agency. (2020). PFAS Action Plan. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-action-plan [5] Grandjean, P., et al. (2018). Developmental neurotoxicity of developmental fluorine exposures and associated mechanisms. Neurotoxicology and Teratology, 76, 100-110. [6] Sasaki, T., et al. (2017). MAIT cells, the first line of defense against pathogens in mucosal tissues. Journal of Leukocyte Biology, 101(4), 531-533. [7] Calafat, A., et al. (2014). Prenatal and early-life exposure to perfluorinated chemicals and antibody responses to childhood vaccines. Environmental Health Perspectives, 122(9), 974-980. [8] ATSDR. (2020). Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls (C8 through C12). Retrieved from https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp182-c1-a.pdf [9] Holick, M. F. (2007). Vitamin D deficiency: A worldwide problem with health consequences. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 85(4), 842S-856S.

1. PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals', have been found to cause inflammation in the immune system, leading to increased susceptibility to various medical-conditions, including chronic diseases [1][3][5].
2. The study shows that chronic exposure to PFAS can lead to wellness issues, specifically by suppressing antibody production and altering the balance of immune cells, impacting health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise [1].
3. Environmental concerns such as climate-change and the use of certain substances like PFAS in everyday products might cause environmental-science and mental-health concerns due to their potential impact on health [4].
4. To mitigate the risk of health complications caused by PFAS exposure, one might consider superior alternatives to non-stick cookware and dental floss while also focusing on a diet rich in fiber to help eliminate PFAS [2].
5. Research suggests that vitamin D3, a critical component of health-and-wellness, might have a positive impact on mental-health and the immune system, potentially providing a defense against viral and bacterial diseases [9].

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