What are Xenobiotics???

Here is a little essay I had to write for my Master's program in holistic nutrition. I thought it would make an interesting read for those who may not know what xenobiotics are, where they are found and how to reduce your exposure.

Xenobiotics are any chemicals that are foreign to a living organism. This means they are not normally part of an organism’s food nor necessary for life. These chemicals are often carcinogenic and if they don’t cause immediate harmful effects, over time they will cause the health of an organism to deteriorate. These foreign chemicals are found in our food and water supply, packaging, and personal care products.

There are various sources of these xenobiotics in the food and water supply. They come from herbicide and pesticide use from farming operations. They come from antibiotic and hormone usage in industrial animal farming operations. They also come from the pharmaceutical industry with a full assortment of various foreign chemicals such as birth control pills which add estrogens to the water supply. There is also chemical waste from factories as well as endocrine disrupting chemicals such as BPA in plastics and even infant formula cans. Personal care items such as lotions, hair spray and toothpaste contain xenobiotics such as parabens and flouride. Jet fuel is a large problem along with perchlorate from rocket fuel, largely due to military activities and exercises. Many fighter pilots will simply dump excess jet fuel over an agricultural field to reduce weight for landing as a common practice.

Xenobiotics have infiltrated all aspects of the food and water supply. Streams, lakes, ponds, and the ocean all have some level of these chemicals. The earth in many areas is saturated with these chemicals and therefore the groundwater is contaminated as well.  Much of these foreign chemicals are taken up by the roots of agricultural crops or are absorbed directly from spraying. The crop then transfers this often carcinogenic substance to it’s fruit, berry or grain before it is consumed by an unaware consumer. These contaminated grains can also be eaten by animals which tend to concentrate these pollutants in their fat and muscle tissues, and excrete them as waste as well. Foreign chemicals are also found in ordinary tap water and some levels are often allowed. Most water supplies are not required to test for pharmaceutical pollutants, nor have a means to get rid of them.

The best way to reduce your exposure to these pollutants is to buy organic produce and from a trusted source. Generally speaking, the most trusted source is your local farmer or even your own backyard. Another way to reduce exposure is to avoid drinking tap water and drink only spring or purified, filtered water. Avoid all Styrofoam and plastic packaging, storage, and especially plastic water bottles. Find a good ceramic or stainless steel water bottle to carry water and other beverages in. Try to find local, pasture raised meats which will have been fed a lower amount of grain than a CAFO or industrial agricultural animal would have consumed. Some local farms even use only organic feeds as well for an added layer of protection. Try to use all natural creams, lotions, and toothpastes to reduce exposure to toxins and chemicals on the skin and body. One extreme solution, and may be necessary in some cases, would be to move altogether to a location that is cleaner, away from environmental pollutants, has a better water supply, and more access to organic foods. 

For more information, here is a great website: http://www.ewg.org/