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Episode 4: Atrazine, botulinum toxin, BPA, fluoride, glyphosate (RoundUp tm), heavy metals, parabens, PFAS, and vegetable seed oils.

Download the Ambassador Slides HANDOUT to share.

My preferred lab for testing toxins: https://amzn.to/3CaygEY.

For a water filter that reduced fluoride, BPA and PFAS: https://amzn.to/42gG1nx.

My personal SimpleLab results for my home drinking water were clean. The water sample I sent was 50% from the EpicWater Filter and 50% from the ice machine that has a PFAS filter. 

LifeStraw water bottle with filter (you can pour in from a plastic water bottle when necessary).

1 Gallon stainless steel water jug (for carrying your daily water). 

LifeStraws for emergencies (keep them in your car, bug-out gear, and gun cases).

#8 BOTULINUM TOXIN

• Difficulty breathing, paralysis.
• “The cellular mechanism of action of the large majority of bacterial protein exotoxins with intracellular targets, including the BoNTs, can be conveniently divided into four subsequent steps: a) cell binding, b) internalization/endocytosis; c) membrane translocation of the enzymatic moiety into the cytosol and d) intracellular target modification of a selected target (Montecucco et al., 1994).”
• Top Sources: Root canals, injections, rotten anaerobic food
• Documentary: Root Cause, Government Film: Botulism in Rhesus Monkeys

Rossetto O, Megighian A, Scorzeto M, Montecucco C. Botulinum neurotoxins. Toxicon. 2013 Jun 1;67:31-6. doi: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.01.017. Epub 2013 Feb 19. PMID: 23435262. (Accessed 11/20/2024)

#7 BPA (Bisphenol-A)

• BPA is a threat to male fertility.

Cariati, F., D’Uonno, N., Borrillo, F. et al. “Bisphenol a: an emerging threat to male fertility”. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 17, 6 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-018-0447-6

• “…the brain has consistently emerged as one of the most sensitive organs disrupted by BPA, even at doses below those considered safe by regulatory agencies such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).”

• Top Sources: Water bottles, packaged food, thermal paper receipts, canned goods, waterproof lining
• Documentary: River of Power (1987), The Story of Plastic (2019), and Human Experiment (2015).

Mustieles, V., Fernández, M.F. Bisphenol A shapes children’s brain and behavior: towards an integrated neurotoxicity assessment including human data. Environ Health 19, 66 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-020-00620-y

• Apoptosis (programmed cell death)
• Cell damage
• Hippocampal targeting

Pang Q, Li Y, Meng L, Li G, Luo Z, Fan R. Neurotoxicity of BPA, BPS, and BPB for the hippocampal cell line (HT-22): An implication for the replacement of BPA in plastics. Chemosphere. 2019 Jul;226:545-552. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.03.177. Epub 2019 Mar 30. PMID: 30953899. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30953899/ (Accessed 11/20/2024)

COVID-19 VACCINE

• Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS)
• Bell’s palsy
• Seizures
• Encephalitis
• Acute transverse myelitis
• Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
• Stroke
• Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
• Top Sources: USA, Germany, UK, EU, Canada, Norway, Singapore, China*****
• Documentary: Watch the Water, Watch the Water II

Ostovan VR, Sahraian MA, Karazhian N, Rostamihosseinkhani M, Salimi M, Marbooti H. Clinical characteristics, radiological features and prognostic factors of transverse myelitis following COVID-19 vaccination: A systematic review. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2022 Oct;66:104032. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104032. Epub 2022 Jul 6. PMID: 35858499; PMCID: PMC9258415. (Accessed 11/20/2024)

• 55 Undeclared Chemical Elements — Including Heavy Metals — Found in COVID Vaccines

Argentine scientists identified 55 chemical elements — not listed on package inserts — in a study of the six major COVID-19 vaccine brands. The research, which confirms previous studies, sparked calls for transparency and further investigation by Brenda Baletti, Ph.D. October 15, 2024 Updated November 7, 2024 › Agency Capture › Big Pharma › News. https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/undeclared-chemicals-heavy-metals-covid-vaccines/

#6 FLUORIDE

• Headache
• Insomnia
• Lethargy
• Polydipsia
• Polyuria
• Top Sources: Tap water, dental products, infant formulas, fluoridated salt
• Documentary: Fluoride: Poison on Tap

Miranda, G.H.N., Alvarenga, M.O.P., Ferreira, M.K.M. et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between fluoride exposure and neurological disorders. Sci Rep 11, 22659 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-99688-w (accessed 10/8/24).

• Cognitive deficits during testing
• Intellectual disability

Grandjean P. Developmental fluoride neurotoxicity: an updated review. Environ Health. 2019 Dec 19;18(1):110. doi: 10.1186/s12940-019-0551-x. PMID: 31856837; PMCID: PMC6923889. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6923889/ (accessed 10/8/24).

• Disrupts reproductive system.

https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/11571/chapter/8#192

#5 GLYPHOSATE (RoundUp^TM)

• Disrupts normal cellular development – changes to cell differentiation
• Neuronal growth
• Myelination
• Toxic effect on neurotransmission
• Induces oxidative stress
• Neuroinflammation
• Mitochondrial dysfunction
• Starts processes that lead to neuronal death due to autophagy, necrosis, or apoptosis, as well as the appearance of behavioral and motor disorders. 
• Top Sources: RoundUp^TM weed killer, corn, soybeans, chickpeas, wheat, oats
• Documentary: The Monsanto Papers

Costas-Ferreira C, Durán R, Faro LRF. Toxic Effects of Glyphosate on the Nervous System: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Apr 21;23(9):4605. doi: 10.3390/ijms23094605. PMID: 35562999; PMCID: PMC9101768. (Accessed 11/20/2024).

• Mimics estrogen promoting cancer.

Glyphosate mimics 17β-estradiol effects promoting estrogen receptor alpha activity in breast cancer cells, Juan P. Muñoz, Rocío Araya-Osorio, Raúl Mera-Adasme, Gloria M. Calaf. Chemosphere, Volume 313, 2023, 137201, ISSN 0045-6535, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137201. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045653522036943)

#4 HEAVY METALS

• “Significant correlation between exposure to cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) and deleterious neurocognitive outcomes in the adult population.”
• Top Sources: Rice, fish, seafood, e-cigarettes, motor vehicle emissions, industrial, fertilizers, pesticides, glassworking, incinerators, aging water supply infrastructure

Althomali, R.H., Abbood, M.A., Saleh, E.A.M. et al. Exposure to heavy metals and neurocognitive function in adults: a systematic review. Environ Sci Eur 36, 18 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12302-024-00843-7 (Accessed 11/20/2024)

• 55 Undeclared Chemical Elements — Including Heavy Metals — Found in COVID Vaccines

Argentine scientists identified 55 chemical elements — not listed on package inserts — in a study of the six major COVID-19 vaccine brands. The research, which confirms previous studies, sparked calls for transparency and further investigation by Brenda Baletti, Ph.D. October 15, 2024 Updated November 7, 2024 › Agency Capture › Big Pharma › News. https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/undeclared-chemicals-heavy-metals-covid-vaccines/

• “Metals like lead, silver, cadmium, uranium, vanadium, and mercury and metalloids like arsenic have been known to induce reproductive toxicity… Additionally, this work aims to cover the classical protective mechanisms of zinc, melatonin, chelation therapy, and other trending methods to prevent heavy metal-induced reproductive toxicity.”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1382668922000527

Exposure to heavy metals and hormone levels in midlife women: The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN), Xin Wang et. al., Environmental Pollution, Volume 317, 15 January 2023, 120740. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120740

#3 PARABENS

• Ubiquitous endocrine disruptor.
• Acts like estrogen.
• Top Sources: Cosmetics, food and drink preservatives, pharmaceuticals (wound care, skin creams, ointments), personal care products (shaving creams, razors, antiperspirants, sunscreens, lip balms)
• Documentary: Toxic Beauty

Nowak K, Ratajczak-Wrona W, Górska M, Jabłońska E. Parabens and their effects on the endocrine system. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2018 Oct 15;474:238-251. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.03.014. Epub 2018 Mar 27. PMID: 29596967.

Studying paraben-induced estrogen receptor- and steroid hormone-related endocrine disruption effects via multi-level approaches. Jiefeng Liang et. al., Science of The Total Environment, Volume 869, 15 April 2023, 161793. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969723004084

• Linked to mitochondrial failure dependent on initiation of membrane permeability transition accompanied by the mitochondrial depolarization and exhaustion of cellular ATP through uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation
• Skin irritation and breakdown
• Methylparaben damages skin esterase metabolism leading to sunlight irradiation

Safety and Toxicity Assessment of Parabens in Pharmaceutical and Food Products, Rahul Tade. 2018. DO – 10.13140/RG.2.2.23621.40161. (accessed 11/20/2024).

• The European Union is confident that they have greatly lowered health risks by limiting parabens as food preservatives.

https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/efsa-advises-safety-paraben-usage-food

• Parabens link the endocrine disruption to neurotoxicity in rat models and crustacean nerve models.

Hegazy HG, Ali EH, Elgoly AH. Interplay between pro-inflammatory cytokines and brain oxidative stress biomarkers: evidence of parallels between butyl paraben intoxication and the valproic acid brain physiopathology in autism rat model. Cytokine. 2015 Feb;71(2):173-80. doi: 10.1016/j.cyto.2014.10.027. Epub 2014 Nov 17. PMID: 25461396.

#2 Vegetable Seed Oils

• Seed oils, particularly linoleic acid, produce free radicals during cooking.
• Forces an imbalance of omega 6 fatty acids.
• Implicated in macular degeneration.
• Virgin coconut oil reduced neurotoxicity from methotrexate.

Top Sources: Restaurant food, grocery stores

Documentary: The Oiling of America: How the Vegetable Oil Industry Demonized Nutritious Animal Fats and Destroyed the American Food Supply, and RHR: Solving the Problem of Vegetable Oils, with Jeff Nobbs

#1 PFAS (Polyfluoryl-Alkyl Substances)

• “Numerous studies have demonstrated toxicity in a variety of domains, including hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, developmental toxicity, immunotoxicity, and endocrine toxicity, which has led to further scrutiny of this chemical class as a whole (Lau et al., 2004, 2007; Cousins et al., 2020; Kwiatkowski et al., 2020).”
• Top Sources: Water supply, Teflon coatings, Firefighting foams, industrial processes, landfills, military bases (Hundreds of military bases across the U.S. and around the world have used AFFF containing high levels of PFAS for fire training drills and fighting fires, contributing to widespread contamination.)
• Documentary: The Devil We Know, Dark Waters, Erin Brockovich

A Critical Review and Meta-Analysis of Impacts of Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances on the Brain and Behavior, Hannah M. Starnes, Kylie D. Rock, Thomas W. Jackson, and Scott M. Belcher. Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States. Front. Toxicol., 10 April 2022, Sec. Neurotoxicology. Volume 4 – 2022 | https://doi.org/10.3389/ftox.2022.881584 (accessed 10/8/24).

• “Disruption of neurotransmission, particularly the dopamine and glutamate systems, which are implicated in age-related psychiatric illnesses and neurodegenerative diseases.”

Brown-Leung JM, Cannon JR. Neurotransmission Targets of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Neurotoxicity: Mechanisms and Potential Implications for Adverse Neurological Outcomes. Chem Res Toxicol. 2022 Aug 15;35(8):1312-1333. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.2c00072. Epub 2022 Aug 3. PMID: 35921496; PMCID: PMC10446502. Brown-Leung JM, Cannon JR. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10446502/ (Accessed 11/20/2024)

• Harm to mammary gland development.
• Low birth weight, fertility problems.

https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2024/03/pfas-and-developmental-and-reproductive-toxicity-ewg-fact-sheet

• PFAS is also in food.

https://www.nrdc.org/stories/forever-chemicals-called-pfas-show-your-food-clothes-and-home

Other neurotoxins in the food supply cited by Brave AI browser on 1/20/2025 include only two of the one’s listed above:

• Aspartame: An artificial sweetener found in diet sodas, sugar-free products, and other low-calorie foods. It has been linked to various health issues, including headaches, dizziness, and mood changes. Long-term consumption may also increase the risk of depression and other neurological disorders.
• High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): Used as a sweetener in many processed foods and beverages. HFCS has been associated with impaired brain function, particularly in learning and memory.
• Trans Fats & Hydrogenated Oils: Common in processed foods, these fats can lead to inflammation in the brain, which may cause mood disturbances and memory issues.
• Artificial Flavorings: Often used in processed foods to enhance taste. Some artificial flavorings, especially those containing MSG (monosodium glutamate), can cause headaches and other neurological symptoms.
• Diacetyl: Found in artificial butter flavoring, particularly in microwave popcorn. It can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause damage to brain cells.
• Mercury: Found in some fish and seafood, especially those high on the food chain like shark, swordfish, and mackerel. Mercury exposure can lead to cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Perchlorate: A chemical compound used in rocket fuel and fireworks, which can contaminate soil and water supplies. It interferes with iodine uptake in the thyroid gland, potentially affecting brain development in fetuses and infants.
• Red Food Coloring: Synthetic dyes used to color foods and beverages. These dyes have been linked to hyperactivity and behavioral problems in children.
• Calcium Caseinate: Found in protein supplements, energy bars, and junk food. It can damage brain tissue and cause neurological issues.
• Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein: Contains high concentrations of glutamate and aspartate, which can overstimulate nerve cells and potentially lead to peripheral neuropathy or Alzheimer’s disease.
• Fluoride: Found in drinking water and toothpaste. While beneficial in small amounts, excessive fluoride exposure can be neurotoxic.
• Cyanogenic Glycosides: Found in plants like cassava, sorghum, and almonds. These can release cyanide when consumed, posing a risk to health.
• Ciguatoxins: Found in certain fish species like barracuda, black grouper, and king mackerel. Consumption can lead to ciguatera fish poisoning, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and neurological issues.