Could the environment be contributing to the diabetes epidemic?

At the 2019 ANP Naturopathic Summit, Dr J. Pizzorno presented his case on chronic disease, explaining that Type II Diabetes has little to do with sugar and everything to do with toxic load. The ANP Summit is an annual extravaganza of academic excellence in the field of Natural Health and this year, Dr Pizzorno explained why toxins are the root of all chronic diseases including Diabetes.

In his book The Toxin Solution, Dr Pizzorno radically posits that sugar has little effect on diabetes. That is quite a statement for one of the leading global authorities on Natural Medicine to make. Dr Pizzorno says that, in his personal practice, 50% of obese patients have diabetes. Whilst we know that obesity is a risk factor for diabetes, why do half of the obese population develop diabetes and not the other half?

The answer, says Pizzorno, is down to “Toxic Load”.  Toxic load refers to the number of chemicals a human is exposed to through their environment. These toxins are micro-molecules and industrial chemicals found in water, air, modern plastic packaging and commonly used household products such as paints, synthetic substances, detergents and air fresheners (amongst others).  To test his theory, Dr Pizzorno takes his obese patients through a detoxification programme and finds that, although they remain obese after completing the programme – they are no longer diabetic. By what mechanisms is this possible?

Dr Pizzorno’s research has identified numerous studies which point to the role of Arsenic (found primarily in chicken, water and rice) blocking the receptors responsible for delivering sugar to human cells. The starved cells then stimulate the release of insulin, triggering sugar cravings and a vicious circle of consuming sugar and not gaining energy begins… eventually leading to Type II Diabetes. By detoxing the Arsenic from the body, cells are no longer blocked from receiving the sugar they need to create energy, insulin levels return to normal and sugar is utilised effectively once more.

In addition to Arsenic, other environmental toxins can contribute to an increase in Diabetes within the general population. BPA, an aromatised toxin that is released, especially when heat and plastic combine (such as a plastic shower curtain that hangs over a hot bath, or a plastic hot water bottle) will send BPA into the surrounding air to be inhaled. BPA is also released from the inner plastic lining of ‘paper’ coffee cups, canned foods, and milk “cartons” that often have a fine plastic inner lining to prevent leaks. The research shows that increased exposure to BPA doubles the risk of Diabetes Type II.

PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) are compounds found in electronic equipment coolants, fluorescent light bulbs, vinyl floor coverings and in most electrical equipment that was made before 1977, when the use of PCBs was banned. Nevertheless, PCBs are difficult to destroy and are released into the environment every time commercial equipment is burned or broken down. These particles are then inhaled into the body where they create havoc within the endocrine system. As blood sugar regulation is a hormonal process, any disruption to hormones will contribute to the possibility of Type II Diabetes.

Apocalyptic? Yes it can feel that way, but fear not, says Pizzorno. The important thing is to be aware of what toxic load can do to your health, take steps to reduce this burden and help your body process toxins out. So what key steps cam a person take?

First, make sure your home is a clean environment. This begins with the removal of all chemicals and fragrances from your home. Next, a good carbon water filter to remove nasties that are hanging around in your water supply. Paint for indoor decoration should be VOC-, lead- and metal-free. A decent HEPA air filter does an OK job of cleaning air if you can’t stretch to a more expensive one. Outside of that, says Pizzorno, it is important to regularly detoxify yourself by taking adequate rest and relaxation, eating fresh, green leafy organic vegetables and paying close attention to your body. This, says Pizzorno, is how he has reached the age of 74, with a metabolic age of only 44.  

The Association of Naturopathic Practitioners is a practitioner organisation that campaigns heavily for the use of Natural Therapies in Healthcare. Dr J. Pizzorno, Mike Murray, Kiran Krishan, and many more authorities in the field support and endorse ANP, and help the ANP to achieve its goals.