Human symbiosis of health

How many of the following symptoms for iron deficiency do you have?

• Non-Physical Symptoms
• Anxiety
• Cognitive dysfunction
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Lowered attention
• Light-headedness
• Mood swings
• Post-partum depression

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Physical:

• Atrophy or enlargement of the taste buds
• Compromised immune function
• Hair loss
• Koilonychia (Brittle, spoon-shaped nails)
• Leg cramps / heavy legs
• Lowered body temperature
• Mouth sores
• Pale skin complexion
• Palpitations
• Poor thyroid function
• Skin problems
• Shortness of breath
• Swollen tongue
• Restless legs
• Pregnancy complications

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Here are some of the mechanisms behind the above symptoms:

Iron is required for tryptophan hydroxylase activity, this enzyme converts tryptophan to 5HTP, the precursor for serotonin – the chemical brain messenger responsible for our happiness. Therefore with inadequate iron levels, serotonin production will be reduced.

Iron is also needed for tyrosine hydroxylase, this enzyme is essential for the production of dopamine – the chemical brain messenger that is responsible for our drive and motivation.

Iron is essential for the intracellular reception of T3. This reduces the activity of the main thyroid hormone thus lowering metabolism, energy, whilst leading to hair loss and other related factors.

Iron is required to make hemoglobulin. Hemoglobulin helps carry oxygen within the blood to tissues, an integral part of energy production. If iron is low, the body’s ability to produce energy is hindered therefore increasing the likelihood for fatigue. This same mechanism leads to reduced oxygen availability to the brain giving reason as to why headaches are also linked to iron deficiency.

The paling of the skin and inside of the eyelids is due to less hemoglobulin within the blood, as hemoglobulin gives blood its red pigmentation.

Reduced hemoglobulin levels result in less oxygen within the body. As a compensatory mechanism, the body will start to increase breathing and heart rate in hope to get more oxygen, thus leading to a shortness of breath and increased heart palpitations.

Trauma can lead to long lasting adaptive mechanisms to protect the individual from repeated exposure, usually these evolutionary defensive behavioural patterns continue later in life despite not being coherent to current day stressors. ⁣

This can lead to distorted situational awareness, disconnecting ones responses and actions from perceived ‘normative’ behaviour.⁣

Highly sensitive triggers may be running in the subconscious mind unknowingly to the individual.⁣

Studies show the adaptive response from trauma can extend over 14 generations. This is a huge component contributing to dysfunctional community syndrome and further stigmatisation.⁣

The following are common factors in trans-generational trauma:⁣

• Accidental’ epidemics⁣
• Massacres⁣
• Starvations⁣
• War⁣
• Slavery ⁣
• The removal of people to reserves ⁣

Below are examples of traumatic events:⁣

• African Slavery⁣
• The Holodomor⁣
• The Holocaust⁣
• World War 1⁣
• World War 2⁣
• Dutch Hunger Winter⁣
• Ritualistic Abuse⁣
• Aboriginal Australian Lineage⁣
• Childhood sexual abuse ⁣
• Middle Eastern War⁣

Do you think trans-generational trauma has impacted you in any way?

Are you currently exposed to phthalates on a regular basis? Were you exposed during early developmental stages—for example, through maternal exposure such as a mother working in a hair salon while pregnant? Have you noticed symptom improvement after reducing phthalate exposure?

Higher phthalate levels have been associated with a two-fold increase in the rate of endometriosis. Phthalates are present in almost anything fragranced and are widely used in soft plastics, vinyl, cleaning products, nail polish, and perfumes. As early as 2002, environmental groups reported that over 70% of personal care products contained phthalates. Today, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than 470 million pounds of phthalates are produced each year.

Phthalates are now officially recognised as reproductive toxins throughout both the European Union and the United States. Animal studies show that rats given high doses of certain phthalates stopped ovulating altogether. Phthalates reduce oestrogen production by ovarian follicles—oestrogen being one of the primary drivers of follicle growth and egg development in both animals and humans. Suppression of oestrogen by follicle cells would be expected to impair follicle growth, helping explain why women with endometriosis often exhibit significantly higher phthalate levels than those without the condition.

Potential sources of exposure are extensive. Plastics can leach into food, particularly when food is packaged while hot or stored in plastic for long periods. Personal care products are a major contributor, including cosmetics, hair products, lotions, infant care products, medications, medical devices, nail polish, and perfumes.

Vinyl products are another source, such as shower curtains, flooring, wallpapers, blinds, diaper mats, rain gear, inflatable mattresses, school supplies, car interiors, and yoga mats. Additional exposures may come from air fresheners, electronics, plastic jewellery, sex toys, and children’s toys.

Given their prevalence and biological impact, understanding and minimising phthalate exposure is an important consideration in hormone and reproductive health.