LEAD (Pb)
Lead exposure is associated with poorer general cognitive outcomes, poorer performance on tests of executive function and working memory, and increased behavior problems.
MERCURY
Mercury accumulates in the brain, disrupting neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Leads to symptoms like mood swings, depression, memory loss, and brain fog. Chronic exposure is linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
PESTICIDES
Blocks acetylcholinesterase, leading to excessive acetylcholine activity, which can cause anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment. Long-term exposure is linked to Parkinson’s disease and neurodegeneration.
MYCOTOXINS (MOLD TOXINS)
Mycotoxins increase neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, damaging neurons that cause brain fog, chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, and memory impairment. Chronic exposure may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
ARSENIC
Arsenic disrupts mitochondrial function, leading to energy deficits in brain cells. Increases oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, contributing to cognitive decline and mood disorders.
CADMIUM
Cadmium interferes with zinc, an essential mineral for brain function, leading to neurotransmitter imbalances. Associated with higher risks of depression, fatigue, and neurodegenerative disorders.
VALPROATE ACID (VPA)
Used for seizures, bipolar disorder, and migraines. When taken during pregnancy, it could cause Fetal Valproate Syndrome (FVS), a birth defect that causes intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
CARBON MONOXIDE
Reduces oxygen supply to the brain, leading to confusion, irritability, and depression. Chronic low-level exposure is linked to cognitive decline.
AIR POLLUTANTS
When air pollutants’ tiny particles cross the blood-brain barrier, they trigger inflammation in brain cells, which is associated with higher rates of depression, cognitive decline, and neurodegenerative diseases.
FOOD ADDITIVES
Food additives like aspartame block serotonin production, increasing the risk of depression and anxiety. Metabolites like methanol and phenylalanine disrupt neurotransmitter balance, which disrupts gut microbiota, leading to increased inflammation and neurotransmitter imbalances.
