1. Medscape article: Toxic Chemicals We Consume Without Knowing It:
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/988444?ecd=wnl_infocu11_broad_broad_persoexpansio n-editorial_20230916_etid5859143&uac=459916FG&impID=5859143#vp_2
Article Excerpt, please access the entire article via the link above:
Dioxins and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Dioxins are mainly the byproducts of industrial practices; they are released after incineration, trash burning, and fires. PCBs, which are somewhat structurally related to dioxins, were previously found in products such as flame retardants and coolants. Dioxins and PCBs are often grouped in the same category under the umbrella term "persistent organic pollutants" because they break down slowly and remain in the environment even after emissions have been curbed. Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin, perhaps the best-known dioxin, is a known carcinogen. Dioxins also have been associated with a host of health implications in development, immunity, and reproductive and endocrine systems. Higher levels of PCB exposure have also been associated with an increased risk for mortality from cardiovascular disease.
Notably, dioxin emissions have been reduced by 90% since the 1980s, and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has banned the use of PCBs in industrial manufacturing since 1979. However, environmental dioxins and PCBs still enter the food chain and accumulate in fat.
The best ways to avoid exposures are through limiting meat, fish, and dairy consumption and trimming the skin and fat from meats.
The level of dioxins and PCBs found in meat, eggs, fish, and dairy are approximately 5-10 times higher than they are in plant-based foods.
Research has shown that farmed salmon is likely to be the most PCB-contaminated protein source in the US diet; however, newer forms of land-based and sustainable aquaculture probably avoid this exposure.
2. PCRM News: Dr Neil Barnard’s Blog:
Illinois Plant-Based School Lunch Law Goes Into Effect Aug. 1
https://www.pcrm.org/news/blog/illinois-plant-based-school-lunch-law-goes-effect-aug-1
Plant-based school lunches will be made available starting this school year to all 2 million public school students in Illinois who submit a request, thanks to a law that went into effect on Aug. 1,
2023. This law will make Illinois a national leader in providing healthy plant-based options in schools.
3. PCRM: Health & Nutrition News, 09/12/2023
66% of Diet-Related Cardiovascular Related Deaths Are Due to a Low-Consumption of Plant Based Foods
https://www.pcrm.org/news/health-nutrition/66-diet-related-cardiovascular-deaths-are-due-low-c onsumption-plant-based
A poor diet is a major risk factor for heart disease. A recent analysis of over half a million Chinese adults found that more than two-thirds of diet-related cardiovascular deaths can be attributed to low intakes of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts, while a low intake of fruit was the leading dietary risk factor for stroke, followed by a low intake of whole grains and vegetables.1 Aside from addressing many of the risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol, a plant-based diet may also be able to reverse plaque buildup in the arteries.2,3
References
1. Fang Y, Xia J, Lian Y, et al. The burden of cardiovascular disease attributable to dietary risk factors in the provinces of China, 2002-2018: a nationwide population-based study. Lancet Reg Health West Pac. 2023;37:100784. doi:10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100784 2. Ornish D, Scherwitz LW, Billings JH, et al. Intensive lifestyle changes for reversal of coronary heart disease. JAMA. 1998;280(23):2001-7. doi:10.1001/jama.280.23.2001
3. Esselstyn CB Jr, Gendy G, Doyle J, Golubic M, Roizen MF. A way to reverse CAD? J Fam Pract. 2014;63(7):356-364b.
https://www.dominifarmsanctuary.org/
4. Dominifarm Animal Sanctuary provides a permanent, loving home for all types of
abandoned, abused and special needs farm animals.
Dominifarm is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that relies 100% on donations and
volunteers. It is located at 122622 S Cloverdale Road, Kuna, ID.
● Located in Kuna, Idaho, Dominifarm Animal Sanctuary provides long term shelter, food,
protection and love for the many animals in our care.
● All donations to Dominifarm are tax deductible and go directly toward paying for food,
veterinary care, farrier bills and shelters for the rescued animals on the farm.
● The Farm welcomes visitors for educational tours, including private groups, schools, and businesses/organizations. Tours are one hour, by appointment only, with a suggested donation of $25/group of 4.
● Currently, tours are offered on Saturday at 3:00 pm and Sunday at 11:30 am.
● They provide educational tours and training, special events and animal-therapy tours for kids with disabilities, adults with disabilities, and seniors in the community.