Genetics and the environment both play a significant role in complex and chronic diseases. Recent and ongoing research is pointing to the role of toxin exposures while in utero and the connection of these exposures to concerns such as diabetes, heart disease and cancers in adulthood. Environmental toxins can have a major impact on future health particularly during the development period of the epigenetic system. It is this system that controls gene expression in tissues and these alterations can then be transmitted across future generations.

 

The health concerns posed by endocrine disrupting chemicals are wide reaching and have been linked to concerns in both female and male reproduction, breast and prostate cancer, endocrine concerns including thyroid and diabetes as well as contributing to cardiovascular concerns and obesity.

 

Educating our patients around the vital importance of reducing their exposures especially during both preconception and conception will go a long way to minimize their risks of chronic disease. Reduction of these toxins will be critical to the long-term health of both our current patients as well as future generations.