Why I Upped My Intake of Plants After a Local Chemical Explosion: Another Reason to Eat More Whole Plant-Based Foods

There was a massive chemical explosion just outside of Atlanta Sunday morning that required more than 90,000 people to shelter in place and 17,000 to evacuate from their homes. The plant chemical fire sent a ginormous plume of smoke into the air that led to complaints of a strong chemical smell and severe haze.

I went about my business on Sunday, working outside, not knowing about the explosion. The next morning I woke up and followed my normal walking routine with Mariposa. We love our long 45-minute morning walk where we enjoy seeing neighbors, dog friends, and getting the opportunity to wake up through the fresh morning air and songs of birds.

However, this time, I didn't see the same familiar faces. I also noticed a very thick haze. At that moment, I received a text from my dad in New Jersey saying the news reported that Atlanta residents should stay inside. We were far from home at that point and started to make our way back. I found out later that there was a red alert for air quality that morning and that the air was unsafe to breathe. (You may be asking the same question as me — why didn't the Georgia Emergency Management Agency send text alerts to all residents? Turns out we did receive text alerts, but it wasn't until 4pm that afternoon.)

Given Mariposa's tiny lungs, I was mostly worried about her. For me, I noticed my asthma acting up a bit and my eyes became watery and itchy. The autumn season happens to be the worst time for my allergies, therefore I initially attributed these symptoms to falling off my allergy medication regimen. But after learning about the explosion, I believe that, this time, it wasn't allergies.

Normally, the windows and doors would be wide open with fresh air flowing and bright sunlight shining through (instant mood boosters!), however, not today. We hunkered down inside, closing all doors and windows while turning on two air filters.

Not knowing what chemicals were in the air or how many chemicals were present was a bit unnerving. I went into action mode trying to think of what we can do to detox from the air we just breathed during our morning walk.

Other than sheltering in place and waiting for the chemicals to clear, there wasn't a lot for us to do. I was left with many questions: Where will these chemicals land? Will they settle in our yards? What about our drinking water? Will they ever dissipate or will they forever linger? And what about the wildlife, how does this affect them? So.Many.Questions.And.Concerns.

The only solution I could think of to possibly cleanse our bodies from whatever we breathed in was to double down on nutrient-dense plant-based foods. (Yes, I said "our" and, yes, Mariposa got some plants too — her favorite, sweet potatoes, as well as berries in addition to her plant-based Bramble diet.) In this article, I will share another justification to eat more whole plant-based foods and how plants can help in dealing with exposure to environmental toxins.

What is an environmental toxin?

Environmental toxins and pollutants are ubiquitous, entering our bodies through the air we inhale, the water we consume, the food we eat, and the products we use. Although we cannot control certain things, like a chemical explosion, we have the power to influence our immediate environment by being informed about harmful chemicals that can impact both our well-being and the health of the planet, and avoiding them whenever possible. Fueling our bodies with nutrient-dense foods and healthy lifestyle practices, like sound sleep and regular exercise, can help to build our resilience to environmental toxins.

An environmental toxin is defined as a substance or organism that can negatively affect human health. They can be introduced into the environment through human activities, like industry, manufacturing and agriculture or through natural events.

Chemical examples include pesticides and herbicides used in agriculture, plastics (in everything), PFAS coatings on cookware and furniture, and formaldehyde in beauty products. They are synthetic and have been associated with a myriad of health conditions, like certain types of cancer, disrupted hormones, neurological impairment, ADHD, depression, impaired immune system, and respiratory issues. There are only a few examples provided here, but there are numerous others. These substances do not contribute to our well-being and can be harmful.

Instead of living in fear, we can take action to manage the presence of harmful chemicals in our surroundings. Choosing safe cookware, opting for organic produce whenever possible (or at least following the Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen list), using safe beauty and home care products, and investing in a reliable water filter are just some ways to keep our environments, and our bodies, clean. What's more, you vote with your dollar and support businesses who are doing better for people and the planet when you opt for chemical-free food and products.

Naturally occurring toxins include heavy metals found in our soil, like arsenic, lead, and mercury. These substances can accumulate in food. For example, mercury can build up in fish and arsenic can be high in rice. (Look for brands who grow their rice in California, India or Pakistan, where arsenic levels are lower in the soil compared to rice grown in the southern U.S., like Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.) While heavy metals are naturally occurring and non-toxic in small amounts, industrial activities can increase their concentration and our exposure to them.

Turns out that the chemical released into the air during that chemical fire was primarily chlorine. We are waiting for more results to understand what other chemicals may have been present and what kind of harm they may do. They shared that there is no immediately life-threatening harm, but it's possible that we won't know the long term effect of this for years. And, even then, it would be difficult to link this incident to any illnesses or diseases folks experience. Oh, and, in case you're wondering, this was the third BioLab chemical explosion.

Enter plants ...

Phytonutrients to the rescue

Plant-based foods contain more than 100,000 different disease-preventing compounds called phytonutrients (also known as phytochemicals, “phyto” meaning “plant” and "chemicals" in this case means natural compounds that you WANT in your body since they offer protection).

Examples of phytochemicals include anthocyanins in blueberries and other purple or blue-hued foods, which help with cognition and memory. Lycopene, the red pigment in tomatoes, that has been shown to fight prostate cancer. Gingerol in ginger, which has gone head to head with pain killers. Betalains in beets that lead to increased blood flow to promote endurance training and lower blood pressure. And, that’s just the beginning!

Phytonutrients have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Many phytonutrients may help block the formation of new blood vessels that feed tumors while others seem to defend against toxic invaders. 

Speaking of toxic invaders, take dioxin as an example. Dioxins are persistent organic pollutants (not the good kind of organic), which means that they take a very long time to break down once they’re in the environment. They’ve been shown to cause cancer, disrupt hormones, and wreak havoc on the immune system. Chemicals, like dioxins, are often stored in fatty tissue. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that more than 90 percent of human exposure is through the intake of animal fats, mainly meat, dairy products, fish, and shellfish.  They’re also formed as a result of combustion like burning trash or forest fires.

One study found that phytonutrients in such plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, tea leaves and beans can block the effects of dioxins. Having phytonutrient levels in the bloodstream achieved by eating three apples a day or a tablespoon of red onion appears to cut dioxin toxicity in half. However, the effect of plants only lasts for a few hours. So, in order to maintain the protection you need to … drumroll please … eat plants daily! Also, since plants are naturally lower in fat compared to animal products they’re naturally lower in pollutants such as dioxins. 

How Plant-Based Foods Can Help Mitigate Exposure and Effects of Environmental Toxins

Plant-based foods high in phytonutrients help the body fight environmental toxins through several key physiological processes:

1. Antioxidant Activity: Phytonutrients like flavonoids, carotenoids, and polyphenols neutralize free radicals generated by environmental toxins like pollution, pesticides, and heavy metals. By scavenging these free radicals, they protect cells from oxidative damage, which can lead to issues, like impaired immune system and chronic diseases.

2. Detoxification Support: Phytonutrients in cruciferous veggies, like broccoli, kale, and cabbage, stimulate the body's detoxification enzymes in the liver. Phytonutrient compounds such as sulforaphane and indoles enhance the liver's ability to process and eliminate harmful chemicals, reducing the buildup of toxins in the body.

3. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Environmental toxins often trigger inflammation. Phytochemicals like curcumin (from turmeric) and quercetin (found in onions and apples) have strong anti-inflammatory properties, helping to dampen the inflammatory response and prevent tissue damage.

4. Chelation of Heavy Metals: Some phytonutrients can bind to heavy metals, such as lead or mercury, preventing their absorption or promoting their excretion. For instance, garlic contains sulfur compounds that help detoxify heavy metals.

5. Regulation of Gene Expression: Certain phytonutrients can influence gene expression related to detoxification and immune response. For example, resveratrol (found in grapes and berries) activates pathways that enhance the body's ability to defend against toxins and repair cellular damage.

My Plant-Powered Detox Meal Plan

Now, I don't know if there's any research showing that plant-based foods can detox the body from chlorine inhalation, but, knowing the powerful healing effects of plants, it's possible!

This strategy could apply to various situations, whether exposed to Covid-19 or environmental toxins, plant-based foods help your immune system take defense, scavenging invaders before they have time to attack.

To get the detoxification benefit from plant-based foods, simply add some plants to your plate! Enjoy berries after a meat-based dinner (or enjoy an entirely plant-based dinner to get the full benefits of plants!). Add red onions to avocado toast. Snack on an apple and almond butter. Make a nutrient-dense smoothie with kale, pineapple, banana, walnuts, and hemp seeds (don't forget the plant-based milk!). There are countless ways to enjoy plant-based foods. To give you an idea, here is how I optimized my nutrient intake on plants yesterday:

Breakfast

• Matcha tea with soy milk, turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon

• Green juice with kale, celery, ginger, and lemon

• Large handful of blackberries

• Avocado toast on sourdough bread with sliced radish, onions, shaved ginger, hemp seeds, watercress, cilantro and sprouts

Snack

• One orange

Lunch

• Large bowl of chickpea soup with power greens, garlic, onions, and peppers

Dinner

• Soba noodle ramen with garlic, onion, bok choy, mushrooms, and tofu

Evening snack

• Cocojune yogurt with blueberries, almonds and walnuts

I also had about 2 ounces of dark chocolate throughout the day, plenty of water, one cup green tea and one cup of elderberry tea.

Eat More Whole Plant-Based Foods

By incorporating a diverse range of plant-based foods that are abundant in phytonutrients, you can enhance the body's innate detoxification mechanisms, which aid in counteracting the detrimental impacts of environmental toxins. The intention of this article wasn't to alarm you, but rather to inform you about strategies to bolster your immune system, cognitive function, and general well-being amidst the increasing presence of chemicals in our environment. Consider purchasing a reliable water filtration system, air purification system, opt for organic products whenever feasible, reduce plastic usage to a minimum, and opt for plant-based foods daily!