Are Phosphates Toxic to Health?

It’s a hot topic right now and one that concerns us in our quest to detox the body from toxins.

Love a bit of wild swimming?

Taking to the water for an invigorating dip has never been more popular especially in Wales where we live. Lots of lovely cool rivers and lakes abound in this luscious, green countryside of ours. This is especially true of mid and west Wales. However, it seems all might be not quite right in the environment of these ‘life-giving’ wonders of nature…

It seems logical that if we subscribe to the perceived health benefits of wild water swimming then we should keep an eye on any particular associated health issues also…it just makes sense!!

Coincidentally an online newspaper article caught me eye…

To paraphrase….’Land planning applications on hold due to concerning levels of phosphates in the local rivers in Ceredigion’ and this extended into Carmarthenshire.

Research led me down a rabbit hole which I won’t go into here. If you want to know more about this then this article mentions the relevance in the UK and in Special Areas of Conservation (SAC’s) but this might apply equally to areas that are not tested so diligently…

What is Phosphate & What are its benefits?

Phosphate is the chemical form of the mineral Phosphorus. It can be both organic and inorganic. We obtain phosphates from our food which is an organic source like dairy, meat, fish, eggs, nuts, vegetables, legumes and grains. No need to limit intake of these as they are incompletely absorbed. Added phosphates are an inorganic source like food additives. These are effectively absorbed and can wreak havoc on those with kidney issues.

Organic phosphates are essential for health and are essential for the production of energy, muscle and nerve function, and bone growth and for the process of forming the building blocks of DNA/RNA. They support healthy bones and teeth.

Phosphate is needed to help balance and use other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, iodine, magnesium, and zinc.

It’s important to note that only a fraction of Phosphates can be utilised by the body. Therefore, the external, environmental impacts of Phosphates raise the levels beyond what can be used and have negative effects on health.

How are Phosphates Damaging to Health?

When excess phosphates enter the water system and rivers it can have damaging affects on the eco system due to uncontrolled growth of algae; this damages aquatic and wildlife and produces toxins potentially harmful to health.

Combined with excess nitrates from fertilisers and as previously mentioned, found in tap water, this can be extremely damaging to coastal eco systems and ultimately our health with articles showing links to certain cancers although it’s acknowledged more studies are needed.

According to The Kidney Foundation extra phosphate causes body changes in those that are vulnerable, it pulls calcium out of bones and weakens them. High levels of phosphorus and calcium can also lead to unsafe calcium deposits in blood vessels, eyes, lungs and the heart. Gradually this may lead to increased risk of heart attack, stroke or death. Diabetics are also susceptible to high phosphate levels.

Are All Phosphates Toxic to Health?

Interesting to note that natural phosphates in foods pose no particular detriment to health but phosphates added to processed foods are noted to contribute to health issues.

How do Phosphates Affect our Rivers/Lakes and Coastline?

Practices such as new building developments, leakage from tap water supplies, sewerage, industrialisation run-off and use of fertilisers mean phosphates can get into rivers and increase levels thereby posing adverse risk to aquatic, bird, animal and human health. Phosphate deposits may also contain heavy metals which are also hazardous to health.

Also, what astonished me is that according to The British Geological Survey - “Phosphorus is naturally present in most waters. It is also added to 95 per cent of UK drinking waters in order to reduce the amount of lead that can dissolve into our water”.

To Sum-Up

Organic phosphates are essential for health and are essential for the production of energy, muscle and nerve function, and bone growth and for the process of forming the building blocks of DNA/RNA. They support healthy bones and teeth.

Phosphorus is needed to help balance and use other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, iodine, magnesium, and zinc.

However, adverse levels can impact health in diabetics and people with kidney disease. It is noted also that raised blood levels have been found in healthy individuals who consume high levels of food with additives. See this article.

Signs and Symptoms of Increased Phosphate in the Body

• Joint and bone pain
• Muscle weakness and cramps
• Itching and rash
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and weakness
• Difficulty breathing

Paying attention to phosphates and how we can reduce the impact on personal health seems a no-brainer to me. Diet is so important and detox can aid with this. Touchstone Essentials Natural Zeolite in the form of Pure Body Extra spray, assists removal of heavy metals like Aluminium, Lead, Mercury, Cadmium and Arsenic and also Pesticides and Herbicides. Studies are ongoing as to the benefits of using Zeolite to remove Phosphates from water and sewage with promising results.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7085026/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925857418300855

A water filter may be a good idea until studies can prove with conviction that there is no certifiable link to associated health issues from nitrates and phosphates.