Chapters authored
Food and Water Security as Determinants of the Mitigation of Health Risks Due to Exposure to Arsenic in Water
Exposure to arsenic is a global public health problem, and the effects on health are several from cancer to metabolic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. The metabolism and excretion depends on having a good nutritional status and the latter of an adequate diet. It is known that the consumption of certain trace elements and nutrients intervene in the metabolism, in the excretion and in the protection of the adverse effects that the metalloid has on the organism. The amount of proteins consumed, the type of amino acids such as cysteine, methionine; vitamins such as C, thiamin, vitamin B12, folic acid, minerals such as calcium and other nutrients such as fiber have been studied and associated with a lower concentration of As in blood and urine, as well as minor dermatological lesions as well as other organs and systems. A study by Monroy-Torres et al. (2018, in press), in adolescents exposed to As in water, found greater excretion of As with a 4-week vitamin supplementation, increasing iron levels, after the intervention. Reason for which this chapter, shows a review of the main evidence of health impact indicators that can lead to mitigate the effects of exposure to As across to promote food security, access to cleaner drinking water and good nutrition.
Part of the book: Arsenic
Role of the Microbiome as the First Metal Detoxification Mechanism
Exposure to environmental toxins in water, soil and air are increasing with health effects, mainly in older ages and physiological states (childhood and pregnancy). The role of the microbiota has been widely studied with effects on the maintenance of health but this is only possible with a diet that promotes it. The traditional Mexican diet is rich in fiber, which has prebiotic effects and has found a higher excretion of arsenic and fluoride in adolescents who maintained a diet high in fiber derived from traditional foods. After several descriptive studies in the state of Guanajuato, since 2004, first with arsenic in drinking water in population of several communities, in 2015, it is achieved through an intervention study with a supplementation of several vitamins and minerals in population adolescent, a greater urinary arsenic and fluoride excretion, as well as a greater consumption of traditional foods such as beans, bananas, orange and quelites. Food is key to maintain a function of the microbiota, so its review and study should be encouraged.
Part of the book: Prebiotics and Probiotics
Meaning and Health Impact of Food: Historical and Ecological Analysis
Currently the world is facing a viral contingency that has exposed the vulnerability in which the human being is in the face of the alarming statistics of obesity at all ages, increasing the numbers of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer mainly. But not only health has suffered a deterioration worldwide but also the environment with impacts on the availability and quality of water, air pollution and soil deterioration. In México, the food culture has undergone changes derived from greater accessibility to industrialized foods, less physical activity, stress, replacement of consumption and the use of local foods. Currently in Mexico actions are being implemented to rescue agroecology, gastronomy, and food culture. Therefore, this chapter will have the purpose of integrating a historical, ecological and health impacts analysis with what food means and its source or origin for people.
Part of the book: Natural History and Ecology of Mexico and Central America