Posted on 11/05/2025 8:30:18 PM PST by ConservativeMind
Certain medicines can cause the environmental toxin PFAS to be eliminated from the body faster, according to a study. The findings highlight one more medicine as effective, but whether it brings health benefits is still unclear.
The study is based on controlled studies carried out in Ronneby in Blekinge, where drinking water from a municipal water treatment plant previously contained very high levels of the environmental toxin PFAS.
The discovery was made in 2013, and the contamination was found to have originated from aqueous film-forming foam that had been used for decades during fire drills at the Air Force Wing F17 in Ronneby. The contaminated water was immediately replaced by clean water from another water treatment plant in the municipality.
A previous survey has shown that many residents had highly elevated levels of PFAS in their blood. It can take many years for PFAS to be eliminated from the body.
The study involved 10 subjects, aged 25 to 47, who were tested with different medicines to lower the levels of PFAS in their bodies. Participants were their own control subjects by taking a medication for a 12-week period, and were without medication for the same length of time.
The PFAS substances studied were more rapidly eliminated from the body by two of the medicines: the cholesterol-lowering drug cholestyramine, which confirms the findings of a Danish study last year; and the related medicine colesevelam, where the effect on elimination has not previously been demonstrated.
"During the 12 weeks without medication, the level of the studied PFAS substances fell by a few percent, whereas the period with medication gave reductions of at most 40% for one of the PFAS substances," says Axel Andersson, researcher at Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, and leader of the study.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
It appears colesevelam is the better drug from a side effect and efficacy view.
I thought it said PEAS… was trying to figure out why it’s an issue. LOL!!
Hahaha, me as well. Time for bed I think.
This Swedish study showed that cholestyramine and colesevelam, both bile acid sequestrants, reduced serum PFAS (especially PFOS) by about 40% in 12 weeks by blocking enterohepatic recirculation and trapping PFAS in the gut for fecal excretion.
How it works: Cholestyramine and colesevelam are cationic resins that bind negatively charged bile acids in the small intestine. PFAS (like PFOS, PFHxS, and PFOA) are anionic and amphiphilic, similar to bile acids. So these resins trap PFAS in the gut, preventing their reabsorption via the enterohepatic cycle — forcing them out in feces.
Natural alternatives: No natural substance has yet been shown in human trials to lower PFAS like cholestyramine or colesevelam, but some may act through comparable bile-binding or adsorption mechanisms. Chlorella is the strongest natural analog, having shown limited human PFAS-binding benefit when used with cholestyramine. Soluble fibers like psyllium or oat beta-glucans, which can bind bile acids and might modestly enhance PFAS fecal elimination. Unproven but interesting are activated charcoal and clays, which could adsorb PFAS, but they lack targeted human data.
Caveats: Natural agents would likely have weaker effects than cholestyramine/colesevelam. Long-term use of bile-binders can reduce fat-soluble vitamin absorption (A, D, E, K) and interfere with drug uptake.
Need more chemicals to remove some chemicals, so a few people can make money along the way.
Hhmmm...I take colesevelam for an off label purpose...mycotoxins...
PFAS is good. You need less embalming fluid when the time comes. Like internal Saran Wrap.
Overview of PFAS in Water
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” are synthetic compounds used in various products like waterproof clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foams. They are persistent in the environment and can contaminate water sources.
Sources of PFAS Contamination
PFAS can enter water supplies through:
Industrial Discharges: Wastewater from manufacturing facilities.
Landfills: Leachate from landfills containing PFAS products.
Firefighting Foam: Runoff from training sites or incidents where PFAS-containing foams were used.
Health Risks Associated with PFAS
Exposure to PFAS in drinking water has been linked to several health issues, including:
Increased cholesterol levels
Liver damage
Thyroid disease
High blood pressure during pregnancy
Developmental issues in infants
Certain cancers
Detection and Regulation
Recent data indicates that PFAS contamination is widespread. In the U.S., over 172 million people are served by water systems with detectable PFAS levels. Regulatory bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have begun to establish limits for PFAS in drinking water, with new standards requiring monitoring and treatment by 2027.
Treatment Options for PFAS Removal
To reduce PFAS levels in drinking water, several treatment technologies can be employed:
Treatment Method Description
Activated Carbon Filtration. Removes PFAS by adsorption onto carbon media.
Reverse Osmosis Uses a membrane to filter out PFAS from water.
Ion Exchange. Exchanges PFAS ions with less harmful ions.
These methods can be installed at the point of use, such as kitchen faucets, or at the point of entry to homes.
For those concerned about PFAS in their water, testing and treatment options are available through local health departments or water authorities.
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