So You Think Your Breast Implants are Making You Sick
Around the world, over 35 million women have breast implants, and as that number increases, so does the number of reported chronic health problems linked to them. While the exact number of women affected by breast implant illness (BII) remains unknown due to a lack of large-scale studies, the medical community is increasingly recognizing it as a potential cause of health issues or at least a topic requiring further investigation. BII symptoms are complex and lead to other conditions, making it difficult to define and grasp.
In this post, we’ll do just that…
What is breast implant illness?
What are the symptoms of breast implant illness?
Why doesn’t everyone with implants present with the same symptoms?
Why are breast implants dangerous?
Breast Implant Illness
Breast implant illness (BII) is a collection of symptoms that some women experience after receiving breast implants. While the timeline of BII symptoms and the symptoms themselves are different for each individual, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests breast implants trigger the immune system and inflammation.
Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness
Healing Breast Implant Illness by Nicole is a Facebook Group of nearly 200,000 women who are on their breast implant illness healing journey. The group provides a hub of information and resources that has helped empower thousands of women to reclaim their health. The main symptoms reported by women in this group reflect those below:
fatigue
trouble focusing
headaches
muscle and joint aches
hair loss
frequent infections
swollen lymph nodes
skin rashes
irritable bowel syndrome
thyroid or adrenal problems
symptoms linked to autoimmune disorders
Because the body’s systems are so intricately connected, the inflammation caused by implants can cascade into other systems. Symptoms can be widespread and appear as chemical toxicity, immune system dysfunction, autoimmune issues, neurological problems, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic disruptions.
Why doesn’t everyone with implants present with the same symptoms?
Well there are a number of contributing factors that make each case unique:
Genetics may play a role.
MTHFR, or methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, is an enzyme critical for methylation processes, which are involved in numerous bodily functions, especially detoxification. Mutations in this gene affect 40% of the population, predisposing them to a number of serious health issues. For those with breast implants, this mutation is particularly problematic, as it impairs detoxification and the toxins leaching the implants are not flushed from the body. According to a number of evidence-based studies, “a high prevalence of MTHFR gene polymorphisms is frequently detected in patients with autoimmune disease, suggesting a novel genetic association with autoimmune disorders.”
HLA or human leukocyte antigen genes might be linked to a heightened immune response and earlier symptoms after implantation.
Regardless of genetics, anyone’s body will naturally react to implants as foreign objects. In some, this can trigger an immune response, potentially leading to immune dysfunction and even autoimmune issues. The perpetual inflammation and immune response that implants trigger can overwhelm and weaken the immune system overtime and lead to greater susceptibility to infections.
Dangers of Breast Implants
But aren’t implants safe? Why would they trigger immune responses and inflammation?
While your plastic surgeon might have sold you on the safety of implants, they likely glossed over a discussion of what’s really in your implants. Breast implant illness can affect anyone with any type of implant — saline or silicone.
Silicone may sound sterile and safe but if you take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll find countless heavy metals. See more on breast implant ingredients.
Heavy metals…
interfere with our body's absorption, metabolic processes, and use of essential minerals. By mimicking essential minerals and binding to receptors, heavy metals displace the important minerals and prevent them from carrying out their normal, hugely important functions.
build up in vital organs like the brain, bones, liver, kidneys, and heart. This buildup can disrupt the normal functioning of these organs and lead to various health problems.
are endocrine disruptors, meaning they cause hormonal imbalances. When hormonal imbalances arise, this creates a cascade of health issues that even transcend physical health and impact mental and emotional wellbeing.
If heavy metals aren’t worrisome enough, implants can harbor bacteria or other organisms if they are faulty or rupture, leading to infections and adding to the toxic load the body is already struggling to manage.
Moreover, chronic inflammation takes a toll on gut health. Since 70% of the immune system is in the gut, poor gut health, increased permeability of the gut mucosal barrier, and conditions such as “leaky gut,” weaken the immune system and contribute to inflammation throughout the body. A healthy gut means a strong immune system. When these vital systems are compromised, serious illnesses arises and the symptoms cascade across bodily systems.
If you or someone you know is experiencing breast implant illness and seeking guidance, please reach out to our team of skilled practitioners at Wholistic Renewal, some of whom have faced BII. Schedule a discovery call and we’ll deep dive into your symptoms and health history to design a protocol suited to you and your healing journey.
Fed up with unanswered questions about your health?
At Wholistic Renewal, we dig deep to uncover the root causes of your concerns. Our programs combine comprehensive functional lab testing with personalized protocols and dedicated support from a nutritional practitioner. Through one-on-one guidance and education, you can finally find the answers you've been searching for and renew your health.
*The information provided above is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical or health-related questions or concerns you may have. Reliance on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk.
