People Are Getting More Stupid

Research published in 2018 showed that average IQs appeared to be falling - 730,000 IQ test results from Norwegian men, aged 18–19, were analysed by researchers from the Ragnar Frisch Centre for Economic Research. They concluded that the ‘Flynn effect’ (growing intelligence throughout the 20th century) peaked among those born in the mid-1970s, and has been in significant decline ever since.

Was this effect caused by poor IQ test design, lifestyle changes, education, or modern parenting styles? The predominant view was that it was because of lifestyle factors: “Our results remain consistent with a number of proposed hypotheses of IQ decline: changes in educational exposure or quality, changing media exposure, worsening nutrition or health, and social spillovers from increased immigration.” In an accompanying table, they added a genetic effect: “The low intelligent have more children.”

A controversial theory

There is another theory in the mix, and this one’s controversial. According to Sherry Rogers MD, everyday chemicals in our environment are poisoning us and making people stupid. In her book ‘Detoxify or Die’ she asks “Are we to have a nation of low intellect, zombie-like people with no motivation?”

Quoting reports and statistics from the World Health Organisation and the US Environmental Protection Agency, she argues everyone carries toxic chemicals that our bodies cannot detoxify naturally and adds that disease is a symptom of toxicity.

A passage from her book reads: “EPA studies show 100% of human fat biopsies contain styrene residues (plastic wrap), dioxins (from food herbicides), xylene (paints and glues), 1,4-dichlorobenzene (deodorizers and textiles).” She later adds: “100% of humans harbour PCBs, one of the most potent causes of cancer known to man.”

Linking brain fog, cognitive decline and brain damage to chemical toxicity, she argues that never has humankind been exposed to an accumulation of so many chemicals.

Simple ways to reduce your toxic burden

The bottom line is that there has been a reduction in IQ scores over the past 50 years, and it’s hard to pin down why, but if you think Sherry Rogers might be onto something, there are things you can do to reduce your toxic load.

1. Follow a clean whole-food diet, organic where possible, and avoid processed foods. Take a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, as deficiencies can thwart the success of any attempt to detoxify.

2. Filter your drinking water. Carbon filters or reverse osmosis work well.

3. Avoid unnecessary chemicals in your home and at work, such as air fresheners and sprays.

4. Instead of chemical cleaners, use natural cleaners, like white vinegar and lemon juice.

5. Use soap nuts or eco laundry liquids to reduce the nasty chemical content of your wash.

6. If you are healthy, use a sauna from time to time, to sweat out the toxins, but replace the minerals lost through sweat, with a good supplement. Saunas can exacerbate some conditions so are not suitable for everyone. Check with your medical practitioner.

7. Take care of your body’s detoxification organs by including plenty of fresh produce in your diet. Artichokes, lemon juice, garlic, beetroot and radish are all good foods to support your liver and kidneys.

8. Get plenty of exercise, because this helps move toxins out of your body, through your sweat, bladder and bowel.

Other ways to increase your intelligence is to flex the muscles of your mind, by learning new things, so you have a greater understanding of the world in which we live. And a greater appreciation of what makes the world go round. Some people believe that learning can increase intelligence, while others argue that learning just leads to greater knowledge.

(c) Susie Kearley 2023. All Rights Reserved.