Why We Need to Talk About Toxins
At Eat Drink Live Well, we believe that health isn’t just about what you eat or how much you exercise—it’s about the whole picture. And part of that picture includes the world we live in. The truth is, toxins are everywhere, and while our bodies are brilliant at dealing with them, modern life has made the load heavier than ever before.
We often hear from clients who feel like their bodies are overwhelmed—reacting to more foods, experiencing unexplained fatigue, or struggling with brain fog. For many, toxins are a missing piece of the puzzle, keeping them stuck in a cycle of inflammation and symptoms that just won’t shift. For others, reducing exposure is simply a smart way to support long-term health. Either way, understanding where toxins come from and how to support your body in dealing with them can be a game-changer.
When the Body Gets Stuck in Survival Mode
Your body is constantly working to keep you safe. When it detects a threat—whether from toxins, infections, or stress—it shifts into a protective state. This is great in the short term, but when these exposures are ongoing, the body can struggle to move out of this survival mode, leading to issues like chronic inflammation, hormone imbalances, histamine intolerance, mast cell activation and immune dysfunction.
We see this all the time – people doing “all the right things” but still not feeling better. Often, hidden toxins are keeping their systems in overdrive. That’s why in our clinic we focus on gentle, practical ways to help the body shift back into healing mode – without overwhelming it. Trying to detox too quickly, or without ensuring that all elimination pathways are open, can actually make things worse. The body needs to be in the right state to process and remove toxins safely, and that’s where a tailored, step-by-step approach really matters.
Toxins Are Everywhere—But We Can Take Control
It can feel overwhelming to think about, but toxins really are all around us—in our food, water, personal care products, and even our homes. But here’s the good news: small changes add up. Understanding the biggest sources of exposure means you can focus on the swaps that will have the most impact.
1. Everyday Chemical Exposures
- Pesticides & Herbicides – Found in non-organic foods, these disrupt hormones and affect brain health.
- Heavy Metals (Lead, Mercury, Arsenic, Aluminum) – Accumulate in bones, the brain, and organs, impacting metabolism and thyroid function.
- Mould & Mycotoxins – If you’ve ever lived in a home with damp issues, had a water leak, or noticed musty smells, mould could be a hidden problem. It thrives in bathrooms, basements, and poorly ventilated spaces, and exposure can lead to symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and inflammation.
- Plastics & Microplastics – From food packaging to clothing, they can disrupt our hormones and metabolism
- PFAS (‘Forever Chemicals’) – Found in non-stick cookware, cosmetics, and waterproof fabrics, they can build up in the body and disrupt immune function.
2. Pathogens & Hidden Infections
Viruses, bacteria, and parasites can stress the immune system, keeping the body in a constant state of toxic overload.
3. Emotional & Psychological Toxins
We often underestimate just how much our thoughts, emotions, and daily stressors impact our health. The way we think, the pressures we carry, and even past trauma can act as a type of ‘toxin’—keeping our bodies in a constant state of stress. This ongoing burden can interfere with our ability to detox efficiently, disrupt hormone balance, and contribute to inflammation.
When we are constantly in fight-or-flight mode, our detox pathways don’t work as well, making it harder for the body to remove physical toxins. It’s why prioritising mental well-being, relaxation, and mindful practices can be just as important as eating well or avoiding environmental exposures. Taking time for deep breathing, time in nature, and finding moments of joy each day can help break this cycle and support the body’s natural healing processes.
Supporting Your Body’s Natural Detox Pathways
Instead of worrying about every possible toxin, we focus on the simple ways to support the body in what it already does best – eliminating what it doesn’t need. Some toxins are best processed through the liver, while others leave the body via the gut, kidneys, or even sweat. The most effective approach depends on the type of exposure and which detox pathways may need extra support. That’s why detox isn’t one-size-fits-all.
A few key ways we support detox in our own lives:
- Sweating it out – Saunas, exercise, and even Epsom salt baths help eliminate toxins like heavy metals and plastics.
- Looking after the gut – A healthy gut means better elimination. We love fiber, probiotics, and the occasional use of natural binders.
- Liver support – Cruciferous veggies, herbal teas, and plenty of water help keep this key organ working well.
For some, deeper support is needed – especially if genetic factors affect detox pathways. That’s why we often recommend personalised testing to see which toxins might be building up and how best to support their elimination.
Let’s Make It Simple
You don’t have to do everything at once. Even small changes – swapping out plastics, choosing organic for certain foods, or filtering your water – can have a big impact over time. And if you’re feeling stuck, we’re here to help.
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References
- Air Pollution and Health Effects: Exposure to air pollutants has been linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and increased mortality rates. (Frontiers in Public Health)
- Heavy Metals and Neurotoxicity: Chronic exposure to heavy metals like lead and mercury can impair central nervous system functions and increase cancer risk. (PMC)
- Efficacy of Detox Diets: While detox diets are popular, there’s limited clinical evidence supporting their effectiveness. Some studies suggest certain foods may aid detoxification, but more research is needed. (PubMed)
- Gut Health and Toxin Defense: The gut plays a crucial role in defending against toxins. A healthy gut barrier prevents harmful substances from entering the bloodstream, reducing systemic inflammation. (Medical News Today)
- PFAS (‘Forever Chemicals’): Exposure to PFAS is associated with reproductive issues, developmental delays, certain cancers, and immune system impairments. (EPA)
- Microplastics: Studies indicate that antioxidants in fruits and flowers may counteract reproductive toxicity caused by microplastics. (The Guardian)
Metabolic Detoxification Programs: Guided programs have been studied for their effects on liver detoxification, though more research is needed to confirm their efficacy. (PMC)