Toxins: The Hidden Threat Derailing Your Health
Toxins: The Hidden Threat Derailing Your Health
We’re living in an age of chemical overload. From the air we breathe to the products we use, toxins are everywhere—and they’re taking a serious toll on our health. For many people, these exposures build up silently, triggering chronic symptoms like fatigue, hormone imbalances, and inflammation. And for some, like those suffering from breast implant illness (BII), the body’s toxic burden can become overwhelming..
Our Bodies & Toxic Burden
Before the Industrial Revolution, humans were mostly exposed to natural compounds. But as factories emerged in the mid-1800s, synthetic chemicals—from solvents to plastics to pesticides—entered our air, food, and water at a staggering rate [1].
Our bodies aren’t equipped to metabolize these modern chemicals. Unlike natural byproducts that our detox systems are built to handle, these synthetic toxins clog up our liver and lymphatic systems, using the same detox pathways—and overloading them in the process.
When those systems get backed up, toxins accumulate—a phenomenon known as your “toxic load” or “toxic burden.” If you already have stressors like implants, mold exposure, or poor detox genetics, this burden can push your body into a constant state of inflammation and dysfunction.
That’s exactly what Dr. Betty Murray, a leading functional medicine practitioner, and I discussed in a recent podcast episode. We covered how toxins disrupt health, how to test for your toxic burden, and why detox pathways matter.
Tune into our full conversation here:
Where Do Toxins Lurk?
These days, we are continually exposed to a wide array of toxins from virtually every corner. Some of the most common offenders that can contribute to symptoms and breast implant illness include:
Phthalates – Found in plastics, fragrances, and personal care products. They interfere with hormone signaling and have been linked to reproductive issues and thyroid disruption [2].
Glyphosate – A pervasive herbicide used in agriculture. Linked to oxidative stress and gut dysbiosis, it’s been detected in urine samples from people across the globe [3].
Bisphenol A (BPA) – Present in can linings and plastic containers. This endocrine disruptor mimics estrogen, contributing to hormonal imbalance [4].
Parabens – Preservatives in cosmetics and lotions. These chemicals can also mimic estrogen and have been detected in breast tissue [4].
Mycotoxins – Toxins produced by mold, often found in water-damaged buildings or foods like grains, coffee, and nuts. They can cause neurological symptoms and immune suppression [5].
When your body is already under pressure—like in cases of breast implant illness—these toxins can worsen inflammation, exacerbate immune dysregulation, and delay healing.
Everyday Sources of Toxins
You don’t have to work in a factory to face high exposure. Toxins are in the environments we live in—our homes, our diets, even our skincare routines.
Air – According to the WHO, air pollution contributes to 7 million premature deaths per year, largely due to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that inflames the lungs and circulatory system [6]. These pollutants include heavy metals, diesel exhaust, and VOCs from household products.
Water – In a 2019 global review, researchers found that wastewater runoff, microplastics, and pesticide residues are common in drinking water sources—even after treatment [7].
Indoor Environments – Shockingly, indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, due to off-gassing furniture, mold, flame retardants, and dust that accumulates chemical particles we track in on our shoes, skin, and clothes [8].
Household Products – Studies have found hormone-disrupting chemicals like BPA, parabens, and phthalates in 99% of sampled personal care products [4]. These can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled.
Food – Residues of glyphosate and other pesticides are commonly found on produce and grains. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reports that soil pollution—including pesticide buildup—is a hidden but growing threat to our food supply [9].
The Mold You Can’t See (But Should Worry About)
Mold is one of the most insidious environmental toxins because it’s often invisible—and it’s everywhere. It can live behind drywall, in your HVAC system, or in seemingly harmless foods like nuts and coffee. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there.
If you find mold on a slice of bread, don’t just tear off the edge—throw out the whole loaf. Mold spores penetrate deeper than the eye can see.
Top sources of mold exposure include:
Water-damaged buildings
Bathrooms or kitchens with poor ventilation
AC units and HVAC systems
Crawl spaces or basements
Mold-prone foods (coffee, nuts, grains, dried fruits)
Cleaning visible mold without protection (e.g., scrubbing shower tiles without a mask)
Mold-related mycotoxins can inflame the brain, disrupt hormones, and create long-term illness. They’re small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier, and once they settle in tissues, they’re notoriously hard to eliminate.
I once had a patient who kept coming back with the same complaints week after week, and her husband couldn't understand why. It turned out she had a severe mold exposure that was causing neuroinflammation and cognitive issues. Once we addressed the mold, her symptoms improved dramatically.
Understanding Detox Pathways (& Why Genetics Matter)
Some people are genetically better at detoxing than others.
They can clear toxins quickly and efficiently, while others struggle, leading to symptoms that build up over time.
In my practice, I look at around 250 SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) to understand how well someone’s body processes and eliminates toxins. These genetic markers help us assess the efficiency of key detoxification pathways. We also measure a patient’s actual toxic burden—looking at levels of phthalates, glyphosate, BPA, parabens, heavy metals, and more.
But here's the catch: you can’t always see the full picture unless your detox pathways are open. Many toxins—especially pesticides and heavy metals—get stored deep in tissues. If your liver, lymph, and gut aren’t actively mobilizing them, they won’t show up in lab tests.
Think of it like a pond. If the water’s still, you might not see what’s sunk to the bottom—but that doesn’t mean it’s not there.
How to Open Detox Pathways Before Testing
We can gauge your toxic load via specialized testing. To get accurate results—and to feel better—you need to prime your body to eliminate. Otherwise, you're testing a stagnant system.
Here’s how we help patients get their detox pathways moving:
Hydration – Drink plenty of filtered water to help flush toxins through the kidneys and lymph.
Liver support – Use supplements like milk thistle, glutathione, or dandelion root to support phase 1 and 2 liver detox.
Gut optimization – Fiber and probiotics ensure toxins actually exit the body—rather than recirculate.
Sweating – Regular exercise and infrared saunas help push toxins out through the skin.
Methylation support – For those with genetic SNPs in this pathway, methylated B vitamins (especially B6, B12, and folate) can enhance detox efficiency.
Cruciferous vegetables – Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and arugula contain compounds that activate detox enzymes.
Binders – In some cases, we use binders to trap toxins in the gut for elimination.
Bottom line is, if you go straight to testing without opening your pathways, you may miss the full scope of what’s inside your body.
Reducing Your Toxic Load
While it's nearly impossible to avoid toxins altogether in today’s world, there’s still a lot you can do to reduce how much you take in—and how well your body eliminates them.
Here are the steps I walk my patients through to minimize daily exposures and support long-term detoxification:
Choose organic produce as often as possible – especially items from the Environmental Working Group’s "Dirty Dozen,” which tend to carry the highest pesticide residues.
If you eat meat, opt for grass-fed, pasture-raised animal proteins to avoid added hormones, antibiotics, and inflammatory fats.
Avoid storing or reheating food in plastic – heat increases the leaching of BPA and phthalates into your food.
Filter your water using a high-quality carbon or reverse osmosis system – municipal water can contain trace amounts of pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals [10].
Purify your indoor air – using a HEPA filter or air purifier like Jaspr (use code DRROB for 10% off) can make a significant difference in the number and severity of airborne pollutants.
Clean up your personal care and cleaning products – look for paraben-free, fragrance-free, and phthalate-free labels. If it touches your skin or you breathe it in, it matters.
Support detox through strategic supplements. I often recommend N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) to support glutathione production, as well as our liposomal Inflammation Support Bundle, which contains glutathione, magnesium, and anti-inflammatory nutrients like Vitamin D, Vitamin C, B-Complex Vitamins, and Acetyl L-Carnitine.
Remember: You don’t have to do it all at once. Even small upgrades—like switching to glass containers or installing a shower filter—can reduce the total load your body has to manage.
Breaking Free from Toxic Overload
Toxins are everywhere—quietly building up in our systems, interfering with hormones, immune function, and recovery. For those dealing with breast implant illness, that burden can be even heavier. Implants may be just one piece of the puzzle, but when combined with other exposures, they can tip the scales and intensify symptoms.
The good news? You’re not stuck with it. By identifying hidden exposures, supporting your body’s natural detox systems, and making strategic shifts, healing is possible.
Not sure where to start? Take the BII symptom assessment to get clarity on your next steps.
To your health,
Dr. Rob Whitfield
References
[1] Kiger, P. J. (2025, February 20). 7 Negative effects of the Industrial Revolution | HISTORY. HISTORY. https://www.history.com/articles/industrial-revolution-negative-effects
[2] Wang, Yufei, and Haifeng Qian. “Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health.” Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 9,5 603. 18 May. 2021, doi:10.3390/healthcare9050603
[3] Chang, V. C., Andreotti, G., Ospina, M., Parks, C. G., Liu, D., Shearer, J. J., Rothman, N., Silverman, D. T., Sandler, D. P., Calafat, A. M., Freeman, L. E. B., & Hofmann, J. N. (2023). Glyphosate exposure and urinary oxidative stress biomarkers in the Agricultural Health Study. JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 115(4), 394–404. https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djac242
[4] Kabir, E. R., Rahman, M. S., & Rahman, I. (2015). A review on endocrine disruptors and their possible impacts on human health. Environmental toxicology and pharmacology, 40(1), 241–258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.etap.2015.06.009
[5] World Health Organization: WHO. (2023, October 2). Mycotoxins. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mycotoxins
[6] World Health Organization: WHO. (2018, May 2). 9 out of 10 people worldwide breathe polluted air, but more countries are taking action. World Health Organization (WHO). https://www.who.int/news/item/02-05-2018-9-out-of-10-people-worldwide-breathe-polluted-air-but-more-countries-are-taking-action
[7] Cao, N., Vo, D. T., Pham, M., Nguyen, V., Nguyen, T., Le, L., Mukhtar, H., Nguyen, H., Visvanathan, C., & Bui, X. (2024). Microplastics contamination in water supply system and treatment processes. The Science of the Total Environment, 926, 171793. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171793
[8] American Lung Association. (n.d.). Clean air indoors. https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air
[9] Rodríguez-Eugenio, N., McLaughlin, M. and Pennock, D. (2018). Soil Pollution: a hidden reality. FAO, Rome, Italy. https://www.fao.org/3/I9183EN/i9183en.pdf
[10] Syafrudin, M., Kristanti, R. A., Yuniarto, A., Hadibarata, T., Rhee, J., Al-Onazi, W. A., Algarni, T. S., Almarri, A. H., & Al-Mohaimeed, A. M. (2021). Pesticides in Drinking Water—A review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(2), 468. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020468
