How many times have you gotten mad at yourself for feeling “off”, unmotivated, having zero energy, feeling depressed or anxious for no reason, not wanting to be social, or not wanting to get outside or move your body? And then questioning why you feel any (or all) of these in the first place?
Well my friend, it’s not you, it’s your toxins.
It’s so easy to overlook the myriad of toxins that surround us. From the air we breathe, the food we eat, the environment we live in, and even the places that we visit, various harmful toxins can infiltrate our bodies, undermining our health and well-being.
These underlying toxins can cause systemic stress like overstimulating the nervous system (limbic loop) which can cause nervous system stress: fatigue, brain fog, attention issues, twitches, numbness, pain, difficulty sleeping, mood swings, weight gain, and communication issues with body system talking to one another- just to name a few.
Adopting a holistic perspective allows us to understand the interconnectedness of these toxins and their cumulative effects on our health. Some of the biggest heavy hitters that can have a negative effect on our body are infections, parasites, mold, bacteria, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals.
Let’s take a deeper dive into each of these.
As we all know, infections of any kind can significantly lower our immunity by disrupting the body’s intricate defense mechanisms. When a pathogen invades, the immune system is activated to combat the infection, which can deplete its resources and leave it temporarily weakened. The hypothalamus, a crucial part of the brain involved in regulating body temperature and immune responses, plays a pivotal role in this process. During an infection, the hypothalamus can trigger fever and other systemic responses aimed at eliminating the pathogen. However, these responses can also strain the body, diverting energy and resources from maintaining normal immune function.
Additionally, the nervous system, particularly the autonomic nervous system, modulates immune responses and inflammation. Stress and prolonged immune activation due to infections can dysregulate this system, further compromising immunity. An overactive nervous system creates adrenal stress, elevated cortisol, increased hunger hormone production and poor sleep, all of which lead to weight gain and feeling less like ourselves. They also cultivate an environment for further toxin imbalance, like candida or other fungal infections.
This interplay between the hypothalamus, nervous system, and immune responses illustrates how infections can lead to a temporary but significant decline in our body’s ability to defend against subsequent threats.
Parasites are becoming a very hot topic in the wellness industry, and for good reason. Parasites are organisms that live on or inside a host (we are those unlucky hosts), deriving their nutrients at the host’s expense. They can enter the body through various means such as contaminated food or water, insect bites, and direct contact with infected individuals or animals (like entering the bottom of our feet!). Once inside, parasites can wreak havoc on our overall health by damaging tissues, causing inflammation, and compromising the immune system. They can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including digestive issues, fatigue, weight loss, and even neurological problems. The stress on our liver gallbladder system can impact hormones, bile and digestive enzymes, and our detox abilities, all of which can manifest throughout the body and into the skin with rashes, hives, or eczema.
Research has shown that parasites steal the iron and b vitamins from our body which can also lead to anemia and even create dairy, gluten, or histamine intolerances. Detoxing these needs specialized attention and personalized treatment. When we kill them off, they can even release their own endotoxins like metals, chemicals, and more. A period of die off can then result in more symptoms while the body is purging the parasites and its contents from the body.
Mold, which is a type of fungus, thrives in damp and humid environments, making it a common but often overlooked threat to our health. Found in places like bathrooms, kitchens, basements, areas with water damage, or even from common starches like cereals and grains, mold reproduces through tiny spores that can easily become airborne. When inhaled, these spores can lead to a range of health issues, particularly for those with respiratory conditions or already weakened immune systems.
Common symptoms of mold exposure include persistent coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, throat irritation, skin rashes, severe fatigue, unexplained weight-gain, and watery eyes. More severe reactions can include asthma attacks, chronic sinus infections, and, in extreme cases, neurological problems and lung infections. The presence of mold not only compromises physical health but can also contribute to mental and emotional stress due to persistent illness and discomfort. Mold can also mimic gluten/wheat sensitivity and increase your craving for sweet foods.
While many bacteria are harmless or even beneficial, pathogenic bacteria can cause a range of infections. These harmful bacteria can often be found in contaminated food, water, and surfaces. These pathogenic bacteria can disrupt the delicate balance of our gut microbiome, leading to digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. By interfering with the production and activity of digestive enzymes, harmful bacteria can impede the breakdown of food, making it difficult for the body to absorb essential nutrients. This can result in nutrient deficiencies, which can weaken the immune system and impair overall health. Additionally, certain bacteria can produce toxins that damage the lining of the intestines, further hindering nutrient absorption and causing inflammation.
Heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic, pose significant hidden dangers to our overall health. These heavy metals can enter our bodies through contaminated water, food, and air, or through occupational exposure. Once inside, they can accumulate in our organs and tissues, leading to chronic health problems.
One of their most insidious effects is their ability to bind to the thyroid gland, leading to disruptions in thyroid function. This binding can interfere with the production and regulation of thyroid hormones, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy metabolism. As a result, exposure to heavy metals can lead to a lower metabolic rate, contributing to weight gain, fatigue, and a host of other metabolic disorders.
Furthermore, heavy metals have a profound impact on the digestive system. They can damage the gut lining, disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria, and impair nutrient absorption, leading to gastrointestinal issues such as leaky gut syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and chronic inflammation.
Additionally, heavy metals affect the neurological system by crossing the blood-brain barrier, where they can accumulate and cause neurotoxicity. This can result in cognitive impairments, mood disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Overall, the presence of heavy metals in the body poses a serious threat to multiple systems, underlining the importance of minimizing exposure and detoxifying the body from these harmful substances.
Toxic chemicals present in everyday household and beauty products pose significant risks to our health, particularly by compromising the immune system and disrupting the reproductive and endocrine systems. Chemicals such as phthalates, parabens, fragrance, and triclosan, commonly found in cosmetics, cleaning agents, and personal care products, can act as endocrine disruptors. These substances interfere with hormone function, leading to a range of health issues from decreased fertility to developmental problems. Furthermore, continuous exposure to these toxins can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases.
The pervasive presence of these harmful chemicals in our daily lives underscores the importance of adopting a holistic approach to health and wellness. By choosing natural, organic products and minimizing the use of synthetic chemicals, individuals can reduce their exposure to these toxins. This, in turn, helps maintain a robust immune system and supports overall hormonal balance, fostering better health outcomes. A shift towards cleaner, safer alternatives not only benefits personal health but also contributes to a healthier environment, reinforcing the interconnectedness of human and environmental well-being.
Understanding the pervasive nature of these various types of toxins underscores the importance of adopting a holistic approach to health. Here are some steps you can take today to minimize your exposure and support detoxification when you are exposed.
By being mindful of the toxins in our environment and taking proactive steps to reduce exposure, we can safeguard our health and promote overall well-being. Embracing a holistic perspective empowers us to make informed choices, ultimately leading to a healthier, toxin-free life.
The most important step to feeling like yourself again is testing, to understand your specific resonating toxins to take a targeted detox protocol. Guessing will get you in debt and feeling worse. Schedule a free 15-minute discovery call with me today to see if any (or all) of these toxins could be causing you to feel so “off”.
