Since 2017, I’ve been on a mission to understand how parasites and environmental toxins—think heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals—mess with our bodies. Spoiler: the impact is bigger than most people realize.
My research has led to a 1,000-page living document (yes, it’s a beast) that helps health practitioners worldwide see the connections between these toxins and the health issues people face every day. But today, I want to share with you some of the most important takeaways. Let’s dive into how these toxins and parasites affect your mitochondria (your cells’ powerhouses), your liver, your gut, and even your hormones—and why detoxing is essential to reclaiming your health.
How Toxins Wreck Your Mitochondria
Mitochondria are like tiny power plants in your cells. They produce energy, keep your metabolism running smoothly, and help your cells communicate with each other. But when you’re exposed to environmental toxins—like pesticides, heavy metals, and chemicals—these little powerhouses take a hit.
Toxins cause oxidative stress, which is just a fancy way of saying they create harmful molecules that damage your cells. They also disrupt mitochondrial DNA, which affects the mitochondria’s ability to function. The result? Your energy tanks. You might feel fatigued, experience muscle weakness, or notice brain fog.
Why Your Liver is Overworked (and Overwhelmed)
Your liver is like the body’s detox HQ. It processes everything from the food you eat to the toxins you’re exposed to daily. But here’s the kicker: when your liver is overloaded with toxins—like pesticides and heavy metals—it struggles to keep up.
These toxins can interfere with the liver’s detox process, leading to buildup and liver stress. The result? You might experience symptoms like fatigue, digestive issues, or elevated liver enzymes (a sign your liver is overworked).
Gut Health: The Hidden Battleground
Your gut isn’t just about digestion—it’s also key to your immune system and overall health. But toxins and parasites can throw your gut out of balance, leading to something called “gut dysbiosis,” which is when the bad bacteria outnumber the good.
Toxins like pesticides and heavy metals can alter your gut microbiome, making you more susceptible to inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and even autoimmune diseases. Symptoms? Think bloating, fatigue, and frequent infections. It’s a vicious cycle, but targeted detox strategies can help restore balance and get your gut back on track.
Hormones: The Silent Disruptors
Toxins don’t just mess with your energy and gut—they also mess with your hormones. Chemicals like pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial pollutants can throw off your thyroid, adrenal glands, and reproductive hormones.
For example, toxins can disrupt the thyroid by mimicking or blocking hormones, leading to imbalances like hypothyroidism or adrenal fatigue. This is why just treating hormonal issues with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) isn’t enough. If you don’t address the root cause—those pesky toxins—the symptoms keep coming back.
The Pathways Affected by Toxins
Toxins and parasites disrupt critical pathways in your body, including how your cells produce energy (oxidative phosphorylation) and how your body communicates on a cellular level. The result? Fatigue, muscle weakness, poor immune response, and weight issues.
Pollutants like heavy metals and chemicals also activate certain receptors (like AhR) in your cells, which can create even more oxidative stress and damage. The bottom line? It’s a cascade of effects that make it harder for your body to function optimally.
Why Detox is Essential
If this all sounds overwhelming, here’s the good news: understanding how these toxins work means we can do something about them. Detoxing isn’t just a trendy buzzword—it’s a way to give your body the support it needs to get rid of harmful substances and restore balance.
By focusing on natural detox strategies, you can help your mitochondria bounce back, give your liver a break, and restore your gut and hormonal health. It’s about addressing the root causes, not just masking the symptoms.
Wrapping It All Up
Parasites and environmental toxins represent a huge challenge to our health, impacting everything from your mitochondria to your hormones. But by understanding these disruptions—and taking steps to detox and restore balance—you can support your body’s natural ability to heal. That’s what my research has been focused on for the past several years, and I’m excited to share these insights with you today.
