Detox Support and Your Genes

We know that toxins are bad for us, but did you also know that toxins can build up in our system and cause hormonal and Epigenetic changes?! Toxins in our environment are often known as epi-toxins and endocrine disruptors. But what are these toxins anyways? First, let’s break down some of the common household names, if you will, and where they are lurking. Then, let’s figure out what detox support has to do with your genes. And finally, discover some easy and fun detox tools for everyday use.

Toxins, Where You Find Them, & The Harm They Can Do

• Phthalates: Chemicals common in plastics and fibers. According to the NIH, “Phthalates can be found in most products that have contact with plastics during producing, packaging, or delivering. Despite the short half-lives in tissues, chronic exposure to phthalates will adversely influence the endocrine system and functioning of multiple organs, which has negative long-term impacts on the success of pregnancy, child growth and development, and reproductive systems in both young children and adolescents.” [1]
• PFAS: Also known as forever chemicals. Common in personal care products, cosmetics, cookware, and MORE. Hormone suppression, liver & thyroid damage, and decreased fertility. The list goes on.
• Bisphenol A (BPA): Commonly found in containers where food and beverage are stored. These can leech out into food and liquid from heating or boiling.
• Plastics: Pollutants in nature that directly impact us and our planet.
• GMOs: (genetically modified organism) Modified in a lab and not through nature or cross-breeding. Usually made for herbicide tolerance. A not-so-fun fact: Roundup has increased 15-fold (or more) since GMOs were released.
• Bio toxins: Substances that are toxic and can be made by any living organism. Examples include mycotoxins, zootoxins, and phytotoxins. Common everyday occurrences are mold sources from food like contaminated coffee beans, peanuts, etc.

Why should you be concerned?

• These toxins are expected Endocrine disrupters.
• They are expected to be responsible for the thyroid epidemic and decrease in testosterone that has been happening in the population.
• These toxins can cause chronic disruptions and lead to disruptions of genetic expressions.

Toxins and Your Genes

With your genes, we look at several systems including phase 1 and phase 2 detox systems in the body. These are both important to the elimination of toxins and how our body is wired to handle toxins from an Epigenetic standpoint.

1. Phase 1: Your first line of defense against toxins. This system changes toxins into a form that can easily be flushed out of the body if functioning properly. A lot of us with autoimmune conditions can suffer from sluggish or sub-optimal detox pathways. Genetically, we take a look at quite a few genes to determine the propensity towards metabolizing toxins that are both encountered on the outside and even things that are produced within the body.
2. Phase 2: These are the systems that are responsible for getting rid of the toxins. Your Glutathione system is one of the key players here: AKA when you support your Glutothione genes, you support your overall detoxing.
3. Sensitivity: We’re all wired differently and we all come to the table with our own unique risk factors (lifestyle, trauma, stress, etc.) so learning about your specific sensitivity to toxins can really help in lowering your overall risk profile. Sensitivities covered in your Genetic Blueprint include Lyme, Mold, Histamine, Pollution/Envirotoxins, and MORE!

Gene Friendly Detox Support Tools

I love tools that not only help support the genes involved in the complicated and let’s be honest, sometimes boring albeit important detox pathways but also tools that are FUN to use. These tend to be fairly accessible and the best part is…you don’t need to do EVERYTHING from the list. Pick your favs and go with that. Supporting your detox pathways doesn’t have to be a chore.

Let’s Get Familiar With the Tools

1. Hot Epsom Baths: These are a personal favorite. Look for unscented/fragrance-free Epsom salts and enjoy your sweat session as often as you like it.
2. Sauna Use: If you don’t have access to a sauna, baths like the ones above are a great alternative. Really want to up your game? Try a Castor Oil Pack when you’re in the sauna.
3. Dry Brushing: Lymphatic support, stimulates your nervous system, and increases your circulation with dry brushing before a bath or shower.
4. Non-toxic Skincare and Makeup: Since many products contain phthalates, PFAS, parabens, and other envirotoxins like heavy metals it’s important to check the products we are putting on our skin. Also, lowering the number of products we are using can significantly reduce our toxic load. The results of the Hermosa Study are highly fascinating if you’d like to study how quickly our bodies can detox with the removal of toxic products. [2]
5. Staying Hydrated: Water is KEY, but also make sure you are supporting your hydration with key minerals such as trace minerals or electrolytes.
6. Exercise: Move your body. This can help to support getting the toxins moving and flushing.
7. Nutrient Dense Foods: Not sure where to start? Check out the Autoimmune Sisters 21-Day Plan.
8. High-Quality Sleep: Your body and brain flush out toxins while you sleep as you enter into a state of Autophagy. Read more about Sleep here!
9. Sunlight Exposure: Your genes love the sun. Focused sunlight exposure in the early morning (before 10 am) can go a long way for overall detox support.

Knowledge is Power

Yes, I know this can feel scary or daunting, but I promise that every little change and step you make matters. 1 swap at a time. 1 detox support tool at a time makes a big difference in your overall toxic load. In conclusion, if you are unsure where to start or feel overwhelmed at all, just remember that knowledge is power and information equips us with the tools we need to move forward and change our future.

*The information contained within this article is not meant to treat or diagnose and should not be seen as medical advice. The information is educational. Please consult with a doctor or medical professional for any medical needs and/or questions.*