DOES YOUR BODY HAVE AN INNER TOXIC BURDEN?

[PODCAST TRANSCRIPT]

Hello, everyone. I’m Savannah Alalia, and welcome to the latest episode of the High Functioning Human podcast, where you connect to yourself as a high functioning human. 

In the latest podcast episode, “Clearing the Air,” we started a two-part environmental toxin series. In the first episode, we spoke about external toxins — those lurking in the air around you and in the products you might be using. If you missed that episode, I highly recommend you go back and give it a listen. Today, we’ll be focusing on those environmental toxins that are internal — the substances you ingest through your food, your water, and even perhaps your medication.

Internal toxins are substances you consume that can be harmful to your health, and these could include pesticides in your food, heavy metals in your water, and preservatives or additives in any processed foods you might be eating. Unlike external toxins, which affect you through contact or inhalation, internal toxins are ingested, making them particularly insidious as they can directly affect your internal systems.

Studies have shown that ‘forever chemicals’ such as PFAS are found even in umbilical cord blood in over 40 studies conducted over the last five years, which is just bananas. One particularly shocking study by the Environmental Working Group discovered over 200 different chemicals in the umbilical cord blood of newborns. This shows that no one is immune from this exposure, starting perhaps even before you’re born.

Here’s an alarming statistic: research indicates that the average person may ingest up to several dozen different types of pesticides and additives on a daily basis. These substances can accumulate in your body over time, potentially leading to a buildup that your organs, especially your liver and kidneys, may struggle to process. Yes, your body has great detoxification systems, but they are often unable to cope with the modern world’s onslaught of unfamiliar toxins and chemicals.

The effects of these toxins can be profound. They can range from disrupting your endocrine system to impairing your digestive health and even contributing to the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart disease. The long-term accumulation of toxins like heavy metals can also lead to cognitive decline and other neurological conditions.

So, how can you tell if you’re suffering from toxic overload? Here are some signs to watch out for:

• Unexplained fatigue: Feeling tired all the time despite resting well and getting enough sleep.
• Digestive issues: Persistent indigestion, bloating, or changes in bowel habits.
• Skin reactions: Unexplained rashes, acne, or itchy skin.
• Cognitive impairment: Difficulty concentrating, brain fog, or memory problems.
• Mood swings: Unexplained changes in your mood, including feelings of anxiety or depression.

Recognising these symptoms early can help you take steps to reduce your toxic burden and protect your health. Here are some actionable steps to minimise risk:

• Choose organic and locally sourced foods: Reduce your intake of chemicals by opting for organic produce and locally sourced meats and dairy where possible.
• Filter your water: A high-quality water filter can reduce the presence of heavy metals and chemicals in your drinking water. This is super important because fluoride and chlorine are often present in water supplies and can contribute to the calcification of your pineal gland, which can then inhibit melatonin production, which I’ve spoken about before.
• Detox regularly: Incorporate foods and supplements known to support the detoxification process, such as leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and milk thistle. I like to take my greens in a green powder because it just makes it easier, but fresh is a great option, too.
• Consider cleansing protocols: If you want to detox further, you could consider one of my cleanse protocols. If you’re new to cleansing, I would suggest starting with the colon cleanse and then gradually building up to the kidney and liver cleanses. This sequence supports your body to detoxify more effectively.

You can also consider supplements that may aid your body in the removal of toxins. I swear by two all-natural zeolite products. Have you ever experienced symptoms that you later traced back to your diet or water quality? Please share your experiences in the comments or reach out to me with any questions you might have.