How to Remove Toxins from our Foods, Products, and Bodies
Jan 22, 2024
auto_awesome
In this episode, physician and nutritionist Elizabeth Boham and nutrition director Maggie Ward dive deep into the impact of toxins on our health. They reveal alarming truths about glyphosate and the urgent need for awareness around chronic low-level toxicity. The conversation touches on the hidden dangers of lead poisoning, especially in children, and emphasizes the importance of detoxification. They also advocate for organic and wild foods as essential allies in reducing toxin exposure and promoting overall health, making a compelling case for a low-toxin lifestyle.
Toxins in our environment, food, and air can increase the risk of chronic disease, but by reducing our exposure to toxins and making informed choices as consumers, we can create better health for ourselves and our families.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has successfully brought science-based information to policymakers and empowered consumers through user-friendly resources, driving change in regulations on harmful chemicals.
Functional medicine focuses on optimizing the body's detoxification pathways to address toxic load, which can have a significant impact on chronic diseases. By improving detoxification and reducing exposure to heavy metal toxins, individuals can improve their overall health and well-being.
Deep dives
Toxic load and its impact on chronic disease
Toxins in our environment, food, and air can increase the risk of chronic disease. Learning about these hidden chemicals and where they are commonly found empowers us to make better choices as consumers. This includes reducing our exposure to toxins and creating better health for ourselves and our families. The podcast discusses conversations with experts about toxins like glyphosate in our food, heavy metals, and the importance of reducing our toxic load. One key insight is that companies often knew about the potential harm of these chemicals but did not disclose this information.
The role of market forces and consumer awareness
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has been successful in bringing science-based information to policymakers and creating change in regulations on harmful chemicals. However, they have also recognized the power of market forces and direct consumer engagement. By providing user-friendly resources like the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists, the Skin Deep database for skincare products, and information on sustainable fishing, EWG empowers consumers to make informed choices. The podcast highlights the shift towards consumers driving change through their purchasing decisions, which in turn influences companies and even policy change.
The importance of optimizing detoxification pathways
Toxic load is a significant factor in chronic disease, but it is often overlooked in traditional medicine. Functional medicine takes a different approach by focusing on optimizing the body's detoxification pathways. This involves identifying genetic variations that may impact detoxification ability, conducting heavy metal testing, and promoting nutrition that supports detoxification. The podcast emphasizes the connection between toxins and various health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, autoimmune disease, neurologic issues, and more. By addressing toxic load and improving detoxification, individuals can improve their overall health and well-being.
Effects of heavy metal toxins and the importance of testing
Heavy metal toxins, such as lead and mercury, can have detrimental effects on our health. These toxins, which can accumulate in the body over time, can result in chronic illnesses and various symptoms. Testing for heavy metal levels is crucial in identifying potential toxicity and assessing the body's ability to detoxify. While traditional medicine often only checks blood levels, functional medicine approaches employ more comprehensive testing, including the comparison of blood, hair, and urine samples. This can provide a more accurate representation of recent exposure and overall body burden. Identifying sources of exposure, such as lead pipes, old paint, hobbies, and even contaminated items like crystal glasses, is essential in reducing ongoing exposure and addressing associated health issues.
The significance of proper removal of mercury fillings
Mercury fillings, often referred to as silver fillings, can release toxic mercury vapors over time. While many dentists consider them safe, the FDA has recently acknowledged the higher risk of exposure to certain groups, such as pregnant women and individuals with neurologic issues. Proper removal of mercury fillings is crucial, and it should be performed by a trained biological dentist who follows specific guidelines to ensure patient safety during the removal process. Detoxification methods, like testing and supporting the body's natural detox pathways, can help reduce mercury levels and improve overall health. Additionally, adopting a low-toxin lifestyle, including consuming organic and locally sourced foods, can further minimize exposure to heavy metals and other toxins.
In today’s episode, I talk with Ken Cook, Dr. Elizabeth Boham, and Maggie Ward about toxin exposures all around us and how to remove toxins from our bodies.
Ken Cook is the president and co-founder of the Environmental Working Group (EWG). He is widely recognized as one of the environmental community’s most prominent and influential critics of industrial agriculture and the nation’s broken approach to protecting families and children from toxic substances. Under Cook’s leadership, the EWG has pioneered the use of digital technologies to empower American families with easy-to-use, science-driven tools to help reduce their exposure to potentially harmful ingredients in food, drinking water, cosmetics, and other household products. Capitol Hill’s closely read newspaper The Hill regularly lists Cook in its annual roster of Washington’s top lobbyists, writing that Cook’s “influence spans the country” and calling EWG “the tip of the green movement’s spear.”
Dr. Elizabeth Boham is a physician and nutritionist who practices Functional Medicine at The UltraWellness Center in Lenox, MA. Through her practice and lecturing she has helped thousands of people achieve their goals of optimum health and wellness. She witnesses the power of nutrition every day in her practice and is committed to training other physicians to utilize nutrition in healing.
Maggie Ward, MS, RD, LDN, is the Nutrition Director at The UltraWellness Center. Maggie holds a master’s degree in Nutrition from Bastyr University which focuses on using whole foods for holistic Nutrition Therapy. In addition, she completed her requirements to become a registered dietitian at Westchester Medical Center in NY. Prior to joining The UltraWellness Center team in 2008, Maggie worked at The Brooklyn Hospital Center in New York providing nutrition counseling to children and families dealing with HIV. She also taught at the Jewish Community Center in Manhattan and other sites throughout New York City, teaching nutritionally focused cooking classes for children and adults. Much of her focus is on food allergies, digestive disorders, inflammatory conditions, pediatrics, and sports nutrition.
This episode is brought to you by Rupa Health and ButcherBox.
Streamline your lab orders with Rupa Health. Access more than 3,000 specialty lab tests and register for a FREE live demo at RupaHealth.com.
ButcherBox is giving new members FREE ground beef for LIFE with their first order. Visit butcherbox.com/farmacy and use code FARMACY.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
