Understanding Environmental Toxins | Sunrise Functional Medicine

Toxin exposure is more common than most people realize—affecting an estimated 13 million Americans each year. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, our bodies are constantly working to process and eliminate harmful substances. While our natural detoxification systems are remarkable, modern life often overwhelms these pathways. That’s where functional medicine can help, offering strategies to identify exposures, support detoxification, and restore balance.

Dr. Kurt Woeller, DO, a functional medicine physician with Sunrise Functional Medicine, emphasizes that understanding toxins isn’t about fear—it’s about empowerment. By learning where toxins come from and how to reduce exposure, people can take practical steps toward better health.

Common Sources of Environmental Toxins

Environmental toxins can be either manmade or naturally occurring, and they tend to accumulate in the body over time. Some of the most common exposures include:

Air pollutants: Industrial emissions, traffic exhaust, and indoor air contaminants like cleaning product fumes and tobacco smoke. The EPA estimates that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs): Found in plastics (BPA, phthalates), parabens in cosmetics, and flame retardants, these chemicals interfere with hormones and may affect fertility, thyroid health, and metabolism.

Heavy metals: Lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium can enter the body through contaminated water, soil, food, or industrial exposure.

Mycotoxins: Toxic byproducts of mold that can infiltrate food, beverages, and indoor environments.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs): Chemicals like PCBs, dioxins, and certain pesticides that linger in the environment and accumulate in the food chain.

Pesticides: Widely used in agriculture, these chemicals are present on produce, in groundwater, and sometimes even in household pest-control products.

Health Risks and Symptoms

The health impacts of toxin exposure vary by type and dose, but even low-level exposures over time may contribute to chronic illness. Toxins can affect:

Hormones (causing menstrual irregularities, thyroid issues, fertility challenges)
Neurological health (memory problems, mood changes, headaches, tremors)
Immune system (frequent infections, allergic reactions)
Cardiovascular system (irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure)
Digestive health (nausea, abdominal pain, appetite changes)
Skin and musculoskeletal system (rashes, joint stiffness, muscle aches)

Why do some people develop significant symptoms while others seem unaffected? Genetics, age, diet, and overall health status play a big role. Some individuals naturally detoxify more efficiently than others, while others may have nutrient deficiencies or chronic conditions that impair elimination pathways.

Functional Medicine and Detoxification

From a functional medicine perspective, the body has powerful detoxification systems—primarily the liver, kidneys, gut, skin, and lymphatic system. However, these pathways can become sluggish or overburdened when toxin exposure is chronic. Supporting detoxification means providing the body with the nutrients, lifestyle practices, and sometimes targeted therapies it needs to process and eliminate toxins effectively.

Dr. Woeller explains that specialty laboratory testing can be invaluable for tailoring a detox plan. For example, the TOXDetect Profile®, developed by Mosaic Diagnostics, screens for a broad range of toxic exposures—from heavy metals to pesticides to endocrine disruptors. This information allows clinicians to design personalized protocols rather than relying on guesswork.

Dietary Approaches to Detoxification

One of the most effective ways to reduce toxin burden is through diet. Food is both a major source of exposure and a powerful tool for detoxification.

Choose organic when possible. If not, follow the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists to minimize pesticide intake.

Eat fiber-rich foods. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes help support gut health and regular elimination.

Support the liver. Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale), garlic, turmeric, berries, and green tea help optimize liver detox pathways.

Stay hydrated. Drinking filtered water assists the kidneys in flushing out waste products.

Limit processed foods and plastics. Ultra-processed foods, artificial additives, and foods stored in plastic containers can increase toxic load.

Cooking methods also matter. Instead of grilling or frying at high temperatures (which can produce harmful compounds), try steaming, baking, or sautéing with stainless steel or ceramic cookware.

Lifestyle Strategies for Reducing Toxin Exposure

Filter your water to remove heavy metals, pesticides, and chemicals.
Improve indoor air quality with HEPA filters, good ventilation, and avoiding smoking indoors.
Reduce mold exposure by repairing leaks, controlling humidity, and remediating water damage promptly.
Choose safer personal care products using resources like the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database.
Switch to nontoxic cleaning supplies—vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils often work just as well as commercial products.
Move and sweat regularly through exercise, sauna, or even activities like dry brushing, which support circulation and lymphatic drainage.

Supplements and Natural Supports

For some individuals, diet and lifestyle changes may not be enough. In medically guided detox programs, functional medicine providers may recommend evidence-based supplements:

Glutathione – a master antioxidant that supports liver detoxification.
Milk thistle – protects liver cells and enhances glutathione activity.
B vitamins (B6, B9, B12) – critical for methylation, an essential detox pathway.
Vitamin C – supports antioxidant defense and heavy metal metabolism.

Environmental toxins are part of modern life, but they don’t have to control our health outcomes. By understanding where toxins come from, recognizing symptoms of overload, and taking proactive steps through diet, lifestyle, and functional medicine, people can greatly reduce their risk. As Dr. Woeller emphasizes, “The goal isn’t to eliminate every toxin—that’s impossible. The goal is to lighten the body’s burden and strengthen its natural resilience.” Tools like the TOXDetect Profile® provide valuable insights into a person’s unique exposures, empowering both patients and practitioners to take targeted action.

With awareness, testing, and supportive strategies, detoxification becomes less of a fad and more of a practical, sustainable approach to long-term wellness. Learn more and >> request a consultation now >>