Why It Matters and How to do it Right

Are you wondering if detoxing is important?  Doesn’t my body naturally eliminate all of the harmful things?  While your body has natural detox systems, like your liver, kidneys, and skin, the increasing presence of toxins (naturally occurring) and toxicants (synthetic products) in modern life can put them under strain. Supporting these systems isn’t about trendy cleanses but adopting sustainable habits that both lower your toxic burden and limit ongoing exposures.

Understanding Exposure in Modern Life

The reality is that we’re exposed to more toxicants today than ever before in human history. According to the EPA’s 2020 Chemical Data Reporting there are over 7.2 trillion pounds of chemicals manufactured or imported annually (1), with more than 86,000 chemicals listed as toxic substances, and over 20,000 that our bodies can not metabolize (2). It is estimated that we consume about a credit card’s worth of plastic every week! (3) We can accumulate many harmful chemicals such as heavy metals, plastics, and pesticides in our daily lives from numerous points of exposure. These harmful chemicals build up and alter metabolism, enzyme function, neurotransmitters, and can cause genetic damage and may even lead to cancer.

CDR Trends

Let’s explore the main sources of exposure in our daily lives:

A Closer Look

  • Air: Modern life exposes us to a multitude of environmental toxicants that challenge our natural detoxification systems. Air pollution, for instance, comes from both indoor and outdoor sources. Indoors, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can off-gas from furniture, carpets, and cleaning products, while cooking can release particulate matter and harmful gases. Outdoors, vehicle emissions and industrial activities, traffic, and fires contribute significantly to poor air quality. (4,5) 
  • Water: Contaminants in water are another source of exposure.  Heavy metals like lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium often find their way into drinking water through industrial runoff, agricultural practices, or outdated plumbing systems. Microplastics and pharmaceutical residues are increasingly prevalent, along with waste from industrial processes. (6)
  • Food: Pesticide residues on produce, chemicals like BPA or phthalates in food packaging, and artificial additives in processed foods all contribute to daily exposure. Certain foods may contain naturally occurring metals like arsenic or mercury. Microplastics make their way into our food chain, adding to the cumulative burden. (7)
  • At Home: Everyday products and materials in your home are another consideration. Cleaning products, air fresheners, and other scented products can contain many lung irritants, phthalates, and other endocrine disrupting chemicals. Synthetic flooring, vinyl shower curtains, and even clothing may emit harmful chemicals like microplastics and PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances). Flame retardants used in furniture and electronics, Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs), can release toxins into the air. Similarly, personal care products such as lotions, shampoos, and makeup often contain hidden ingredients that can be absorbed through the skin! (8,9)

Finally, natural sources of toxins should not be overlooked. Biological toxins like mycotoxins from mold, bacterial endotoxins, and algal toxins in water can pose significant health risks. Even our own bodies generate metabolic waste as a natural byproduct of cellular activity. While these are typically managed by our detoxification systems, stress, inflammation, or other health challenges can exacerbate their impact. (10)

Signs Your Body May Need Support

Consider these common indicators that your body’s natural detox systems might be overwhelmed:

  • Persistent fatigue
  • Mental clarity issues or brain fog
  • Digestive disturbances
  • Skin problems
  • Headaches
  • Sleep difficulties
  • Unexplained weight changes
  • Temperature regulation issues

Note: These symptoms can have many causes. Always consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation.

Fatigue and Headaches are a sign of toxicity

A Healthier Future Is Possible

While the modern world exposes us to an array of toxicants, there are actionable steps you can take to lower your toxic burden and minimize ongoing exposure. By making mindful choices and supporting your body’s natural detox processes, you can create a healthier environment for yourself and your family.

Supporting Your Body’s Natural Detox Systems

Your body is well-equipped to manage toxins and toxicants with organs like the liver, kidneys, and skin working tirelessly to filter and eliminate waste. However, this system can benefit from a little extra support, especially in our toxin-laden modern world. Simple steps like incorporating nutrient-dense foods, staying hydrated, and managing stress can go a long way. For a deeper dive into targeted nutrition and herbal remedies for detoxification, check out our Guide to Holistic Detoxification.

Advanced Detox Support with Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas are a powerful tool to enhance your body’s natural detoxification. (11-15) Here’s how they help:

  • Promote Sweating: Sweating is one of your body’s key pathways for eliminating toxins. Infrared saunas, particularly with regular use, are an effective tool for eliminating toxins!  
  • Boost Circulation: Improved blood flow supports the transport of nutrients and oxygen while aiding toxin removal. 
  • Reduce Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can impair detox pathways. Infrared saunas are known to reduce inflammation.
Active Ventilation in Infrared Saunas

High Tech Health sets the standard for infrared saunas built for detoxification.

All Transcend saunas feature premium materials, innovative heaters proven to be 34% faster and more effective, and have the proven lowest total EMF, which is key to effective detoxification. Every sauna includes active ventilation for cleaner air, premium audio, vibrant chromotherapy, and an ergonomic backrest for unparalleled comfort.

Small Lifestyle Changes for Big Impact

Reducing exposure to toxins in your daily life doesn’t require drastic changes all at once. Instead, take gradual steps:

  • Foods: Opt for organic produce whenever possible, minimize processed foods, and emphasize detox-friendly choices like cruciferous vegetables and turmeric.
  • Water: Install a water filtration system to remove contaminants like heavy metals and microplastics.
  • Air: Use HEPA air filters to reduce indoor air pollution and ventilate your home regularly.
  • Household Products: Transition to safer cleaning products, avoid scented candles/air fresheners, and switch to glass or stainless steel for food storage.
  • Personal Care: Choose shampoos, lotions, and cosmetics free from phthalates and parabens, and avoid vague terms like “fragrance.”
Unprocessed Foods

Beware of Greenwashing

“Natural” or “non-toxic” labels often don’t tell the full story. Many products contain undisclosed ingredients under terms like “fragrance” or “preservative.” To navigate this, check ingredient lists carefully and use resources like the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Healthy Living app for guidance.

Utilize Apps and websites to help evaluate products!

  • Healthy Living App: from the Environmental Working Group. You can look up products and product labels on store shelves, and get on-the-spot ingredients information and a grading system for your everyday products.
  • Clearya App: you can scan products in a store, and look up products available from online sellers like Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more.
  • Detox Me App: handy buying guides and great educational resources for everything from food, to personal and cleaning products, to clothing and furniture.

One Step at a Time

Making big changes can feel overwhelming, but remember, progress is better than perfection. Start small. Replace items as they run out and prioritize the most impactful changes for your lifestyle. Learn more about the impact of, and how to limit phthalates here

Conclusion

The toxins/toxicants we encounter daily pose a complex challenge, but they don’t have to define your health. Supporting your body’s detoxification systems with informed choices, whether through diet, lifestyle, or tools like infrared saunas, can make a significant difference. Small, sustainable steps add up to big improvements in health and well-being. 

Remember: This information is educational. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new health protocol.

Our product specialists are all medical professionals and are available to help you in your wellness journey.

Transcend TRS-2 infrared Smart Sauna

References

  1. Environmental Protection Agency. (2023, March 31). EPA. https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-makes-trends-domestic-chemical-production-and-imports-more-accessible-public-first 
  2. Environmental Protection Agency. (2024, June 3). About the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/tsca-inventory/about-tsca-chemical-substance-inventory 
  3. Pletz, M. (2022). Ingested microplastics: Do humans eat one credit card per week? Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters, 3, 100071. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazl.2022.100071 
  4. Manisalidis, I., Stavropoulou, E., Stavropoulos, A., & Bezirtzoglou, E. (2020). Environmental and health impacts of air pollution: A Review. Frontiers in Public Health, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.00014 
  5. Mitchell, C. S., Zhang, J. (Jim), Sigsgaard, T., Jantunen, M., Lioy, P. J., Samson, R., & Karol, M. H. (2007). Current state of the science: Health effects and Indoor Environmental Quality. Environmental Health Perspectives, 115(6), 958–964. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.8987 
  6. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024, December 11). Safe water and your health. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/water-poll 
  7. A Baker’s dozen of food chemicals the FDA should Ban Next | Environmental Working Group. A baker’s dozen of food chemicals the FDA should ban next. (2025, January 15). https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2025/01/bakers-dozen-food-chemicals-fda-should-ban-next 
  8. EWG’s quick and Dirty Guide to Spring Cleaning | Environmental Working Group. Environmental Working Group. (2023, March 2). https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2023/03/ewgs-quick-and-dirty-guide-spring-cleaning 
  9. Phthalates, phthalates everywhere | environmental Working Group. The Environmental Working Group. (2008, December 26). https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/phthalates-phthalates-everywhere 
  10. Sears, M. E., & Genuis, S. J. (2012). Environmental determinants of chronic disease and medical approaches: Recognition, avoidance, supportive therapy, and detoxification. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2012, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/356798 
  11. Genuis SJ, Lane K, Birkholz D, Human Elimination of Organochlorine Pesticides: Blood, Urine, and Sweat Study. Biomed Res Int. 2016;2016 
  12. Genuis SJ, Beesoon S, Lobo RA, Birkholz D, Human Elimination of Phthalate Compounds: Blood, Urine, and Sweat (BUS) Study, The Scientific World Journal. 2012 Oct 31; 2012
  13. Genuis SJ, Beesoon S, Birkholz D, Lobo RA, Human excretion of bisphenol A: blood, urine, and sweat (BUS) study. J Environ Public Health. 2012;2012
  14. Genuis SK, Birkholz D, Genuis SJ, Human Excretion of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether Flame Retardants: Blood, Urine, and Sweat Study, BioMed Research International. 2017 Mar 8; 2017
  15. Schnare DW, Robinson PC, Reduction of the human body burdens of hexachlorobenzene and polychlorinated biphenyls. IARC Sci Publ. 1986;(77):597-603