June 24, 2025 • 39 mins
In this episode, Matt Tack and Dr. Alfred Alessi tackle the issue of toxic overload in modern life. They cover environmental toxins, including heavy metals, plastics, and pesticides, and explore hidden toxins in personal care and household products. The discussion includes the body's response to long-term exposure, detox pathways, and gut health. They also address diagnostic testing for toxic burden and biotoxin exposure, and offer strategies for detox and rebuilding health. The episode concludes with an overview of the Alessi Total Care program and a call to action.
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Episode Transcript
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(00:00):
Here's the truth.
(00:00):
Most people don't realize.
Toxins are those sneaky, sneaky, and they'renot in various obvious places.
You don't need to live next to a landfill orsmoke cigarettes to be carrying a toxic
overload or toxic burden at the end of the day,your oat milk might be full of glyphosate.
(00:21):
Right?
Your couch, flame retardants.
Your shampoo, endocrine disruptors.
Your tap water, heavy metals, PFAS,pharmaceuticals.
Even the receipts in your wallet wallet, theink are coated in that BPA.
So it's not about one exposure.
It's about the total overload.
And over time, that toxic overload can quietlypush your body into dysfunction across multiple
(00:46):
systems.
Welcome to Health Decode, your number onesource for real health information with your
host, doctor Alessi and Matt Tack.
Hey, Health Decoded listeners.
Doctor Alessi here.
Let me ask you a serious question.
Are you tired of waiting until something goeswrong to finally see a doctor?
(01:07):
At Alessi Functional Health, we take adifferent approach, the right approach.
We believe true health care isn't about chasingsymptoms.
It's about preventing them in the first place.
That's why we created the Alessi Total CareProgram.
This is a functional medicine based membershipthat gives you proactive, personalized care
(01:28):
year round.
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nutraceuticals, deep discounts on labs,protocols, and follow ups, as well as twenty
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(01:48):
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As a Health Decoded listener, you'll get yourfirst three months completely free when you
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This is your chance to take responsibility foryour health and join a movement that's
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(02:09):
Head on over to alesseefunctionalhealth.com,click on our services tab, and go to Total
Care.
Learn more about this program and claim yourexclusive podcast listener offer.
Your health is your greatest asset.
Let's protect it proactively.
Welcome back to Health Decoded, your number onesource for real health information.
(02:34):
I'm your host, doctor Alessi.
And your cohost, Matt Tagg.
Awesome, man.
Good to see you.
Today, we're gonna have a really, really funepisode.
We are diving into a topic that really fliesunder the radar in most conventional medical
practice, but is quietly really at the root ofmany chronic health issues, and that is toxic
(02:56):
overload.
So just simply put, we live in a chemicallysaturated world.
Our ancestors dealt with bacteria, viruses,maybe occasional parasite, but they weren't
walking through these clouds of invisibleindustrial toxins twenty four seven like we are
today.
And so, we're exposed to over 80,000 chemicals,most of which have never really even been
(03:19):
tested for long term safety in humans, but havebeen in embedded into the things we put on our
body, the clothes we wear, the food we eat,right?
And so we're breathing them, eating them,absorbing them.
And for most people, their detox pathways areclogged.
So they're overwhelmed and sometimes they'reeven genetically impaired as well.
(03:41):
And so this episode uncovers how hiddenenvironmental toxins like mold, plastics, heavy
metals, pesticides, parasites, and everydaychemicals can live undercover in your body for
years, causing chronic fatigue, hormone issues,gut problems, and more.
We're gonna break down the symptoms and how totest and how to truly heal with functional
(04:05):
medicine.
So let's get into it.
I'm so excited to talk about this because it'slike super real, right?
Even breaking down soaps and, various thingsthat, you're eating and putting into your body.
So, let's break it down, environmental side oftoxins.
So it's not just mold in your basement ormercury in your tuna, which are, you know, a
(04:30):
lot of the hot topic ones.
Here's what we're really talking about.
The mold and mycotoxins.
Right?
So these are, toxic byproducts from moldspecies, in various forms.
So they can live in walls of HVAC systems,underlying floor, even in dry climates.
(04:50):
So we're in Florida.
These, mycotoxins are neurotoxic,immunosuppressive, and endocrine disrupting.
So these are the things that you need to reallytake a look at in terms of heavy metals.
So lead in old pipes is one of them.
That's something that, you're gonna see, watercoming into your house.
(05:12):
So those old pipes, right, that's there's leadin those, even in paint sometimes.
Mercury from fish and dental fillings.
So I had one of those.
Had that taken out and actually but those are.
Right?
They used to use mercury in your dentalfillings.
Aluminum and deodorants.
That's something I always check for now.
(05:33):
Typically, those are gonna be in the sprays,the gels.
You're gonna find the aluminum.
In the white, you're not gonna find nearly asmuch, but if you can get more of an organic,
Suave is a good name brand that actually I usethat doesn't have aluminum embedded into it.
So these metals interfere with themitochondrial function and damage neurons and
(05:55):
suppressive detox enzymes.
So they can cross blood brain barrier andbioaccumulate for decades without you even
knowing it.
So those are the things that you just wannatake a look at, you know, just standard use
type stuff.
Right?
So, as we aforementioned, that deodorant is issomething that you use every single day.
(06:17):
Your toothpaste is stuff you use every singleday.
So check out if there's aluminum or any type offillings that that aren't more naturally based,
right?
So then you have plastics and endocrinedisruptors.
So let's dive into this a little bit.
Chemicals like BPA, so the plastics that youhave, a lot of times, like, I'm not sure if
(06:40):
like IKEA, those plastics have really neverchecked, but like you like, you're storing your
food containers.
If they're not BPA free, then they have BPA inthem.
Right?
And so those can transfer over to the food thatyou're actually putting in those containers.
So you wanna look out for that even in waterbottles, various things.
I'm not saying like not drink water.
(07:01):
You just want to be sure that what you'reputting your water into is a BPA free, right?
So when the heating elements go through adishwasher, that's something you want to look
out for.
Parabens are in food packaging and waterbottles, cosmetic, and receipts, right?
So they mimic estrogen and block testosterone.
(07:22):
So if you wanna look at, you know, why men arecoming down to testosterone, a lot
of these
are, it's exactly this, right?
So it's linked directly to hormonal imbalances,infertility, and obesity.
I've seen a number of women specifically, oncethey dial in their nutrition, their infertility
issue goes away.
(07:43):
It's pretty wild to see the, you know, the justthe nature of, the world we live in today that
it's through what we put into our mouth thatactually can make us fertile and infertile,
right?
So pesticide and herbicides.
So we're gonna dig into this right here.
Glyphosate, used in conventional agricultureand even in parks and lawns.
(08:08):
So this is the chemical that disrupts your gutgut microbiome, impairs detox enzymes, and
classified by the WHO as a probable humancarcinogen.
This is one of the reasons why I stoppedputting chemicals on my lawn.
Right?
Honestly, my lawn doesn't look like absolutelygreat, but like, I would rather put my feet in
(08:31):
that lawn rather than have my lawn lookingabsolutely spectacular, and then transferring
that inside my house.
So I actually think of those things.
We used to put TruGreen and other pesticides onour lawn.
That's not something I care about any longer,to be honest with you.
If you're gonna use something, you usesomething that's more naturally based organic
free.
(08:51):
There's a lot of other things that you can useout of there than use it like a TruGreen
service to put pesticides on your lawn becausethe moment you step in that, you're
transferring it into your house.
So, want to be cognizant of those things.
So, parasites.
There's another thing.
Most people think that parasites only affectpeople in developing countries, but they're
(09:12):
more common than actually you think.
From undercooked meat and parasites, there'saged meat, right, that comes into the grocery
store.
So undercooked meat, contaminated water, pets,or even travel have parasites.
They rob nutrients, disrupt gut dysfunction,and excrete toxic waste that essentially
(09:35):
burdens your liver.
Those are things you want to be extremelycognizant of because parasites are a real thing
in today's age.
We're going to go through some things.
We just want to highlight, some of the thingsthat you should look out for.
And then we're going to at the end of theepisode, make sure you stay tuned to the end,
because we're going to show you actionableitems of what you can do.
(09:56):
Right?
So personal care products, your shampoo,deodorant, sunscreen, lotion, foundation, they
often contain formaldehyde.
One thing that I did not realize is that, youknow, I became addicted and I like sharing
everything.
I became addicted to nicotine pouches.
Right?
Nicotine pouches actually are nootropic, butwhat they do is Xin is they actually soak those
(10:17):
in formaldehyde.
So when you're putting those into your mouth,you're actually sucking on formaldehyde.
So I stopped using those.
I like people being transparent with people andletting them know those are the things that I
look out for.
I'm like, well, I'm putting this in my mouth.
I'm sucking up formaldehyde.
I can't talk about it and not live it.
Right?
So and the next thing you look out for isfragrances, a proprietary label hiding dozens
(10:41):
of chemicals.
And the last thing you want to look out for,PEGs, parabens, and triglossin.
These are absorbed through your skin and bypassliver filtration and go straight into
circulation.
So those are just some of the things that interms of oral digestions and things you put on
(11:01):
your skin, but then there's also householdcleaners and flame retardants.
So think about dryer sheets, air fresheners,nonstick cookware, furniture, even kids'
pajamas.
They're coated in chemicals that haveneurotoxic and endocrine disrupting and even
carcinogenic effects, that, honestly, at theend of the day, hinder and disrupt the body's
(11:25):
performance.
So we need to think about these things in termsof, you know, what we're actually utilizing and
how we're being educated on these.
So now here's the kicker, though, in all thistoxins don't like don't hit like a car crash
right there slow leak invisible persistent andcumulative they hijack.
So first it's your brain anxiety insomnia brainfog then it becomes hormones, low libido,
(11:51):
irregular cycles, low T, then becomes yourenergy systems, your mitochondrial dysfunction.
Then last but not least, your gut lining andimmune system, that leaky gut, autoimmunity.
We're seeing a ton of those actually comethrough our clinic, right?
So they do it so gradually that most people,honestly, they're not realizing.
(12:12):
So it happens over time until the symptoms arechronic, widespread, and confusing.
Or they just take it as a, this is normalaging, right?
So the National Institute of EnvironmentalHealth and Sciences says it best.
Environmental exposure to synthetic andnaturally occurring toxins plays a central role
in the rise of chronic illness.
(12:34):
Wow.
So here's the final point.
The modern human is under chemical assaultevery single day.
And if you're not actively removing thesetoxins, you're accumulating them in your body.
And at the end of the day, it keeps score.
It's a game.
So in this next segment, we're gonna talk aboutsigns and symptoms that might mean your body is
(12:56):
in toxic overload.
You might you might be surprised by how manyboxes that actually check your lifestyle.
So here are the warning signs about yourtoxicity.
Let's paint the picture here first.
You might be thinking, I don't work in chemicalplant.
I don't eat organ I eat organic and I work out.
I drink green juices every day.
(13:18):
I'm good, right?
Here's the truth.
Most people don't realize.
Toxins are those sneaky, sneaky, and they'renot in various obvious places.
You don't need to live next to a landfill orsmoke cigarettes to be carrying a toxic
overload or toxic burden at the end of the day.
Your oat milk might be full of glyphosate.
(13:41):
Right?
Your couch, flame retardants.
Your shampoo, endocrine disruptors.
Your tap water, heavy metals, PFAS,pharmaceuticals.
Even the receipts in your wallet wallet, theink are coated in that BPA.
So it's not about one exposure.
It's about the total overload.
And over time, that toxic overload can quietlypush your body into dysfunction across multiple
(14:07):
systems.
So here we go.
Let me walk you through what we commonly see inour clinic.
And I have personally experienced at the end ofthe day.
So like, I want to say I personally experiencedthese things.
Yep.
Because they the reality is we're not going toget away from all these toxins.
It's now what we do to disrupt them, right?
(14:27):
So brain and mood symptoms, when your brain'sdetox pathways are backed up or your
mitochondria is poisoned by your metals, moldand chemicals, You feel it upstairs.
Brain fog.
I walk into a room and forget why I'm there,which that happens, but not every day.
(14:49):
So when it's a common occurrence, right,anxiety or sudden panic, especially out of
nowhere.
Memory lapses.
I used to be so sharp.
What's happening?
You ask yourself.
Depression or low motivation.
Trouble falling asleep.
It's a huge one.
So here's a fact.
Mold toxins are neurotoxic, meaning they targetthe brain.
(15:14):
Mercury displaces zinc in the brain, and BPAalters neurotransmitters.
So this stuff literally changes the way youthink and then ultimately the way you feel.
Here's the metabolic effect and energydisruption.
Your mitochondria, the energy engines of yourcells, your building block, your cells are
(15:35):
extremely sensitive to toxins.
And when they get jammed up, you might noticefatigue that's not fixed by sleep.
Right?
Weight loss resistance, even with clean eating,thyroid dysfunction.
That means that low t three we've talked aboutoften.
Right?
Sluggish metabolism, adrenal burnout.
(15:56):
You're just getting weak, that 3PM burnoutevery single day.
Right?
Can't can't hold it together through an entireday.
Wired, but tired.
And then blood sugar swings.
You get shaky, hangry, or crash even aftermeals.
Right?
And if your liver is overwhelmed, your body mayintentionally hold on to fat because fat stores
(16:18):
toxins.
Your fat becomes a storage locker for stuffyour liver can't just keep up with at all.
So here's the immune and inflammatory problems.
Toxic overloads puts the immune system inconstant low grade fight or worse, it turns
against you.
Autoimmune flares.
(16:39):
Some things are Hashimoto's psoriasis.
You have histamine issues, itchy, flushed,hives, reaction to wine or leftovers.
Alright?
Skin issues like eczema, acne, and rashes.
Here's joint pain is a big one.
You get hit in that mid thirties, forties jointpain that moves around and feels just
(17:04):
completely unexplained.
Frequent illness or slow recovery process.
So 70% of your immune system lives in your gut.
When your gut barrier gets compromised by thesetoxins, you become reactive to everything.
(17:25):
So let's dive into the gut and the toxins andthe detox pathways, which are which are
breaking up the cycle.
Right?
So this is the exit ramp.
But if you're not pooping, sweating, ordraining, well, you're recirculating that
garbage on a daily basis.
So you could experience bloating or gas aftermeals, constipation or loose stools, new or
(17:48):
increasing food sensitivities, chemicalsensitivity, perfume stores, cleaning supplies
make you sick, Your liver congestion signs,pain under right rib cage, nausea or fatty
meals, headaches, especially in the morning, ortaking a long time just to wake up because you
(18:10):
have elongated sleep cycles, Your liver has twodetox phases, phase one and phase two, and they
both require nutrients and energy to function.
So if you're nutrient deficient, or you'rechronically inflamed, your detox becomes like a
clogged drain pipe.
So think of that.
We had those big old cast iron pipes at ourhouse that we had to clean out.
(18:35):
But over time, the rust built up, rust builtup, built up, built up, where the water only
had a big four inch pipe only had a dime sizedfigure to go through at the end of the day.
That's that's exactly what happens, right, whenall these toxins never get decompressed and
actually released.
So I'm gonna be brutally honest with you.
(18:56):
Eat eating clean, taking supplements, hittingthe gym, even sleeping eight hours, and you're
still inflamed or foggy or exhausted, doesn'tmean you're not broken.
You're probably just toxic at the end of theday.
And here's the science to back this up.
So from the Journal of Integrative Medicine,toxin toxin accumulation impairs mitochondrial
(19:17):
function, detoxification pathways and immuneimbalance leading to multi system dysfunction.
So that's not alternative medicine.
That's just reality medicine.
It's not in your head.
It's not in your cells.
It's not in your liver.
It's in your brain and hormones and skin.
(19:38):
So up next, we'll talk about how we actuallytest for this at Alessi Functional Health in
the functional medicine world.
And no, we're not using like a guessworkscheme, right?
We're running advanced tests that reveal what'sreally going on underneath the hood.
So if this segment hit home, stay tuned.
(20:02):
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Now back to the episode.
Alright.
Welcome back.
Now, definitely let's get into, you know, theaction steps.
(21:35):
I think this is always the great the greatpart.
You definitely touched on a lot of big thingsthere.
Things that people have probably experiencedfrom time to time.
And I wanted to touch on something real quick.
We test for leaky gut all the time in ourclinic.
And I think when you look up the stats online,right?
It is not reflective of the truth.
Most people, it's probably higher, right?
(21:56):
Because I'd say it's almost one hundred percentof people who have come in and we've suspected
leaky gut, so we run a test, they have it.
And so, it's so common because, again,everything you just explained, all the things
that we're putting in and taking into our bodyare just breaking down that gut, the gut
barrier, right?
And making it more permeable.
So, let's do this.
(22:17):
Let's get let's get functional.
Let's get into how testing works and how wetest for toxic load.
And so, might be wondering, right?
Okay, I have these symptoms.
Now, how do I know if it is toxins at the rootcause?
Because the reality is your regular doctor isnot looking for this.
You could have mold in your sinuses, you couldhave mercury built up in the brain, or even
(22:40):
parasites in your gut, and your conventionallabs could still come back normal.
But normal doesn't equate to optimal, and itdefinitely doesn't mean clean.
So that's where now functional medicine comesin.
Because again, we don't guess, we test.
And we often use a lot broader and more, Iguess, diverse testing protocol to look for
(23:03):
things that other medicine providers are notlooking for.
And you know, inside our Total Care program, weuse these advanced diagnostic tools that reveal
what's lurking under the surface.
So let's talk through here now our toxic burdentesting, right?
What does that look for?
So one of the things we use is a urinarymycotoxin test.
(23:25):
So this is basically the go to for moldexposure.
It's gonna screen for dangerous mold toxinslike Okra toxin, which can disrupt immune and
kidney function, Aflatoxin, which is a potentcarcinogen, and Gliotoxin, which is an immune
suppressor that can hide deep in your tissues,right?
So it's very difficult to pin this one out.
(23:46):
So, here in Florida, very common if you've everlived in a water damaged home, a dorm or an
office, or maybe a hurricane prone area, right?
We just experienced this last year, housesgetting flooded.
If the mold is not remediated that can build upand then now that's accumulating inside of you.
And it gets into the air ducts and it is, it istough to get rid of.
(24:08):
The next one we look at is what's called a GPLtox basically an environmental pollutants
panel.
And so this is going to check your urine foreveryday chemical toxins.
Things like phthalates, which are in plasticsand fragrances, BPA, which we talked about in
the receipts, the water bottles.
Basically, if your if your plastic is touchingyour food, you're getting BPA.
(24:29):
If it's unless it's BPA free.
And oftentimes, the labels lie too.
They've found ways to get around telling you ifit's BPA free or not.
Things like parabens, which are in lotions andshampoos.
It also looks for things like styrene andxylene, which are air pollutants that come from
like solvents and insulation in homes.
And then things like, you know, you go to thegas station, you breathe in those gasoline
(24:53):
fumes, you can build up things inside your bodyas well.
So basically, this test is going to tell uswhat are you absorbing from your products, and
your air, and whether or not your detoxpathways are keeping up too.
Another one and this is one that we run a lotis a heavy metals test.
So we can use either urine or hair analysis.
I like the hair because it's stored there for along time.
(25:16):
And so the hair is going to tell me if this issomething that's been accumulating.
It's going to look for the big ones mercury,lead, arsenic, cadmium.
Again, these are things that are in everydaystuff, right?
Like like some of the bigger fish is gonna havea lot of mercury in it, right?
Things like tuna.
So making sure we're buying like low mercurytuna, lead which is in old paint.
(25:37):
Arsenic is in it's in groundwater and tap waterif you're drinking just basic tap water.
And then cadmium is if you're, you know, if youhave exposure to smoke, right?
And so even low levels of this, like it doesn'thave to be a lot can block enzymes and disrupt
your hormones and then cause downstream effectsfrom that.
Another one that is very common for us to runis what's called an organic acids test or an
(26:01):
oat test.
So this basically is like a metabolicfootprint.
And we can use this for metabolic issues aswell, not just for toxicity, but it's a great
combo for both of those because it's gonnareveal if there's fungal or candida overgrowth.
It will reveal if there's mitochondrial damage,oxalate issues, neurotransmitter imbalances, or
(26:24):
if you're depleted in glutathione, which isbasically your your boss body's master
detoxifier.
And so, this test is gonna show us whether yourcellular engines are running or if they're
misfiring.
Right?
And then, you know, another one.
This one is I'd say this one is a little bitmore of a pricey test.
(26:45):
So people often, if we don't to run it, wewon't but it is a fantastic test for getting to
the bottom of it is a GI map stool test.
So basically you collect a stool sample, and itis going to 100% tell you if you have
parasites, if you have pathogenic bacteria,very common one is H.
Pylori, see that all the time.
Fungal markers like Candida.
(27:07):
If you have secretory IgA, which is basicallylike an overload of the IgA immune component in
your gut, or if you have liver enzymes in thestool.
And so this will tell us if we have a backupgoing on.
And a big one here for us to want to run thistest would be like if someone has chronic
fatigue, they have skin issues like eczema orpsoriasis, histamine problems, which is like
(27:30):
those sensitivities to chemicals, and then foodsensitivities as well.
So you have to check what's brewing in the gut.
And then this gives us a % array of what'sgoing on.
And then one that we don't, I can't say we runthis one a lot, but it is a cool test is a VCS
test or a visual contrast sensitivity.
(27:51):
It's a non invasive eye test.
It screens for biotoxin exposure, neurologicaleffects, poor oxygen delivery to the brain,
basically some of those early warning signs fora toxin triggered brain inflammation.
I will say that the main ones we're going touse is the urine toxin, the stool test and the
oat test.
Those are probably non negotiables we can sensethat maybe there's toxicity.
(28:15):
And then, you know, beyond beyond the labs,right?
What else can we do?
Because testing isn't just about looking at theblood and the urine, right?
It's about the story.
And so we also want to take a history intake.
Have you ever lived near a farm?
Have you do you use a lot of personal careproducts?
Have you ever had mercury fillings that maybewere removed, right?
When they remove them, a lot of times thatkicks that mercury into the bloodstream.
(28:40):
Where have you worked?
What have you been exposed to throughout yourlife?
And then also, there's some really cool hometests you can use to test your home for mold,
the dust and also water, right?
What's the water contaminant look like?
So, know, I don't want us to like free peopleout.
This is that's not the point of this.
We're not trying to scare people.
(29:00):
But we're trying to let you know that it youneed to figure out what your body is burdened
with if you have these symptoms, right?
Because when you identify the source, now youhave an idea you can treat the root.
So, not just the symptoms.
There's a quote here from Frontiers in PublicHealth in 2021.
And it said testing and individualizing detoxplans improves outcomes in patients with
(29:25):
chronic fatigue, autoimmunity, and metabolicdisease.
Basically confirms that the root of thosediseases comes from toxic overload, right?
Or can come from toxic overload.
And so again, that's why we test.
That's why functional medicine works.
Truly, functional medicine is real medicine,right?
Throwing a medicine on throwing medicine atsomething just to try to cover it up.
(29:48):
That's not medicine.
That's lazy.
That's, you know, a system that's been built togenerate money for an industry that is
realistically just failing.
So functional medicine is how does your bodyget back to equilibrium and actually work for
itself?
So now we know what to look for symptom wise,you explained that great, Matt.
(30:08):
Now, we know what tests we can run, andobviously what to do in the next step.
Now, how do we heal, right?
How do we take that information that we'vegained with testing, with symptoms, with
history, and then turn it into a healingplatform?
And so, here's the good news, right?
Your body is built to heal.
It's a healing machine, right?
(30:29):
You cut your hand or your arm, it's gonna heal.
It just does.
So, it's not that it's broken, it's justoverloaded.
And so, it can't adequately do what it's meantto do.
And so, you have to create the rightconditions.
And that's why removal is the first R in ourprotocols.
Always get removed.
Remove what's getting in the way.
So, this is kind of the I like wanted to keepit simple here, but the four phases of true
(30:54):
detoxification.
So, number one, again, remove the sourcebecause you can't detox what you keep being
exposed to, right?
That'd be like trying to, I don't know, liketrying to keep taking things in and get things
out of your house, right?
You keep taking new stuff in, but you're tryingto get rid of things.
It's clutter.
So, here's how you can clean up yourenvironment.
(31:15):
Starting with the air using purifiers, thingswith like those HEPA and activated carbon
filters.
I even more so like the ones that have theozone and they can break down the pollutants
rather than just kicking them back into theair.
Water is a big one.
So drinking clean water is huge using like areverse osmosis or those countertop Berkey
(31:36):
filters are great because tap water in mostdeveloped cities and places is gonna be pretty
bad.
Full of fluoride and all kind of chemicals.
And then products, switching to like non toxiccookware, natural cleaners, and the, you know,
the beauty products and things, as well asfood.
(31:56):
Eating organic whenever possible, trying toavoid processed foods and seed oils, and then
the makeup and the beauty products.
You don't have to be perfect, right?
What do we always say?
Be consistently good rather than occasionallyperfect, right?
And because every bit is gonna help empty thattoxic bucket.
(32:17):
Now, step two, okay, you've removed.
Now, how do we support the drainage and detoxthat your body's trying to do, it just needs
some help.
Because you can't detox unless your body candrain.
So, we focus heavily on opening up what'scalled your emanctary system, which is
basically your liver, your kidneys, your colon.
These are the organs that eliminate waste.
(32:37):
This is the lymphatic system as well, oftenoverlooked, as well as your skin.
There's a really cool practice called drybrushing, where basically you get like a
bristle brush that's kind of hard and you brushyour skin towards the lymph systems like
towards the armpits, towards the groin, and itis pushing the lymph from the skin and getting
that you should get kind of red from it, right?
(32:58):
It's because you're flushing things into thesystem.
Other tools that we can use are things likebinders.
This is always going to be part of some of ourfunctional medicine protocols.
Like chlorella activated charcoal.
Humic and fulvic acid are great ones that weuse a lot because they're pretty gentle, but
they're going to capture and push things out.
(33:18):
As well as supporting the liver with milkthistle glutathione NAC.
Lymph drainage right like we just talked aboutdry brushing rebounding or or those vibration
plates that we have in our clinic.
Whenever someone's doing a detox protocol,they're gonna come and use these power plates,
these vibration plates, which is gonnastimulate that lymph drainage.
And then sweating, infrared sauna, hot yoga,Epsom salt baths.
(33:42):
Because remember, detox isn't doesn't equal ajuice cleanse.
Right?
That's not what it looks like.
It's about opening up these drainage pathways,mobilizing and eliminating toxins in a safe,
supported way.
We actually discussed this heavily in episodeeight.
So, back and listen to that one.
It will further kind of explain what we'retalking about here and go tandem with this.
(34:04):
The next step after you're supporting the detoxis rebuilding your cellular health.
Now, once the junk is out, let's talk about howwe rebuild from the inside out.
Mitochondrial support, focusing on that withthings like CoQ10, PQQ for better energy,
supporting the gut with probiotics, gut liningnutrients, parasite cleanses when needed.
(34:26):
Nervous system reset something you talk aboutall the time HRV training right breath work.
How do we support the vagus nerve with thingslike cold exposure.
This is going to get that body back toward astate of rest and digest.
And then hormone rebalance.
Well, how are we using adaptogens or, you know,test based protocols, obviously based on the
labs to rebalance the hormones.
(34:48):
This is usually the phase where people start tofeel more like themselves.
They're gonna have more energy, maybe skin'sclearing up, less brain fog.
And again, it's not magic, it's physiology.
And then the last part and probably the thingthat we do that other providers don't do is the
lifestyle medicine component.
(35:08):
This is where we stand out because we take itfurther than just hey, do this, take this.
It's like no, how do we focus on what you'redoing on a daily basis and really guide you
through how to optimize your lifestyle?
Right?
So because the truth is your daily habits areeither loading your toxic burden or lightening
it.
And so getting morning sunlight, blocking bluelight at night, resetting that circadian rhythm
(35:32):
because recovery and drainage happens at night.
There's a concept in Chinese medicine that 3AMis really where your liver is kicking and it is
hitting hard.
Oftentimes people on a detox, or if they'restruggling with liver detox, are going to be
waking up around that time of night every everynight like what's going on?
That's a good sign.
Prioritizing deep sleep, reducing your digitaloverload, right?
(35:55):
Reducing your stress and EMFs.
And then making the low toxic living basicallypart of your life, right?
You have to adopt these things.
And it's not like you just do it once and thenyou're good.
It's like no, this has to become part of yourdaily life.
And so just real quick here before we startwrapping things up, there's a great quote from
the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine in2020.
(36:16):
They said ongoing detoxification support andenvironmental hygiene are foundational pillars
in long term chronic disease recovery.
So basically, you're healing from some kind ofchronic disease.
You have to incorporate the the lifestyle andenvironmental component or else you're just
gonna end up right back in that position.
(36:37):
Your environment matters, your habits matter,and ultimately that's, you know, you matter.
So take take ownership of that, make changesthat you need, and then seek help when
necessary.
So you weren't born toxic, although some peoplemaybe were born predisposed, right, or their
their early years.
But over time, the world we live in, it justfills that bucket up with the plastics, the
(37:01):
molds, the metals, and the stress.
And so, functional medicine gives us the toolsto like pinpoint and identify.
And then, Total Care, which is what we'vecreated within our office, gives you the map to
fix it, right?
And so, it's not just about cleansing yourbody, it's about reclaiming your energy, your
clarity, your vitality and ultimately yourlife.
And so, if you would ever like to learn moreabout how we help diagnose, reverse, heal
(37:26):
toxicity and chronic disease within our AlessiTotal Care program, go to
AlessiFunctionalHealth.com, schedule aconsultation with me or one of our providers.
Let's create a personalized plan for yourlifelong health.
Listeners of this podcast are always gonna getan exclusive discount and price reductions on
all of our protocols and lab testing, so besure to mention where you heard about us.
(37:50):
And as always, if you found to value in today'sshow, please like, subscribe, and share this
episode with someone who needs to hear it.
This is how we grow this message and changemore lives.
Wanna get in touch with us or be featured on anepisode?
Email us at ask@AlessiFXHealth.com.
If you just wanna know a little bit more aboutus, go to lesseefxhealth.com, sign up for our
(38:14):
newsletter, and check out our resources page tolearn more about our approach to nutrition and
cutting edge therapies.
Awesome, man.
And thank you again for tuning in to HealthDecoded where we break down science, bust the
myths, and help you take control of your healthnaturally.
Until next time, stay curious, stay empowered,and remember your health is in your hands.
(38:36):
Thank you for tuning in to Health Decoded wherewe break down the truth about all things health
and empower you to take charge of yourwell-being.
If you found value in today's episode, pleasesubscribe, leave a review, and share it with
someone who needs to hear this.
For more resources and personalized support,visit us at Alessifunctionalhealth.com and sign
(38:58):
up for our newsletter.
To hear your questions answered live on theshow, send them to askalessifxhealth dot com.
That's ask@ALESSIFXhealth.com.
Until next time, stay curious, stay empowered,and remember, your health is in your hands.
Here's the truth.
(00:00):
Most people don't realize.
Toxins are those sneaky, sneaky, and they'renot in various obvious places.
You don't need to live next to a landfill orsmoke cigarettes to be carrying a toxic
overload or toxic burden at the end of the day,your oat milk might be full of glyphosate.
(00:21):
Right?
Your couch, flame retardants.
Your shampoo, endocrine disruptors.
Your tap water, heavy metals, PFAS,pharmaceuticals.
Even the receipts in your wallet wallet, theink are coated in that BPA.
So it's not about one exposure.
It's about the total overload.
And over time, that toxic overload can quietlypush your body into dysfunction across multiple
(00:46):
systems.
Welcome to Health Decode, your number onesource for real health information with your
host, doctor Alessi and Matt Tack.
Hey, Health Decoded listeners.
Doctor Alessi here.
Let me ask you a serious question.
Are you tired of waiting until something goeswrong to finally see a doctor?
(01:07):
At Alessi Functional Health, we take adifferent approach, the right approach.
We believe true health care isn't about chasingsymptoms.
It's about preventing them in the first place.
That's why we created the Alessi Total CareProgram.
This is a functional medicine based membershipthat gives you proactive, personalized care
(01:28):
year round.
You'll get access to comprehensive blood workand functional testing, custom doctor grade
nutraceuticals, deep discounts on labs,protocols, and follow ups, as well as twenty
four seven direct access to your doctor, notjust a ten minute checkup that ends with
another prescription.
(01:48):
And here's the best part.
As a Health Decoded listener, you'll get yourfirst three months completely free when you
sign up for an annual membership.
That's on top of hundreds in savings alreadybuilt into the program.
This is your chance to take responsibility foryour health and join a movement that's
redefining what primary care should look like.
(02:09):
Head on over to alesseefunctionalhealth.com,click on our services tab, and go to Total
Care.
Learn more about this program and claim yourexclusive podcast listener offer.
Your health is your greatest asset.
Let's protect it proactively.
Welcome back to Health Decoded, your number onesource for real health information.
(02:34):
I'm your host, doctor Alessi.
And your cohost, Matt Tagg.
Awesome, man.
Good to see you.
Today, we're gonna have a really, really funepisode.
We are diving into a topic that really fliesunder the radar in most conventional medical
practice, but is quietly really at the root ofmany chronic health issues, and that is toxic
(02:56):
overload.
So just simply put, we live in a chemicallysaturated world.
Our ancestors dealt with bacteria, viruses,maybe occasional parasite, but they weren't
walking through these clouds of invisibleindustrial toxins twenty four seven like we are
today.
And so, we're exposed to over 80,000 chemicals,most of which have never really even been
(03:19):
tested for long term safety in humans, but havebeen in embedded into the things we put on our
body, the clothes we wear, the food we eat,right?
And so we're breathing them, eating them,absorbing them.
And for most people, their detox pathways areclogged.
So they're overwhelmed and sometimes they'reeven genetically impaired as well.
(03:41):
And so this episode uncovers how hiddenenvironmental toxins like mold, plastics, heavy
metals, pesticides, parasites, and everydaychemicals can live undercover in your body for
years, causing chronic fatigue, hormone issues,gut problems, and more.
We're gonna break down the symptoms and how totest and how to truly heal with functional
(04:05):
medicine.
So let's get into it.
I'm so excited to talk about this because it'slike super real, right?
Even breaking down soaps and, various thingsthat, you're eating and putting into your body.
So, let's break it down, environmental side oftoxins.
So it's not just mold in your basement ormercury in your tuna, which are, you know, a
(04:30):
lot of the hot topic ones.
Here's what we're really talking about.
The mold and mycotoxins.
Right?
So these are, toxic byproducts from moldspecies, in various forms.
So they can live in walls of HVAC systems,underlying floor, even in dry climates.
(04:50):
So we're in Florida.
These, mycotoxins are neurotoxic,immunosuppressive, and endocrine disrupting.
So these are the things that you need to reallytake a look at in terms of heavy metals.
So lead in old pipes is one of them.
That's something that, you're gonna see, watercoming into your house.
(05:12):
So those old pipes, right, that's there's leadin those, even in paint sometimes.
Mercury from fish and dental fillings.
So I had one of those.
Had that taken out and actually but those are.
Right?
They used to use mercury in your dentalfillings.
Aluminum and deodorants.
That's something I always check for now.
(05:33):
Typically, those are gonna be in the sprays,the gels.
You're gonna find the aluminum.
In the white, you're not gonna find nearly asmuch, but if you can get more of an organic,
Suave is a good name brand that actually I usethat doesn't have aluminum embedded into it.
So these metals interfere with themitochondrial function and damage neurons and
(05:55):
suppressive detox enzymes.
So they can cross blood brain barrier andbioaccumulate for decades without you even
knowing it.
So those are the things that you just wannatake a look at, you know, just standard use
type stuff.
Right?
So, as we aforementioned, that deodorant is issomething that you use every single day.
(06:17):
Your toothpaste is stuff you use every singleday.
So check out if there's aluminum or any type offillings that that aren't more naturally based,
right?
So then you have plastics and endocrinedisruptors.
So let's dive into this a little bit.
Chemicals like BPA, so the plastics that youhave, a lot of times, like, I'm not sure if
(06:40):
like IKEA, those plastics have really neverchecked, but like you like, you're storing your
food containers.
If they're not BPA free, then they have BPA inthem.
Right?
And so those can transfer over to the food thatyou're actually putting in those containers.
So you wanna look out for that even in waterbottles, various things.
I'm not saying like not drink water.
(07:01):
You just want to be sure that what you'reputting your water into is a BPA free, right?
So when the heating elements go through adishwasher, that's something you want to look
out for.
Parabens are in food packaging and waterbottles, cosmetic, and receipts, right?
So they mimic estrogen and block testosterone.
(07:22):
So if you wanna look at, you know, why men arecoming down to testosterone, a lot
of these
are, it's exactly this, right?
So it's linked directly to hormonal imbalances,infertility, and obesity.
I've seen a number of women specifically, oncethey dial in their nutrition, their infertility
issue goes away.
(07:43):
It's pretty wild to see the, you know, the justthe nature of, the world we live in today that
it's through what we put into our mouth thatactually can make us fertile and infertile,
right?
So pesticide and herbicides.
So we're gonna dig into this right here.
Glyphosate, used in conventional agricultureand even in parks and lawns.
(08:08):
So this is the chemical that disrupts your gutgut microbiome, impairs detox enzymes, and
classified by the WHO as a probable humancarcinogen.
This is one of the reasons why I stoppedputting chemicals on my lawn.
Right?
Honestly, my lawn doesn't look like absolutelygreat, but like, I would rather put my feet in
(08:31):
that lawn rather than have my lawn lookingabsolutely spectacular, and then transferring
that inside my house.
So I actually think of those things.
We used to put TruGreen and other pesticides onour lawn.
That's not something I care about any longer,to be honest with you.
If you're gonna use something, you usesomething that's more naturally based organic
free.
(08:51):
There's a lot of other things that you can useout of there than use it like a TruGreen
service to put pesticides on your lawn becausethe moment you step in that, you're
transferring it into your house.
So, want to be cognizant of those things.
So, parasites.
There's another thing.
Most people think that parasites only affectpeople in developing countries, but they're
(09:12):
more common than actually you think.
From undercooked meat and parasites, there'saged meat, right, that comes into the grocery
store.
So undercooked meat, contaminated water, pets,or even travel have parasites.
They rob nutrients, disrupt gut dysfunction,and excrete toxic waste that essentially
(09:35):
burdens your liver.
Those are things you want to be extremelycognizant of because parasites are a real thing
in today's age.
We're going to go through some things.
We just want to highlight, some of the thingsthat you should look out for.
And then we're going to at the end of theepisode, make sure you stay tuned to the end,
because we're going to show you actionableitems of what you can do.
(09:56):
Right?
So personal care products, your shampoo,deodorant, sunscreen, lotion, foundation, they
often contain formaldehyde.
One thing that I did not realize is that, youknow, I became addicted and I like sharing
everything.
I became addicted to nicotine pouches.
Right?
Nicotine pouches actually are nootropic, butwhat they do is Xin is they actually soak those
(10:17):
in formaldehyde.
So when you're putting those into your mouth,you're actually sucking on formaldehyde.
So I stopped using those.
I like people being transparent with people andletting them know those are the things that I
look out for.
I'm like, well, I'm putting this in my mouth.
I'm sucking up formaldehyde.
I can't talk about it and not live it.
Right?
So and the next thing you look out for isfragrances, a proprietary label hiding dozens
(10:41):
of chemicals.
And the last thing you want to look out for,PEGs, parabens, and triglossin.
These are absorbed through your skin and bypassliver filtration and go straight into
circulation.
So those are just some of the things that interms of oral digestions and things you put on
(11:01):
your skin, but then there's also householdcleaners and flame retardants.
So think about dryer sheets, air fresheners,nonstick cookware, furniture, even kids'
pajamas.
They're coated in chemicals that haveneurotoxic and endocrine disrupting and even
carcinogenic effects, that, honestly, at theend of the day, hinder and disrupt the body's
(11:25):
performance.
So we need to think about these things in termsof, you know, what we're actually utilizing and
how we're being educated on these.
So now here's the kicker, though, in all thistoxins don't like don't hit like a car crash
right there slow leak invisible persistent andcumulative they hijack.
So first it's your brain anxiety insomnia brainfog then it becomes hormones, low libido,
(11:51):
irregular cycles, low T, then becomes yourenergy systems, your mitochondrial dysfunction.
Then last but not least, your gut lining andimmune system, that leaky gut, autoimmunity.
We're seeing a ton of those actually comethrough our clinic, right?
So they do it so gradually that most people,honestly, they're not realizing.
(12:12):
So it happens over time until the symptoms arechronic, widespread, and confusing.
Or they just take it as a, this is normalaging, right?
So the National Institute of EnvironmentalHealth and Sciences says it best.
Environmental exposure to synthetic andnaturally occurring toxins plays a central role
in the rise of chronic illness.
(12:34):
Wow.
So here's the final point.
The modern human is under chemical assaultevery single day.
And if you're not actively removing thesetoxins, you're accumulating them in your body.
And at the end of the day, it keeps score.
It's a game.
So in this next segment, we're gonna talk aboutsigns and symptoms that might mean your body is
(12:56):
in toxic overload.
You might you might be surprised by how manyboxes that actually check your lifestyle.
So here are the warning signs about yourtoxicity.
Let's paint the picture here first.
You might be thinking, I don't work in chemicalplant.
I don't eat organ I eat organic and I work out.
I drink green juices every day.
(13:18):
I'm good, right?
Here's the truth.
Most people don't realize.
Toxins are those sneaky, sneaky, and they'renot in various obvious places.
You don't need to live next to a landfill orsmoke cigarettes to be carrying a toxic
overload or toxic burden at the end of the day.
Your oat milk might be full of glyphosate.
(13:41):
Right?
Your couch, flame retardants.
Your shampoo, endocrine disruptors.
Your tap water, heavy metals, PFAS,pharmaceuticals.
Even the receipts in your wallet wallet, theink are coated in that BPA.
So it's not about one exposure.
It's about the total overload.
And over time, that toxic overload can quietlypush your body into dysfunction across multiple
(14:07):
systems.
So here we go.
Let me walk you through what we commonly see inour clinic.
And I have personally experienced at the end ofthe day.
So like, I want to say I personally experiencedthese things.
Yep.
Because they the reality is we're not going toget away from all these toxins.
It's now what we do to disrupt them, right?
(14:27):
So brain and mood symptoms, when your brain'sdetox pathways are backed up or your
mitochondria is poisoned by your metals, moldand chemicals, You feel it upstairs.
Brain fog.
I walk into a room and forget why I'm there,which that happens, but not every day.
(14:49):
So when it's a common occurrence, right,anxiety or sudden panic, especially out of
nowhere.
Memory lapses.
I used to be so sharp.
What's happening?
You ask yourself.
Depression or low motivation.
Trouble falling asleep.
It's a huge one.
So here's a fact.
Mold toxins are neurotoxic, meaning they targetthe brain.
(15:14):
Mercury displaces zinc in the brain, and BPAalters neurotransmitters.
So this stuff literally changes the way youthink and then ultimately the way you feel.
Here's the metabolic effect and energydisruption.
Your mitochondria, the energy engines of yourcells, your building block, your cells are
(15:35):
extremely sensitive to toxins.
And when they get jammed up, you might noticefatigue that's not fixed by sleep.
Right?
Weight loss resistance, even with clean eating,thyroid dysfunction.
That means that low t three we've talked aboutoften.
Right?
Sluggish metabolism, adrenal burnout.
(15:56):
You're just getting weak, that 3PM burnoutevery single day.
Right?
Can't can't hold it together through an entireday.
Wired, but tired.
And then blood sugar swings.
You get shaky, hangry, or crash even aftermeals.
Right?
And if your liver is overwhelmed, your body mayintentionally hold on to fat because fat stores
(16:18):
toxins.
Your fat becomes a storage locker for stuffyour liver can't just keep up with at all.
So here's the immune and inflammatory problems.
Toxic overloads puts the immune system inconstant low grade fight or worse, it turns
against you.
Autoimmune flares.
(16:39):
Some things are Hashimoto's psoriasis.
You have histamine issues, itchy, flushed,hives, reaction to wine or leftovers.
Alright?
Skin issues like eczema, acne, and rashes.
Here's joint pain is a big one.
You get hit in that mid thirties, forties jointpain that moves around and feels just
(17:04):
completely unexplained.
Frequent illness or slow recovery process.
So 70% of your immune system lives in your gut.
When your gut barrier gets compromised by thesetoxins, you become reactive to everything.
(17:25):
So let's dive into the gut and the toxins andthe detox pathways, which are which are
breaking up the cycle.
Right?
So this is the exit ramp.
But if you're not pooping, sweating, ordraining, well, you're recirculating that
garbage on a daily basis.
So you could experience bloating or gas aftermeals, constipation or loose stools, new or
(17:48):
increasing food sensitivities, chemicalsensitivity, perfume stores, cleaning supplies
make you sick, Your liver congestion signs,pain under right rib cage, nausea or fatty
meals, headaches, especially in the morning, ortaking a long time just to wake up because you
(18:10):
have elongated sleep cycles, Your liver has twodetox phases, phase one and phase two, and they
both require nutrients and energy to function.
So if you're nutrient deficient, or you'rechronically inflamed, your detox becomes like a
clogged drain pipe.
So think of that.
We had those big old cast iron pipes at ourhouse that we had to clean out.
(18:35):
But over time, the rust built up, rust builtup, built up, built up, where the water only
had a big four inch pipe only had a dime sizedfigure to go through at the end of the day.
That's that's exactly what happens, right, whenall these toxins never get decompressed and
actually released.
So I'm gonna be brutally honest with you.
(18:56):
Eat eating clean, taking supplements, hittingthe gym, even sleeping eight hours, and you're
still inflamed or foggy or exhausted, doesn'tmean you're not broken.
You're probably just toxic at the end of theday.
And here's the science to back this up.
So from the Journal of Integrative Medicine,toxin toxin accumulation impairs mitochondrial
(19:17):
function, detoxification pathways and immuneimbalance leading to multi system dysfunction.
So that's not alternative medicine.
That's just reality medicine.
It's not in your head.
It's not in your cells.
It's not in your liver.
It's in your brain and hormones and skin.
(19:38):
So up next, we'll talk about how we actuallytest for this at Alessi Functional Health in
the functional medicine world.
And no, we're not using like a guessworkscheme, right?
We're running advanced tests that reveal what'sreally going on underneath the hood.
So if this segment hit home, stay tuned.
(20:02):
But here, first is a quick word from oursponsor.
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Now back to the episode.
Alright.
Welcome back.
Now, definitely let's get into, you know, theaction steps.
(21:35):
I think this is always the great the greatpart.
You definitely touched on a lot of big thingsthere.
Things that people have probably experiencedfrom time to time.
And I wanted to touch on something real quick.
We test for leaky gut all the time in ourclinic.
And I think when you look up the stats online,right?
It is not reflective of the truth.
Most people, it's probably higher, right?
(21:56):
Because I'd say it's almost one hundred percentof people who have come in and we've suspected
leaky gut, so we run a test, they have it.
And so, it's so common because, again,everything you just explained, all the things
that we're putting in and taking into our bodyare just breaking down that gut, the gut
barrier, right?
And making it more permeable.
So, let's do this.
(22:17):
Let's get let's get functional.
Let's get into how testing works and how wetest for toxic load.
And so, might be wondering, right?
Okay, I have these symptoms.
Now, how do I know if it is toxins at the rootcause?
Because the reality is your regular doctor isnot looking for this.
You could have mold in your sinuses, you couldhave mercury built up in the brain, or even
(22:40):
parasites in your gut, and your conventionallabs could still come back normal.
But normal doesn't equate to optimal, and itdefinitely doesn't mean clean.
So that's where now functional medicine comesin.
Because again, we don't guess, we test.
And we often use a lot broader and more, Iguess, diverse testing protocol to look for
(23:03):
things that other medicine providers are notlooking for.
And you know, inside our Total Care program, weuse these advanced diagnostic tools that reveal
what's lurking under the surface.
So let's talk through here now our toxic burdentesting, right?
What does that look for?
So one of the things we use is a urinarymycotoxin test.
(23:25):
So this is basically the go to for moldexposure.
It's gonna screen for dangerous mold toxinslike Okra toxin, which can disrupt immune and
kidney function, Aflatoxin, which is a potentcarcinogen, and Gliotoxin, which is an immune
suppressor that can hide deep in your tissues,right?
So it's very difficult to pin this one out.
(23:46):
So, here in Florida, very common if you've everlived in a water damaged home, a dorm or an
office, or maybe a hurricane prone area, right?
We just experienced this last year, housesgetting flooded.
If the mold is not remediated that can build upand then now that's accumulating inside of you.
And it gets into the air ducts and it is, it istough to get rid of.
(24:08):
The next one we look at is what's called a GPLtox basically an environmental pollutants
panel.
And so this is going to check your urine foreveryday chemical toxins.
Things like phthalates, which are in plasticsand fragrances, BPA, which we talked about in
the receipts, the water bottles.
Basically, if your if your plastic is touchingyour food, you're getting BPA.
(24:29):
If it's unless it's BPA free.
And oftentimes, the labels lie too.
They've found ways to get around telling you ifit's BPA free or not.
Things like parabens, which are in lotions andshampoos.
It also looks for things like styrene andxylene, which are air pollutants that come from
like solvents and insulation in homes.
And then things like, you know, you go to thegas station, you breathe in those gasoline
(24:53):
fumes, you can build up things inside your bodyas well.
So basically, this test is going to tell uswhat are you absorbing from your products, and
your air, and whether or not your detoxpathways are keeping up too.
Another one and this is one that we run a lotis a heavy metals test.
So we can use either urine or hair analysis.
I like the hair because it's stored there for along time.
(25:16):
And so the hair is going to tell me if this issomething that's been accumulating.
It's going to look for the big ones mercury,lead, arsenic, cadmium.
Again, these are things that are in everydaystuff, right?
Like like some of the bigger fish is gonna havea lot of mercury in it, right?
Things like tuna.
So making sure we're buying like low mercurytuna, lead which is in old paint.
(25:37):
Arsenic is in it's in groundwater and tap waterif you're drinking just basic tap water.
And then cadmium is if you're, you know, if youhave exposure to smoke, right?
And so even low levels of this, like it doesn'thave to be a lot can block enzymes and disrupt
your hormones and then cause downstream effectsfrom that.
Another one that is very common for us to runis what's called an organic acids test or an
(26:01):
oat test.
So this basically is like a metabolicfootprint.
And we can use this for metabolic issues aswell, not just for toxicity, but it's a great
combo for both of those because it's gonnareveal if there's fungal or candida overgrowth.
It will reveal if there's mitochondrial damage,oxalate issues, neurotransmitter imbalances, or
(26:24):
if you're depleted in glutathione, which isbasically your your boss body's master
detoxifier.
And so, this test is gonna show us whether yourcellular engines are running or if they're
misfiring.
Right?
And then, you know, another one.
This one is I'd say this one is a little bitmore of a pricey test.
(26:45):
So people often, if we don't to run it, wewon't but it is a fantastic test for getting to
the bottom of it is a GI map stool test.
So basically you collect a stool sample, and itis going to 100% tell you if you have
parasites, if you have pathogenic bacteria,very common one is H.
Pylori, see that all the time.
Fungal markers like Candida.
(27:07):
If you have secretory IgA, which is basicallylike an overload of the IgA immune component in
your gut, or if you have liver enzymes in thestool.
And so this will tell us if we have a backupgoing on.
And a big one here for us to want to run thistest would be like if someone has chronic
fatigue, they have skin issues like eczema orpsoriasis, histamine problems, which is like
(27:30):
those sensitivities to chemicals, and then foodsensitivities as well.
So you have to check what's brewing in the gut.
And then this gives us a % array of what'sgoing on.
And then one that we don't, I can't say we runthis one a lot, but it is a cool test is a VCS
test or a visual contrast sensitivity.
(27:51):
It's a non invasive eye test.
It screens for biotoxin exposure, neurologicaleffects, poor oxygen delivery to the brain,
basically some of those early warning signs fora toxin triggered brain inflammation.
I will say that the main ones we're going touse is the urine toxin, the stool test and the
oat test.
Those are probably non negotiables we can sensethat maybe there's toxicity.
(28:15):
And then, you know, beyond beyond the labs,right?
What else can we do?
Because testing isn't just about looking at theblood and the urine, right?
It's about the story.
And so we also want to take a history intake.
Have you ever lived near a farm?
Have you do you use a lot of personal careproducts?
Have you ever had mercury fillings that maybewere removed, right?
When they remove them, a lot of times thatkicks that mercury into the bloodstream.
(28:40):
Where have you worked?
What have you been exposed to throughout yourlife?
And then also, there's some really cool hometests you can use to test your home for mold,
the dust and also water, right?
What's the water contaminant look like?
So, know, I don't want us to like free peopleout.
This is that's not the point of this.
We're not trying to scare people.
(29:00):
But we're trying to let you know that it youneed to figure out what your body is burdened
with if you have these symptoms, right?
Because when you identify the source, now youhave an idea you can treat the root.
So, not just the symptoms.
There's a quote here from Frontiers in PublicHealth in 2021.
And it said testing and individualizing detoxplans improves outcomes in patients with
(29:25):
chronic fatigue, autoimmunity, and metabolicdisease.
Basically confirms that the root of thosediseases comes from toxic overload, right?
Or can come from toxic overload.
And so again, that's why we test.
That's why functional medicine works.
Truly, functional medicine is real medicine,right?
Throwing a medicine on throwing medicine atsomething just to try to cover it up.
(29:48):
That's not medicine.
That's lazy.
That's, you know, a system that's been built togenerate money for an industry that is
realistically just failing.
So functional medicine is how does your bodyget back to equilibrium and actually work for
itself?
So now we know what to look for symptom wise,you explained that great, Matt.
(30:08):
Now, we know what tests we can run, andobviously what to do in the next step.
Now, how do we heal, right?
How do we take that information that we'vegained with testing, with symptoms, with
history, and then turn it into a healingplatform?
And so, here's the good news, right?
Your body is built to heal.
It's a healing machine, right?
(30:29):
You cut your hand or your arm, it's gonna heal.
It just does.
So, it's not that it's broken, it's justoverloaded.
And so, it can't adequately do what it's meantto do.
And so, you have to create the rightconditions.
And that's why removal is the first R in ourprotocols.
Always get removed.
Remove what's getting in the way.
So, this is kind of the I like wanted to keepit simple here, but the four phases of true
(30:54):
detoxification.
So, number one, again, remove the sourcebecause you can't detox what you keep being
exposed to, right?
That'd be like trying to, I don't know, liketrying to keep taking things in and get things
out of your house, right?
You keep taking new stuff in, but you're tryingto get rid of things.
It's clutter.
So, here's how you can clean up yourenvironment.
(31:15):
Starting with the air using purifiers, thingswith like those HEPA and activated carbon
filters.
I even more so like the ones that have theozone and they can break down the pollutants
rather than just kicking them back into theair.
Water is a big one.
So drinking clean water is huge using like areverse osmosis or those countertop Berkey
(31:36):
filters are great because tap water in mostdeveloped cities and places is gonna be pretty
bad.
Full of fluoride and all kind of chemicals.
And then products, switching to like non toxiccookware, natural cleaners, and the, you know,
the beauty products and things, as well asfood.
(31:56):
Eating organic whenever possible, trying toavoid processed foods and seed oils, and then
the makeup and the beauty products.
You don't have to be perfect, right?
What do we always say?
Be consistently good rather than occasionallyperfect, right?
And because every bit is gonna help empty thattoxic bucket.
(32:17):
Now, step two, okay, you've removed.
Now, how do we support the drainage and detoxthat your body's trying to do, it just needs
some help.
Because you can't detox unless your body candrain.
So, we focus heavily on opening up what'scalled your emanctary system, which is
basically your liver, your kidneys, your colon.
These are the organs that eliminate waste.
(32:37):
This is the lymphatic system as well, oftenoverlooked, as well as your skin.
There's a really cool practice called drybrushing, where basically you get like a
bristle brush that's kind of hard and you brushyour skin towards the lymph systems like
towards the armpits, towards the groin, and itis pushing the lymph from the skin and getting
that you should get kind of red from it, right?
(32:58):
It's because you're flushing things into thesystem.
Other tools that we can use are things likebinders.
This is always going to be part of some of ourfunctional medicine protocols.
Like chlorella activated charcoal.
Humic and fulvic acid are great ones that weuse a lot because they're pretty gentle, but
they're going to capture and push things out.
(33:18):
As well as supporting the liver with milkthistle glutathione NAC.
Lymph drainage right like we just talked aboutdry brushing rebounding or or those vibration
plates that we have in our clinic.
Whenever someone's doing a detox protocol,they're gonna come and use these power plates,
these vibration plates, which is gonnastimulate that lymph drainage.
And then sweating, infrared sauna, hot yoga,Epsom salt baths.
(33:42):
Because remember, detox isn't doesn't equal ajuice cleanse.
Right?
That's not what it looks like.
It's about opening up these drainage pathways,mobilizing and eliminating toxins in a safe,
supported way.
We actually discussed this heavily in episodeeight.
So, back and listen to that one.
It will further kind of explain what we'retalking about here and go tandem with this.
(34:04):
The next step after you're supporting the detoxis rebuilding your cellular health.
Now, once the junk is out, let's talk about howwe rebuild from the inside out.
Mitochondrial support, focusing on that withthings like CoQ10, PQQ for better energy,
supporting the gut with probiotics, gut liningnutrients, parasite cleanses when needed.
(34:26):
Nervous system reset something you talk aboutall the time HRV training right breath work.
How do we support the vagus nerve with thingslike cold exposure.
This is going to get that body back toward astate of rest and digest.
And then hormone rebalance.
Well, how are we using adaptogens or, you know,test based protocols, obviously based on the
labs to rebalance the hormones.
(34:48):
This is usually the phase where people start tofeel more like themselves.
They're gonna have more energy, maybe skin'sclearing up, less brain fog.
And again, it's not magic, it's physiology.
And then the last part and probably the thingthat we do that other providers don't do is the
lifestyle medicine component.
(35:08):
This is where we stand out because we take itfurther than just hey, do this, take this.
It's like no, how do we focus on what you'redoing on a daily basis and really guide you
through how to optimize your lifestyle?
Right?
So because the truth is your daily habits areeither loading your toxic burden or lightening
it.
And so getting morning sunlight, blocking bluelight at night, resetting that circadian rhythm
(35:32):
because recovery and drainage happens at night.
There's a concept in Chinese medicine that 3AMis really where your liver is kicking and it is
hitting hard.
Oftentimes people on a detox, or if they'restruggling with liver detox, are going to be
waking up around that time of night every everynight like what's going on?
That's a good sign.
Prioritizing deep sleep, reducing your digitaloverload, right?
(35:55):
Reducing your stress and EMFs.
And then making the low toxic living basicallypart of your life, right?
You have to adopt these things.
And it's not like you just do it once and thenyou're good.
It's like no, this has to become part of yourdaily life.
And so just real quick here before we startwrapping things up, there's a great quote from
the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine in2020.
(36:16):
They said ongoing detoxification support andenvironmental hygiene are foundational pillars
in long term chronic disease recovery.
So basically, you're healing from some kind ofchronic disease.
You have to incorporate the the lifestyle andenvironmental component or else you're just
gonna end up right back in that position.
(36:37):
Your environment matters, your habits matter,and ultimately that's, you know, you matter.
So take take ownership of that, make changesthat you need, and then seek help when
necessary.
So you weren't born toxic, although some peoplemaybe were born predisposed, right, or their
their early years.
But over time, the world we live in, it justfills that bucket up with the plastics, the
(37:01):
molds, the metals, and the stress.
And so, functional medicine gives us the toolsto like pinpoint and identify.
And then, Total Care, which is what we'vecreated within our office, gives you the map to
fix it, right?
And so, it's not just about cleansing yourbody, it's about reclaiming your energy, your
clarity, your vitality and ultimately yourlife.
And so, if you would ever like to learn moreabout how we help diagnose, reverse, heal
(37:26):
toxicity and chronic disease within our AlessiTotal Care program, go to
AlessiFunctionalHealth.com, schedule aconsultation with me or one of our providers.
Let's create a personalized plan for yourlifelong health.
Listeners of this podcast are always gonna getan exclusive discount and price reductions on
all of our protocols and lab testing, so besure to mention where you heard about us.
(37:50):
And as always, if you found to value in today'sshow, please like, subscribe, and share this
episode with someone who needs to hear it.
This is how we grow this message and changemore lives.
Wanna get in touch with us or be featured on anepisode?
Email us at ask@AlessiFXHealth.com.
If you just wanna know a little bit more aboutus, go to lesseefxhealth.com, sign up for our
(38:14):
newsletter, and check out our resources page tolearn more about our approach to nutrition and
cutting edge therapies.
Awesome, man.
And thank you again for tuning in to HealthDecoded where we break down science, bust the
myths, and help you take control of your healthnaturally.
Until next time, stay curious, stay empowered,and remember your health is in your hands.
(38:36):
Thank you for tuning in to Health Decoded wherewe break down the truth about all things health
and empower you to take charge of yourwell-being.
If you found value in today's episode, pleasesubscribe, leave a review, and share it with
someone who needs to hear this.
For more resources and personalized support,visit us at Alessifunctionalhealth.com and sign
(38:58):
up for our newsletter.
To hear your questions answered live on theshow, send them to askalessifxhealth dot com.
That's ask@ALESSIFXhealth.com.
Until next time, stay curious, stay empowered,and remember, your health is in your hands.
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