EP14: Toxicity and Biotransformation: Practical Clinical Pearls

2025-05-27

Most detox advice does more harm than good unless you understand how toxicity really works in the body. Tracy Harrison takes on one of the most misunderstood topics in functional medicine: why detox protocols often backfire, especially in patients with chronic illness. Should detox ever be the first step in care? What happens when you mobilize years of stored toxins without first making sure the body can handle it? This episode challenges the common urge to “cleanse” as a quick fix and instead offers a deeper look ...

Most detox advice does more harm than good unless you understand how toxicity really works in the body.

Tracy Harrison takes on one of the most misunderstood topics in functional medicine: why detox protocols often backfire, especially in patients with chronic illness. Should detox ever be the first step in care? What happens when you mobilize years of stored toxins without first making sure the body can handle it?

This episode challenges the common urge to “cleanse” as a quick fix and instead offers a deeper look at how biotransformation actually works. Tracy walks through the difference between acute exposure and chronic overload, the risks of aggressive detox, and the science behind supporting phase two detox pathways from a place of strength. She also highlights the toxins hiding in plain sight, from dryer sheets to personal care products, and the role of nutrient depletion in keeping patients stuck.

For practitioners who want to move past protocol-driven care and into true partnership with their patients, this episode is a reminder: real change happens when people understand what’s happening in their body and feel confident enough to do something about it.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Missteps in Detox Protocols

01:05 Chronic Toxic Overload vs. Acute Exposure

04:10 Safe and Targeted Detoxification

06:08 Why the Body Stores Toxins

09:02 Detoxing from a Place of Strength

12:04 Weight Loss and Mobilized Toxins

18:11 Dose-Response Myths and Toxic Synergy

21:05 Everyday Sources of Toxic Exposure

25:06 Transdermal Absorption and Beauty Products

30:06 Individual Toxin Overload and Nutrient Needs

34:08 Hormonal and Cellular Damage from Toxins