Reducing Toxic Body Burden: Why It Matters and How to Start

In the world of functional medicine and holistic health, the term "toxic body burden" frequently arises. Toxic body burden refers to the accumulation of harmful substances in your body, including environmental toxins, heavy metals, pesticides, plastics, and more. While your body has natural detoxification systems, modern lifestyles often overload them, leading to imbalances that can manifest as health issues.

As Dee Davidson, FDN-P, emphasizes:
"Your body is designed to heal, but it cannot do so when weighed down by toxic overload. Clearing these burdens allows your body to function at its best."

Why Reducing Toxic Body Burden is Essential

When your body's detoxification pathways—like the liver, gallbladder, colon, kidneys, skin, and lymphatic system—become overburdened, the effects can ripple across your entire well-being.

Health Impacts of Toxic Burden:

  • Hormone Disruption: Many toxins, like BPA and phthalates, mimic or interfere with hormones, contributing to imbalances.

  • Gut Dysbiosis: Toxic overload can damage gut health, leading to bloating, IBS, or even autoimmune conditions.

  • Chronic Inflammation: Toxins can trigger low-grade inflammation, the root of many chronic diseases.

  • Energy Drain: A sluggish liver or overworked detox pathways can lead to persistent fatigue.

  • Skin Issues: Acne, rashes, and dull skin often point to poor detoxification.

Top Ways to Reduce Toxic Body Burden

1. Support Your Liver

Your liver is your primary detox organ. Give it the help it needs:

  • Add bitter foods like dandelion greens, arugula, and lemon water to your diet.

  • Incorporate milk thistle or a high-quality liver support supplement like Gaia Liver Cleanse.

  • Avoid alcohol and processed foods that burden the liver.

2. Perform Regular Gallbladder Cleanses

Gallbladder health is crucial for detoxification, especially for those prone to sluggish digestion or gallstones. Dee Davidson works with clients to guide safe gallbladder cleanses tailored to their needs.

3. Cleanse Your Colon

A colon cleanse can help clear waste and reduce the toxic burden. Dee can guide you in choosing the right protocol for your body, ensuring safe and effective detoxification.

4. Hydrate with Purpose

Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces of filtered water daily. Hydration supports kidney function and helps flush toxins.

5. Reduce Environmental Toxins

  • Switch to non-toxic personal care and cleaning products.

  • Filter your water and air to minimize exposure to heavy metals, chlorine, and pollutants.

  • Opt for organic produce to reduce pesticide exposure.

6. Prioritize Sweating

Sweat is a powerful way to eliminate toxins. Use an infrared sauna, exercise, or practice hot yoga regularly. Start slow and work up to 20-minute sessions.

7. Dry Brushing and Lymphatic Drainage

Stimulate your lymphatic system with dry brushing before showers or by getting regular lymphatic massages.

8. Use Binders Wisely

Activated charcoal, chlorella, or other binders can help capture and remove toxins from the gut. These should be used with guidance to avoid nutrient depletion.

9. Castor Oil Packs

Applying castor oil packs over the liver or abdomen helps promote circulation and lymphatic drainage. Aim for 3-5 times per week for optimal results.

10. Focus on Gut Health

A healthy gut is vital for detoxification. Add fermented foods, probiotics, and prebiotic-rich foods to support your microbiome.

When to Seek Professional Guidance

While small shifts in lifestyle and diet can significantly reduce your toxic load, sometimes a more structured approach is necessary. If you’ve never done a live gallbladder or colon cleanse, working with a functional health practitioner like Dee Davidson, FDN-P, ensures that you cleanse safely and effectively. These cleanses are critical for optimizing detox pathways and addressing root imbalances, and Dee offers personalized protocols to guide you through the process. Dee has the ability to order functional lab testing to pinpoint your toxicity levels and the specific sources. Email Dee at dee@confidentlyloveyourself.com for details.

Steps to Get Started

  1. Evaluate Your Toxic Load
    Take a moment to assess your symptoms. Are you feeling fatigued, bloated, or experiencing skin issues? These could signal toxic overload.

  2. Schedule a Consultation
    If you're unsure where to begin, scheduling a consultation with Dee Davidson is the first step. With her expertise in functional lab testing and holistic protocols, Dee can help you uncover the root causes of your symptoms and design a personalized plan.

  3. Commit to Small Daily Changes
    Healing doesn’t happen overnight, but every small shift brings you closer to whole health. Start with one or two tips above and build consistency.

Detoxification is about more than just clearing toxins—it’s about creating space for your body to heal and thrive. As Dee says:

"When you reduce your toxic load, you remove obstacles to wellness. It's not just about feeling better; it's about reclaiming your vitality."

Take the first step toward whole health by addressing your body’s toxic burden. You’re worth it.

"You can't trick the body. It will always communicate its needs; it's up to us to listen."

The Body Speaks: Symptoms as Signals

Dr. Gabor Maté, in his groundbreaking book When the Body Says No, emphasizes:

"The body’s manifestations are often direct reflections of emotional experiences."

Similarly, The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk highlights how trauma is stored in the body and can express itself through physical symptoms, such as:

  • Chronic pain

  • Digestive issues (e.g., IBS, bloating)

  • Migraines or frequent headaches

  • Autoimmune diseases

  • Persistent fatigue or insomnia

In The Emotion Code by Dr. Bradley Nelson, he states:

"Trapped emotions are like balls of energy that become stuck in the body, distorting tissues and interfering with normal function."

These imbalances disrupt harmony within the body and can even lead to diseases if left unresolved.

Examples of Emotional Manifestation

  1. Chronic Shoulder Tension: Often associated with carrying emotional burdens or the “weight of the world.”

  2. Gut Issues: Commonly tied to unresolved anxiety or a "gut feeling" ignored.

  3. Lower Back Pain: Linked to financial stress or lack of support.

  4. Thyroid Symptoms: Frequently connected to struggles with self-expression or feeling silenced.

The Path to True Healing

Healing isn’t just about addressing physical symptoms; it requires a holistic approach that incorporates the mind and soul. Functional medicine practitioners like Dee Davidson, FDN-P, focus on identifying hidden stressors, vital voids, and restoring balance to the whole person.

As Dr. Maté shares:
"The essence of trauma is disconnection from the self. And the healing must include reconnecting with ourselves."

10 Tips to Gently Release Stored Emotions

Releasing emotions and trauma doesn’t happen overnight, but small daily shifts can create profound changes over time.

  1. Breathwork: Incorporate 5-10 minutes of deep, intentional breathing daily to calm your nervous system.

  2. Journaling: Write freely about your emotions without judgment. Start with prompts like, “What am I holding onto today?”

  3. Movement: Gentle yoga, tai chi, or even a 10-minute walk can help release stored tension.

  4. Grounding Exercises: Spend time barefoot in nature or practice mindfulness techniques to reconnect with your body.

  5. Therapy or Counseling: Work with a professional trained in somatic therapy or trauma-informed care.

  6. Energy Healing: Modalities like Reiki or acupuncture can help release blocked energy.

  7. Castor Oil Packs: These promote relaxation and detoxification while supporting physical and emotional healing.

  8. Affirmations: Speak kind words to yourself daily. Example: “I am safe, I am whole, I am healing.”

  9. Creative Expression: Engage in art, music, or dance to channel emotions constructively.

  10. Connection: Share your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or support group.

Embracing the Journey

Healing isn’t linear. It’s a process of understanding, releasing, and growing. By addressing stored traumas, acknowledging emotions, and supporting the body, mind, and soul, you can pave the way for transformative change.

As The Body Keeps the Score reminds us:
"Trauma leaves the body when it is processed, not ignored."

If you’re ready to explore how your emotions may be influencing your health, reach out to Dee Davidson, FDN-P. With functional lab testing, personalized protocols, and compassionate support, Dee can help you uncover root imbalances and guide you toward whole health.

Every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to balance. Begin today with one intentional action, and trust that healing is possible when you address the whole self—mind, body, and soul.


Dee Davidson is a Functional Health Practitioner, hormone health expert, and advocate for personalized health and integrative care. With a focus on functional health and functional nutrition, Dee provides bio-individualized solutions to help clients restore balance. To learn more about how functional lab testing, functional medicine, and a holistic health approach can support your wellness journey, listen to her Confidently Balance Your Hormones podcast or schedule a discovery call at ConfidentlyLoveYourself.com.

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Unlocking Whole Health: Addressing Emotions and Stored Traumas Through Functional Medicine and Holistic Health