The Hidden Burden (Part 3): Food, Fabric, and the Toxins You Didn't Know You Were Wearing or Eating

In Part 1, we explored environmental toxins like air pollution and mold.
In Part 2, we looked at personal care products and what’s hiding in your skincare.
And now, we’re rounding out the series by looking at something even closer: what you eat and wear.

That’s right, toxins in food and clothing can add to your liver’s daily burden, often without a single symptom until your system is already struggling.

Let’s break it down.

6 Common Toxins Found in Food & Clothing

1. Glyphosate & Pesticides
   Found in: non-organic produce, grains, and processed foods

   Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides, and a known disruptor of your gut microbiome and liver detox enzymes. Long-term exposure may be linked to hormone disruption and even cancer risk.

2. Mercury & Aluminum
   Found in: some seafood (like tuna and swordfish), cookware, and food packaging

   These heavy metals are neurotoxic and difficult for the liver to eliminate once accumulated. Mercury in particular can damage enzymes and increase oxidative stress in the liver.

3. Preservatives & Additives
   Found in: shelf-stable snacks, boxed meals, deli meats, and soft drinks

   These synthetic ingredients often have no nutritional value and can strain your liver’s detox pathways while promoting inflammation and gut dysbiosis.

4. Artificial Flavoring & Coloring
   Found in: candy, baked goods, cereals, and fast food

   These ingredients are often petroleum-based and linked to behavioral and neurological concerns, especially in children. Your liver must process each chemical dye and synthetic compound like a toxin.

5. Ammonia & Manganese
   Found in: factory-farmed meats, processed foods, and even drinking water

   Elevated ammonia levels can signal poor detox function, while excess manganese has been linked to liver and neurological damage in high concentrations.

6. Flame Retardants, Phthalates & PFAS
   Found in: clothing (especially stain-resistant or wrinkle-free), bedding, and furniture

   PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily. They accumulate in your body over time and are linked to liver damage, hormone disruption, and immune dysfunction.

Why It Matters

These toxins often go unnoticed because they’re “normal” in modern living. But your liver doesn’t care how common they are, it still has to process them. When your detox pathways are constantly clogged, you may experience:

• Sluggish metabolism
• Brain fog or low energy
• Hormonal imbalances
• Skin breakouts or rashes
• Digestive issues
• Cravings and blood sugar crashes

It’s not your willpower, it’s your toxic load.

How to Lighten the Load

Here’s how to make small shifts that protect your body long-term:

• Choose organic produce when possible (focus on the Dirty Dozen list)
• Avoid artificial dyes and read food labels closely
• Invest in toxin-free cookware (ditch the nonstick)
• Buy GOTS-certified or OEKO-TEX® clothing, especially for children
• Support liver detox daily with hydration, cruciferous veggies, lemon water, and gentle movement

Putting It All Together: Support Your Liver Naturally

Your liver doesn’t need a crash detox, it needs daily support and a little breathing room. That’s exactly what we focus on at Kestra Health.

Through our 1:1 coaching and seasonal group detox programs, I help you:

• Identify hidden sources of toxic burden
• Rebuild your foundation through food, movement, and self-care
• Create sustainable habits that support your liver, hormones, gut, and mind

If you’re feeling stuck, tired, inflamed, or just off—this may be the missing piece.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Join our next Group Detox
Book a free Discovery Call
Or explore Integrative Coaching for personalized support

Let’s create a health routine that works with your real life, and gets your body back to feeling strong, clear, and balanced.

With purpose,
Brooke
Certified Integrative Health Practitioner | Founder, Kestra Health
Whole Body Wellness from the Inside Out