9 Sneaky Thyroid Toxins Hiding in Your Home

We are exposed to so many toxins every day – both inside and outside our homes (some are obvious, some less so).

For those of us with Hashimoto’s, this toxin overload can be particularly problematic, as our bodies often struggle to eliminate toxins efficiently. ^{^[1]} This inability to detox properly can trigger or worsen autoimmune symptoms, as these chemical exposures can trigger immune dysregulation. ^{^[2]} This is why we need to be especially diligent when it comes to addressing chemical exposure in our day-to-day lives.

As I began my healing journey, I started paying closer attention to the toxins lurking in my environment. From indoor pollutants like formaldehyde (yes, really!), to fluoride in my tap water, to hidden mold in my home, to my shampoo and deodorant (have you ever read those labels?!), I realized that my surroundings were full of potentially thyroid-disrupting toxins. I slowly began swapping out everyday products that contained harmful ingredients, for less toxic options.

One of the biggest eye-openers for me came while researching the “Toxins” chapter of my book, Hashimoto’s: The Root Cause. I had never thought that my love for beauty products could be harming my health… until I learned about the hundreds of chemicals that we put on our bodies every day. I had many “aha!” moments when I began to realize how harmful many of those ingredients are… and what they were doing to my body.

Women, on average, use 12 personal care products daily, exposing themselves to 168 different chemical ingredients! ^{^[3]} Men use an average of six products, encountering about 85 chemicals. While the reasons behind the disproportionate rate of Hashimoto’s in women (seven women for every one man) are complex, the heavy use of endocrine-disrupting chemicals may be a contributing factor.

In 2014, I suffered a sudden flare-up of my Hashimoto’s after starting to use a new lipstick. My symptoms started within 24 hours of starting to use this product. A third-party lab test revealed that this particular product had high levels of arsenic, and this matched up with my own toxicity lab results, which showed elevated levels of arsenic.

You truly never know what’s lurking in conventional cosmetic and household products!

In this article, I’ll share nine sneaky thyroid toxins that could be affecting your thyroid health – and, more importantly, how you can minimize your exposure and swap for products with cleaner ingredients.

In this article, we explore:

The most common sneaky thyroid toxins
Where they might be lurking
Swaps and better options
How to support your detoxification system

Liver 101

The liver is an important organ that is responsible for a number of processes: it filters the blood, stores glucose for energy, produces and secretes bile for fat digestion, and is necessary for converting T4 to T3, the active thyroid hormone. ^{^[4]}

The liver is also our primary detoxification organ. The elimination of toxins is done through a two-step enzymatic process (Phase I and Phase II). In order to support both detox pathways, the liver needs to be given an abundance of vitamins and nutrients.

I think of the liver as an office worker who needs the right kind of tools to process an incoming stream of paperwork — this may be the right kind of office supplies, the right kind of computer programs, and her cup (or pot) of coffee.

However, when the office worker keeps getting more and more paperwork dumped on her desk without replenishing the tools she needs to complete her work, a backlog can occur. A similar situation happens with our liver and toxins.

Our detox pathways may become overwhelmed and overburdened, and we end up with a toxic backlog. Toxins may build up and circulate in our bodies, or become stored in our fat instead of being properly excreted. This often results in multiple symptoms, as well as reactions to substances that are normally harmless.

How do you know if you have an impaired ability to process toxins, or an overburdened liver?

A sign that you may have a toxic backlog and that your detox pathways need comprehensive support is if you react to normally helpful supplements such as B vitamins, glutathione, or flavonoids, which support Phase I of detoxification. That’s because if you use Phase I-supportive supplements as a standalone, they will begin to convert the toxins into intermediate byproducts, but many of these byproducts are more harmful than the original toxins and may not clear from the body if you don’t have enough Phase II-supporting amino acids.

Here are the other signs and symptoms of impaired liver function: ^[5]

If you checked three or fewer symptoms, that’s ideal. If you checked between three and 12, it suggests mild toxicity. Checking 13 to 24 symptoms means moderate toxicity, and more than 25 indicates severe toxicity.

If you checked off a lot of these symptoms, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many people with Hashimoto’s are likely to end up with a high toxicity score in the beginning stages of their journeys before they start to make changes.

Whenever I see a high toxicity score in my clients, I see this as a big opportunity for improvement, knowing that once you remove some of the toxins from your life, you’ll start to feel better.

Liver Congestion and Thyroid Disease

It is important to note that in addition to causing impaired detoxification symptoms which may mimic those related to thyroid disease, liver dysfunction can also affect the thyroid. If your liver is impaired, your body may be unable to convert T4 to the active T3 hormone correctly, which can cause symptoms of hypothyroidism. ^{^[6]} (It’s important to have sufficient levels of the active T3 version, as it’s our “go” hormone that tells our body to grow hair, boost metabolism, and create more energy!)

Some Hashimoto’s patients with a sluggish liver may also notice an extreme sensitivity to foods and drugs. Many of my clients who have reported chemical sensitivities and allergies to different foods and medications, would frequently react to just about any benign and helpful supplement that I would give them. These reactions are often due to the toxic backlog that is present in their body, which can cause them to react to everything in their environment as well.

Now, let’s explore nine sneaky thyroid toxins you’re likely to encounter.

9 Sneaky Thyroid Toxins

1. Fluoride

Fluoride was added to nearly all public drinking water in the United States in the 1950s as a public health measure meant to minimize tooth decay, and we continue to fluoridate most of our water today.

What you may be surprised to hear, however, is that up until the 1950s (prior to the development of other thyroid-suppressing medications), fluoride was used to treat hyperthyroidism! A dose of 2 to 5 mg of fluoride per day was typically found to be effective for suppressing an overactive thyroid.

Meanwhile, research shows that chronic exposure to fluoride and/or high levels of fluoride in drinking water may be linked to a number of health issues, including skeletal fluorosis, dental fluorosis, arthritis, osteoporosis, muscle damage, fatigue, joint problems, endocrine damage, and more. ^{^[7]}

A recent report from 2024 found that fluoride exposure is associated with lower IQ in children, which has brought the issue of fluoridation front and center again (the U.S. is one of the only Westernized countries that still fluoridates drinking water). ^{^[8]}

Because fluoride competes with iodine in the body, this can lead to hypothyroidism and impaired thyroid hormone production. Thyroid cells absorb iodine and combine it with the amino acid tyrosine. This is then converted into the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). If fluoride displaces iodine, then we have the thyroid gland absorbing fluoride instead, thereby disrupting the production of thyroid hormones. ^{^[9]}

Aside from our drinking water, where might you encounter fluoride? Some common sources of fluoride include the following:

Bottled beverages (due to fluoride content in water)
Toothpaste, mouthwash, and other dental hygiene products
Black tea, red tea, and other teas
Canned food items
Black/red rock salt
Chewing tobacco
Supplements (always check the labels)
Medications (for an extensive list, please visit the Fluoride Toxicity Research Collaborative)

Reduce Your Exposure

One of the simplest ways to reduce your fluoride exposure is to use a water filter, but not all filters remove it! Fluoride can only be removed by distilling the water, using reverse osmosis filtration systems, or by using activated alumina defluoridation filters. Most other types of filters do not remove fluoride.

Here are a few of my favorite water filters:

The most convenient and cost-effective reverse osmosis water filter I have found is AquaTru’s countertop filter. I’ve set up a special discount with AquaTru for my Thyroid Pharmacist readers to save $100 off when they visit this link.
Clearly Filtered is another company that I have recently discovered, and I have been very impressed with their products. They produce a variety of filtration systems, including water pitchers, bottles, and under-the-sink filters, that are able to remove up to 99 percent of fluoride from the water. You can get 10% off your order using code WELCOME10 at checkout!
Another option is having a plumber or handyman install an under-the-sink reverse osmosis unit.

As for dental hygiene products, there are plenty of safe, fluoride-free options that are quite popular and effective. Here are some of my favorite fluoride-free toothpaste options:

RiseWell – I love their dental products. Their toothpaste is made with naturally derived hydroxyapatite, a mineral that makes up 90 percent of our tooth enamel and has been proven to strengthen and protect your teeth without fluoride. Get 10% off using the code WENTZ10 at checkout!
Dr. Jen – This toothpaste contains clinically proven ingredients to help remineralize teeth, without the use of fluoride.
Wellnesse – Katie Wells (also known as the Wellness Mama) created Wellnesse, a brand dedicated to clean and effective, all-natural products. I love her whitening/remineralizing toothpaste that includes hydroxyapatite.
Probiotic Toothpaste – This one is uniquely designed with a targeted probiotic strain to help support healthy teeth and gums, as well as the elimination of bad breath, by supporting the oral microbiome.
Akamai – I have had great results with Akamai’s Complete Oral Care Kit. It contains Mineral Toothpowder that gently whitens and polishes teeth, Oil Pulling Mouthwash to absorb toxins and help fight bad bacteria, as well as Fulvic Mineral Complex to support strong teeth, tooth remineralization, and healthy gums. New customers can save 15% on their first order, using my special THYROID15 code at checkout.

For more information on fluoride and other strategies to minimize your exposure and encourage detoxification of fluoride specifically, check out my article on fluoride.

2. BPA and Plastics

We live in a world filled with plastic, and honestly, it’s hard to completely eliminate it from our lives these days! But there are ways to reduce our exposure.

Many of the plastic containers we use to store our food contain BPA, an endocrine disruptor. BPA is a xenoestrogen that may increase TSH and perpetuate the autoimmune attack on the thyroid. ^{^[10]}

It’s not only found in obvious sources like plastic containers and packaging, but also in the lining of canned foods and drinks, receipts, toys, electronics, and household items.

Today, we can even find plastic in our drinking water. A 2017 study analyzed 159 samples of tap water from around the world. ^{^[11]} Of these samples, 83 percent were found to contain microplastics, and North America had the highest density of plastics in tap water. 🙁

Reduce Your Exposure

While there are BPA-free plastics available, glass storage containers and mason jars are a better choice for food storage (the BPA-free plastics may still contain other compounds that are just as harmful). Mason jars are inexpensive and widely available, or you could invest in some glass storage containers.

When grocery shopping, try to purchase items that are packaged in glass and canned foods that are packaged with BPA-free lining. When possible, opt for fresh, frozen, or dried foods instead of canned.

Swap plastic water bottles for reusable glass or stainless steel water bottles.

Drinking filtered water can help reduce your exposure to microplastics. As mentioned above, I like AquaTru’s countertop filter and Clearly Filtered.

3. Non-Stick Cookware

Most common non-stick pots and pans contain phthalates and BPA, which are known endocrine disruptors. As mentioned above, these chemicals may increase TSH and perpetuate the autoimmune attack on the thyroid. ^{^[12]} Also, aluminum is found in many cooking pans, and scratched non-stick pans are a common source of aluminum toxicity.

Non-stick pans may also contain PFAs (a.k.a forever chemicals). Recent research has shown that even a single scratch on a non-stick pan can release anywhere from thousands to millions of microplastic and PFA particles. ^{^[13]}

Reduce Your Exposure

I recommend using cast iron pans or sourcing cookware that is certified free of aluminum and harmful substances. Here are some of my favorites:

Lodge Cast Iron Pan – Cast iron pans are the original non-toxic cookware!
Our Place – This is a non-stick pan made with a ceramic coating free of PFAS, lead, and cadmium.
Stainless steel pans – Another good alternative, stainless steel pans are great and naturally non-toxic.

4. Fragrances (Air Fresheners, Candles, and Perfume)

Artificial fragrances are in many of our personal care and household products, and they are another sneaky thyroid-disrupting toxin!

These artificial fragrances contain synthetic chemicals, including phthalates, parabens, and other endocrine-disrupting compounds, which have been linked to potential thyroid disruption, and some studies even suggest that these compounds may contribute to autoimmune activation. ^{^[14]}

Studies confirm that most conventional air fresheners and related products contain a high number of chemicals. Synthetic fragrances found in some candles, incense, personal care products (sprays, etc.), cleaning products, and even “odor removal” and air freshener products, may contain harmful toxins, including VOCs and EDCs. ^{^[15]}

One study examined 25 “fragranced” products, including laundry detergents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, air fresheners, and the like. Researchers found an average of 17 VOCs across all products tested — each product tested emitted one to eight hazardous or toxic chemicals, and 44 percent of products generated at least one carcinogenic air pollutant (such as acetaldehyde or formaldehyde). ^{^[16]}

Even more concerning, of the 133 different VOCs found across all tested products, only one, ethanol, was actually listed on any label!

Typically only the word “fragrance” will appear on the ingredient labels, and exact ingredients in these formulations are not usually disclosed.

Reduce Your Exposure

I encourage you to read labels more often (if you’re not doing so already), as well as source your products carefully, to avoid these toxic products, as well as to support the health of your home and everyone in it!

Even cleaning, laundry, fragrance, and personal care products marketed as “natural” or “green” can still contain chemicals that have been artificially synthesized, and could cause health problems. Opt for fragrance-free products whenever possible, and make swaps for everyday household products.

Here are some of my recommended swaps:

Fragrance-free cleaning products (or make your own!) – Look for cleaning products that are free of artificial fragrances, synthetic detergents, and other sources of toxins. I like Branch Basics for fragrance-free cleaning products that gently remove dirt, grease, and grime, without the harmful toxins that are found in many conventional cleaning products. (My readers can use code IZABELLAWENTZ for 15% off all Starter Kits.) You may also consider making your own cleaners. One of my go-to recipes for cleaning includes using 1½ cup vinegar, 1½ cup hot water, and 20 drops of an essential oil such as eucalyptus oil. I have plenty of other suggestions on my resources page.
Swap personal care products – The Wellnesse line of haircare and toothpaste by Katie Wells (aka the “Wellness Mama”) contains high-quality, safe ingredients that are clearly labeled, so there are no surprises! I love their shampoo and aloe and driftwood deodorant!
Replace scented air fresheners with essential oils – Essential oils are a wonderful way to replace the toxic fragrances found in air fresheners, and some may even promote feelings of calm and well-being. You can add them to a diffuser and use them in your home.
Replace scented candles with beeswax candles – Many people love scented candles, but they are often scented with synthetic fragrances. I prefer to use beeswax candles (and using a diffuser if I want my home to smell good).

For even more clean product swaps, check out my article on toxins in beauty products and my resources page.

5. Flame Retardants

Flame retardants have been used since the 1970s in a variety of daily-use items, and can be found everywhere, including:

Furniture (e.g. mattresses, furniture, curtains, carpets, kitchen appliances)
Electronics (e.g. TVs, mobile phones, video equipment, scanners, printers)
Automobiles (e.g. seat fabrics, plastic panels, children’s car seats, electronics)
Building materials (e.g. insulation, electric components)

You can even find them in children’s sleepwear! In 1972, regulations were put into place that required children’s sleepwear to be flame retardant, and the main chemical used at that time was brominated tris (2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate. ^{^[17]} Brominated tris was eventually banned in children’s sleepwear in 1977, but other types are still used in many products today. ^{^[18]}

Flame retardants were initially integrated into consumer products in the 1960s, to address fire safety regulations. Although they work in various ways, they are meant to slow the rate at which fires spread, or form a barrier between the treated material and the source of ignition of a fire, to stop the spread.

Flame retardants have been found to be associated with worsening thyroid function, impacts on the immune system, adverse effects on fetal and child development, changes in neurologic function, and even cancer. ^{^[19]} More specifically, brominated flame retardants can disrupt iodine uptake, which is essential for thyroid hormone production, and affect enzymes that are necessary for the T4 for T3 conversion. ^{^[20]}

Reduce Your Exposure

The best way to identify flame retardants in your home is to read manufacturer labels or do research on the manufacturer’s websites. There are also specific materials you can choose to avoid (and embrace!).

To reduce your exposure, I suggest seeking out flame-retardant-free mattresses and furniture. Mattresses are some of the worst offenders, but there are brands that use natural alternatives, like the certified organic mattress brand Avocado Green.

In addition to seeking out healthier furniture options, you can do the following to keep your exposure at home minimized:

Keep dust levels down – Frequently use a damp mop, HEPA vacuum, and HEPA air filter. I use and love the AirDoctor air filter and Jaspr air filter.
Ventilate and filter the air in your home – Ventilate your home and filter indoor air through an HVAC fan if you have one. Note that HVAC systems don’t typically accommodate HEPA filters, as they cause a drop in pressure.
Wash your children’s hands (and your own!) often – This can help reduce hand-to-mouth exposure to dust.

To learn more about flame retardants and strategies for minimizing them in your home, see my full article on flame retardants.

6. Pesticides

Unfortunately, our agriculture system uses hundreds of herbicides and pesticides, many of which have known detrimental effects on our health.

Glyphosate is one of the most widely used pesticides, and there is concern about its impact on our health. Specifically, there is a growing body of research showing that glyphosate exposure can negatively affect our gut microbiome. A 2023 study found that low-dose glyphosate exposure altered the gut microbiota in such a way that increased pro-inflammatory cells and markers of intestinal inflammation. ^{^[21]}

These alterations can lead to gut permeability (or leaky gut), which we know is one of the three factors that must be present in order for autoimmune disease to develop. ^{^[22]}

Reduce Your Exposure

Foods with the highest herbicide and pesticide presence include apples, peaches, nectarines, strawberries, grapes, and celery. Consider buying organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible, especially for anything with a soft skin. Keep in mind that organic food has a higher nutrient content, which may make it worth the added cost.

Every year, the Environmental Working Group releases lists of the “Dirty Dozen” and the “Clean Fifteen,” which highlight produce items that contain the highest and lowest levels of pesticide residue. This can help you prioritize which foods to buy organic.

Additionally, avoid using chemical lawn treatments at home.

Pesticides may also be found in drinking water and depending where you live, may also be in the air. Filtering your air and water is another good way to reduce your exposure – as mentioned, I love AquaTru’s countertop filter and AirDoctor or Jaspr air filters.

7. Mold

Though molds are all around us, it’s exposure in large quantities that can sometimes lead to serious health problems. Indoors, the most common types of mold typically found are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria, and Aspergillus. Common health complications related to indoor mold exposure include asthma attacks, headaches, dizziness, sinus infections, and skin rashes.

Some molds produce toxic secondary metabolites called mycotoxins. We call these “toxic molds,” as their mycotoxins can cause serious health problems for both humans and animals. An adverse reaction to mold can be a trigger for Hashimoto’s, asthma, and other autoimmune conditions. ^{^[23]}

The mold Aspergillus, commonly found indoors, has been shown in studies to be a cause of thyroiditis in people who were immuno-suppressed. In one study, as much as 20 percent of people affected by disseminated disease were shown to have thyroids that were infiltrated by the Aspergillus mold. ^{^[24]}

Mold exposure can also cause sinus problems. These infections can then drain into the gut and cause intestinal permeability. This “leaky gut” caused by mold exposure can then become a major trigger for an autoimmune condition such as Hashimoto’s. (You can read more about leaky gut and Hashimoto’s and how it plays a role in the development of autoimmune diseases here.) I have actually seen cases of Hashimoto’s go into remission when sinus infections are effectively treated.

One of the potential clues of mold being a root cause is when a person’s health begins to deteriorate after moving into a new home. When I surveyed my Hashimoto’s community in 2015, 20 percent of them reported that their health began to decline after a move.

Reduce Your Exposure

Mold often lurks in damp, dark environments within the home, such as bathrooms, kitchens, recently flooded areas, and basement areas. It can also be found under sinks and in areas with poor ventilation.

To prevent mold growth in your home or workspace, there are several steps that can be taken:

All sources of uncontrolled moisture should be eliminated (e.g. roof leaks, pipe leaks, flooding).
Keep indoor humidity levels below 40 percent, which inhibits mold growth. You may need to use a dehumidifier.
All heat/air ductwork systems should be cleaned every two years, and all of the seals on the ductwork should be inspected and repaired, if necessary.
Anti-microbial filters that kill mold spores should be used in your HVAC intakes.
Leave your washer and dryer doors open while not in use, and spray with a bio-balancing spray (such as Citrisafe) after each use.

I also highly recommend investing in a quality air filter, such as the AirDoctor or Jaspr, to help purify your living environment of airborne molds and other allergens.

It’s important to note that mold can act as both a toxin and an “infection.” Let me explain. When we are exposed to mold over a period of time, mold can colonize our sinuses, lungs, and/or gut. Avoiding environmental mold is always important, but in this case, people may also need to use antifungals to remove the mold colonization.

Furthermore, some of the secondary mold metabolites (mycotoxins) may stick around in the body for months, especially ochratoxin A, produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium mold! It has a half-life of 35 to 39 days in the human body due to high plasma protein binding and reabsorption in renal tubules. ^{^[25]} In this case, liver support, binders, and alkalizing the urine with things like lemon water and magnesium citrate can help get it out. My Root Cause Reset program has a whole mold guide that gets into more detail.

8. Heavy Metals

Makeup is supposed to enhance our natural beauty, but for many of us, it’s secretly undermining our health. Some of the worst offenders? Lipstick and lip gloss. Unlike foundation or powder, which sit on the surface of your skin, lip products are applied directly to the mucous membranes of your lips, where toxins can be absorbed much faster. And let’s be honest – how many times a day do we lick our lips or reapply? Every time we do, we’re essentially eating those toxins, exposing ourselves to heavy metals and endocrine disruptors without even realizing it.

Mercury, lead, and arsenic are some of the biggest hidden toxins found in conventional lipstick and other beauty products. They aren’t listed on ingredient labels, but independent lab testing has found these metals in many popular brands. Lead has long been linked to neurological issues and hormone disruption, while mercury can interfere with thyroid function and adrenal health. ^{^[26]}

Arsenic, another common contaminant, can cause hair loss, joint pain, fatigue, and even increase thyroid antibodies, fueling autoimmune thyroid disease. ^{^[27]}

I know this firsthand – I experienced arsenic poisoning from using lip gloss, and it wasn’t just a small blip on my health radar. My joints ached, my hair thinned, and my energy plummeted. I even had to increase my thyroid medication as my thyroid antibodies spiked!

Mercury can be found in high levels in some seafood, and in mercury amalgam dental fillings. High levels can accumulate in the thyroid gland, disrupting thyroid function and increasing the risk of thyroid cancer. ^{^[28]}

Lead can be found in old paint, pipes, and some cosmetics, and chronic lead exposure has been linked to hypothyroidism. ^{^[29]} Lead can impact thyroid function by blocking iodine uptake and affecting thyroid hormone production.

Aluminum is found in many cooking pans and antiperspirants. High levels of aluminum in the body have been linked to the development of autoimmune disease, as well as breast cancer and cognitive impairment. ^{^[30]}

Reduce Your Exposure

Having a high-quality air filter and water filter can help reduce your overall exposure to heavy metals. You can also swap out conventional beauty products for non-toxic ones. See my article on thyroid-friendly beauty products for all of my recommendations.

Scratched non-stick pans are a common source of aluminum toxicity, which is why I recommend using stainless steel pans, ceramic cookware, or cast iron pans. I also recommend switching to an aluminum-free deodorant.

You may also wish to avoid fish with higher mercury content (like tuna) and consider having amalgam fillings removed (learn more about that in my article).

9. Cleaning Products

Many conventional household cleaning products contain chemicals such as ammonia, chlorine, and phthalates, which can interfere with the body’s ability to convert T4 into T3 (our active thyroid hormone).

Ammonia, commonly found in cleaning products, contributes to oxidative stress and inflammation, which can impair thyroid function over time. ^{^[31]} Chlorine (the active ingredient in many household bleach products) competes with iodine, an essential nutrient for thyroid hormone production, potentially leading to iodine deficiency and hormonal imbalances. ^{^[32]} Phthalates can also be found in many fragranced cleaning products, and they are known endocrine disruptors. ^{^[33]}

These toxins can be absorbed through our skin, which is the largest organ in the body, and our lungs. Over time, this consistent exposure may contribute to hormonal imbalances, metabolic issues, and disrupted thyroid function.

Reduce Your Exposure

Making the switch to natural and non-toxic home cleaners can help you avoid many of these toxins.

If you are a DIY enthusiast, you can make many of your own cleaners using baking soda, vinegar, and some essential oils if you like a light fragrance. One of my go-to recipes for cleaning includes using 1½ cup vinegar, 1½ cup hot water, and 20 drops of an essential oil such as eucalyptus oil.

I like non-toxic cleaning product brands such as Branch Basics, which skip the harmful toxins that are found in many conventional cleaning products.

For even more non-toxic cleaning products and strategies, check out my article on the topic.

General Detoxification Support

In addition to reducing your exposure to everyday sneaky thyroid toxins, filtering your air, and filtering your water, there are some other interventions you can implement to support your body’s ability to safely and effectively filter toxins:

Exercise: Movement increases blood circulation and assists in moving lymph fluid throughout the body (lymph fluid transports waste in the body). While any kind of movement is going to be beneficial, rebounding (jumping on a mini trampoline) is especially effective when it comes to stimulating the lymphatic system. The rapid changes in gravity help to open lymphatic channels and enhance the circulation of fluid. Not to mention, it’s super fun! 🙂 In addition to rebounding, most types of exercise will support the movement of lymph fluid, including gentle movement. Walking, jogging, yoga, and pilates are all wonderful forms of movement to support your health and lymphatic system.

Sauna: Since the skin is the body’s largest elimination organ, I also recommend engaging in activities that induce sweating. Hot yoga and sauna therapy are some of my favorite sweat strategies! Read more about the benefits of saunas and my favorite saunas in this article.

Dry brush: A dry brush is a coarse-bristled brush that’s used to exfoliate the skin, but can also be used to stimulate the lymphatic system. It is thought to do this by stimulating blood circulation, and may help open up the pores, making it easier for you to sweat. You’ll want to start with dry skin, and brush your body with large strokes, always moving towards the heart. You can start with long strokes on your legs, then more circular strokes on your torso, and long strokes again on your arms. You want the pressure to be firm, but not so hard that it hurts the skin. Take a warm shower afterward to rinse off any dead skin. You can do this a few times per week.

Liver support protocols: Sometimes we may need deeper detoxification support. That’s why I created my Root Cause Reset, a gentle four-week program that guides you through simple steps to help support liver function and help you process any backlog of toxins. This is not a forceful detox program, which I’ve found can make people’s symptoms worse – especially those with Hashimoto’s! Rather, this protocol provides gentle yet effective support that can help improve symptoms like fatigue and brain fog in as little as two weeks. Enrollment for the next live session is open now through March 13th! Click here to reserve your spot at a special price!

What To Expect When You Minimize Toxic Exposure and Process a Toxic Backlog

Based on my experience in supporting thousands of people who have gone through the Root Cause Reset, people can expect a range of physical, mental, and metabolic improvements as their bodies eliminate stored toxins and reduce daily toxic burdens. Here’s what they might experience:

Increased energy and mental clarity – Many toxins impair mitochondrial function, leading to fatigue and brain fog. Clearing out these toxins can result in more consistent energy levels, sharper focus, improved memory, and quicker thinking.
Less bloating and better digestion – Toxins can induce inflammation in the gut, contribute to gut dysbiosis, and affect bile flow, which can lead to bloating, constipation, and food sensitivities. As you clear out toxins, you can expect to experience reduced bloating and gas, more regular bowel movements, and less reactivity to foods, especially high-histamine foods.
Balanced hormones and reduced PMS – Environmental toxins like BPA, phthalates, and pesticides mimic estrogen, which can lead to hormonal imbalances, PMS, and irregular cycles. As we lessen the load of these chemicals, you may experience fewer PMS symptoms, more stable cycles, improved fertility markers, and less estrogen dominance.
Reduced inflammation and joint pain – Toxins can trigger the immune system, leading to chronic inflammation, joint pain, and autoimmune flares. With liver support, you may experience less joint stiffness and muscle aches, reduced swelling and puffiness (especially in the face and hands), and fewer autoimmune flares.
Clearer skin and less sensitivity to personal care products – Many toxins (like mold, heavy metals, and plastics) burden the liver and skin, leading to acne, rashes, and breakouts from everything you encounter. Many people notice brighter, clearer skin, less sensitivity to lotions, perfumes, and personal care products, and a more youthful glow due to reduced oxidative stress.
Improved sleep and reduced anxiety – Toxins affect neurotransmitters, disrupting cortisol, melatonin, and GABA, leading to poor sleep and anxiety. ^{^[34]} Many people experience deeper, more restorative sleep, less anxiety and reactivity, and more stable moods with liver support.
Weight loss and reduced stubborn belly fat – A heavy toxin burden can make weight loss difficult because toxins are stored in fat cells. When we can safely liberate and excrete those toxins, many people experience easier fat loss (especially from the belly and thighs), less water retention, and improved metabolic function.
Balanced immune function and less chemical sensitivity – Mold, heavy metals, and toxins weaken the immune system, making people more susceptible to colds, viruses, and chronic infections, as well as making them more chemically sensitive. Lightening your toxic load could mean fewer colds and infections, faster recovery from illness, and less sensitivity to mold, perfumes, and chemicals. For me personally, my seasonal allergic conjunctivitis even cleared up!
Better use of thyroid hormones and improved T4 to T3 conversion – Many toxins disrupt thyroid function by impairing T4 to T3 conversion, plus much of this conversion takes place in the liver, so when it’s overburdened, it can affect thyroid hormones. Detoxing reduces this burden and allows the body to better utilize thyroid hormones. With liver support, many people experience improved levels of T3, resulting in increased energy levels, warmer hands and feet, improved metabolism, less hair shedding, stronger nails, more stable mood, improved mental clarity, and better digestion.

These improvements can be life-changing for people, and my clients and readers who follow liver support protocols are always amazed at their results. I’m always personally amazed at how quickly the changes can occur. I’ve personally repeated my own Liver Support protocol at various times in my life, and right around age 40, I remember feeling like I was “just getting older”… my skin, weight, and mood weren’t quite what they used to be because of perimenopause. Yet in just two weeks, I experienced a very substantial change! Angry thoughts that I was holding onto released, my skin looked younger, I had more energy and finished projects that were on the “backburner” for years, and I effortlessly lost around 5 pounds.

My Root Cause Reset guides you through simple steps to help support liver function and help you process any backlog of toxins. It has helped over 7,000 people improve their symptoms (for many people, in as little as two weeks)! Enrollment for the next live session is open now through March 13th! Click here to reserve your spot at a special price!

Takeaway

I know that learning about all the sneaky thyroid toxins in our environment can feel overwhelming, but a few small steps and swaps can dramatically reduce our toxic exposure and support thyroid health!

I suggest prioritizing clean air and water, and buying organic food when you can. As you run out of household cleaning products and personal care products, replace them with non-toxic options.

Did any of these toxins surprise you? What swaps have you made to live a less toxic lifestyle?

P.S. I love interacting with my readers on social media, and I encourage you to join my Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest community pages to stay on top of thyroid health updates and meet others who are following similar health journeys. For recipes, a FREE Thyroid Diet Quick Start Guide, and notifications about upcoming events, be sure to sign up for my email list!

References

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^{^[20]} Oulhote Y, Chevrier J, Bouchard MF. Exposure to Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) and Hypothyroidism in Canadian Women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(2):590-598. doi:10.1210/jc.2015-2659
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Liver 101

Liver Congestion and Thyroid Disease

9 Sneaky Thyroid Toxins

1. Fluoride

Reduce Your Exposure

2. BPA and Plastics

Reduce Your Exposure

3. Non-Stick Cookware

Reduce Your Exposure

4. Fragrances (Air Fresheners, Candles, and Perfume)

Reduce Your Exposure

5. Flame Retardants

Reduce Your Exposure

6. Pesticides

Reduce Your Exposure

7. Mold

Reduce Your Exposure

8. Heavy Metals

Reduce Your Exposure

9. Cleaning Products

Reduce Your Exposure

General Detoxification Support

What To Expect When You Minimize Toxic Exposure and Process a Toxic Backlog

Takeaway

References

Recent Posts

Contact Us

Connect with Me

JOIN THE MAILING LIST

Liver 101

Liver Congestion and Thyroid Disease

9 Sneaky Thyroid Toxins

1. Fluoride

Reduce Your Exposure

2. BPA and Plastics

Reduce Your Exposure

3. Non-Stick Cookware

Reduce Your Exposure

4. Fragrances (Air Fresheners, Candles, and Perfume)

Reduce Your Exposure

5. Flame Retardants

Reduce Your Exposure

6. Pesticides

Reduce Your Exposure

7. Mold

Reduce Your Exposure

8. Heavy Metals

Reduce Your Exposure

9. Cleaning Products

Reduce Your Exposure

General Detoxification Support

What To Expect When You Minimize Toxic Exposure and Process a Toxic Backlog

Takeaway

References

Dr. Izabella Wentz

Recent Posts

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