Today, I will expose another reason why I’m not a fan of the old “calories in vs. calories out” model for fat loss because it overlooks the role of toxins in your body’s fat storage mechanisms.

When overexposed to toxins, your body traps harmful substances in fat cells to protect you from potential damage. Thus excessive exposure to toxins can lead to weight gain, or stubborn body fat (especially around the middle), without changes to your calorie intake!

That’s why supporting your detoxification pathways is vital during your fat-loss journey, particularly if you use crash dieting or calorie-restrictive diets.

The Hidden Impact of Toxins on Your Fat Loss

As you burn fat, your body releases stored toxins within those fat cells. If these toxins aren’t neutralised and eliminated efficiently, they can roam freely through your body, causing problems. They can also be reabsorbed if your liver is overwhelmed and your bowel is not eliminating properly (e.g., constipation, or gut dysbiosis).

Many women experience symptoms like:

• Splitting headaches

• Brain fog

• Relentless fatigue

• Skin breakouts (hives, rashes, psoriasis, etc.)

• Shivering and flu-like symptoms

• Digestive distress

These issues often show up a few days into a fat loss plan and can be so disruptive that they derail the whole process, pushing you back toward old habits.

In my experience, these symptoms aren’t random — they are signs of a “toxin tsunami” that hits when your fat cells start releasing their stored contents.

How to Support Detoxification During Weight Loss?

Supporting your body’s natural detox pathways is the key to preventing those disruptive symptoms. You must ensure these toxins are safely released, neutralised and removed swiftly before they can cause harm or slow down your progress.

I have created a guide that shares 5 simple, effective ways to eliminate toxins while supporting your body’s detox systems.

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll discover:

• How to flush toxins from your liver using a popular morning drink that takes just minutes to prepare.

• A pre-shower technique that clears toxins from your skin and promotes cell regeneration, something you can easily add to your daily routine.

• An Ayurvedic trick that targets and removes harmful toxins hiding in your mouth, setting you up for better overall health.

We cannot escape it. Our bodies are constantly exposed to toxicants (for the most part, man-made) through food, water, air, and household products. These toxins — including heavy metals, plastics, BPA, moulds, fluoride compounds like PFOAs, and chemical food additives — can accumulate in fat cells (and bones), impacting health over time.

While your body has natural detoxification pathways, primarily through the liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, and skin, too many toxins can overwhelm these systems, especially during weight loss when stored fat and toxins are released into the bloodstream, mixing with the daily load.

This guide explores how toxins affect the body during weight loss, why sudden fat loss without proper detoxification support can be harmful, and actionable strategies to detoxify safely while promoting healthy fat loss.

Understanding Toxins and Where They Hide in Your Body

1. Heavy Metals (Lead, Mercury, Arsenic, Cadmium)

Heavy metals like lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium are dangerous because they are not easily eliminated from the body. These metals accumulate over time, often in fat cells, bones, the liver, and kidneys. The body stores these metals to protect vital organs from their toxic effects. Over time, this build-up can cause a range of issues, from neurological damage to kidney dysfunction.

For example, mercury is commonly found in certain fish and dental amalgams, and chronic exposure can result in memory loss, fatigue, and digestive issues. The most important route of mercury exposure in humans is amalgams. Also, it is key to remember that the oral cavity is connected to the brain (a few millimetres apart) and vapours can contaminate the brain, inflame neurones and disturb their function.

Click on the button below for more information.

Lead, often found in old pipes or paint, accumulates in bones, contributing to osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions. Chronic exposure can also lead to neurological damage, especially in children.

2. Plastics and BPA (Bisphenol A)

Plastics, particularly those containing BPA, have been identified as endocrine disruptors and can interfere with hormonal balance. BPA, commonly found in plastic containers and the lining of canned foods, mimics oestrogen and other hormones. When BPA accumulates in the fat cells, it can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalances.

Phthalates, another group of plasticisers found in personal care products and flexible plastics, are also stored in fat tissue and can disrupt testosterone and oestrogen levels, leading to reproductive issues.

3. Mould Toxins (Mycotoxins)

Exposure to mould and mycotoxins occurs through contaminated food or water-damaged buildings. Mycotoxins have been linked to chronic allergies symptoms, immune system suppression, liver damage, and even cancer. When mould toxins accumulate in fat tissues, they can become difficult to eliminate. This can be particularly harmful during weight loss, as these toxins are released from the fat cells into circulation.

Mycotoxins also damage the liver’s ability to detoxify effectively. In extreme cases, exposure to mycotoxins from mould contamination can cause chronic respiratory issues and neurological symptoms.

4. Fluoride Compounds and PFOAs (Perfluorooctanoic Acid)

PFOAs, found in non-stick cookware (including parchment and greaseproof paper), certain food packaging, contaminated water, certain treated garments and upholstery (e.g., Scotchgard), are another class of toxins that accumulate in fat cells and the bones.

PFOAs disrupt thyroid function and are linked to developmental and reproductive issues. These compounds are persistent in the environment and can take years to degrade, making them particularly harmful over long-term exposure.

Fluoride compounds, often added to water supplies or found in dental products, can accumulate in bones and soft tissues, contributing to brittle bones and thyroid dysfunction.

5. Food Additives and Preservatives

The modern diet often contains artificial (chemical) preservatives, colourants, emulsifiers and flavour enhancers. Common additives like MSG (monosodium glutamate) and sodium benzoate can disrupt the nervous system and lead to inflammation. These additives are stored in fat cells, and during weight loss, they can be released back into the bloodstream, potentially causing symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, and digestive issues.

6. Aluminium

Aluminium is a significant toxin that should be addressed in detoxification and weight loss. Common sources:

• Antiperspirants: Many deodorants contain aluminium salts, which are absorbed through the skin.

• Cookware: Aluminium cookware and foil can leach aluminium into food, especially when exposed to heat or acidic foods.

• Medications and Vaccines: Certain over-the-counter medications contain aluminium compounds (antacids and vaccines — aluminium is a widely used adjuvant).

• Processed Foods: Aluminium is often used as an additive in food processing and packaging. It is also a non-intentionally added substance in ultra-processed foods, including soy baby formulas, due to contamination.

• Drinking Water: Trace amounts of aluminium can be present in drinking water, especially in areas where it’s used in water treatment processes.

Once aluminium enters the body, it accumulates in fat cells, bone, lungs, brain, and kidneys. The body does not have a highly efficient mechanism for removing aluminium, making it a long-term toxin that builds up over time. Some studies link aluminium exposure to:

• Neurological Disorders: Aluminium has been implicated in neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, as it can accumulate in the brain and disrupt normal neurological function.

• Bone Health: Chronic exposure to aluminium can interfere with calcium metabolism, leading to weakened bones and osteomalacia (softening of the bones).

• Kidney Damage: Aluminium accumulation in the kidneys can impair their function, making it a significant concern for those with compromised kidney function.

• Oxidative Stress: Aluminium can increase oxidative stress in the body, leading to inflammation and cellular damage, further disrupting detoxification pathways.

Much like other toxins, aluminium can be stored in fat cells, to isolate it from the rest of the body. During weight loss, these fat cells release stored aluminium into the bloodstream. This can increase your toxic load, leading to symptoms such as:

• Brain fog

• Fatigue

• Digestive distress

• Skin irritations

Why Crash Diets and Rapid Weight Loss Require a Detox Primer

1. Overwhelming the Liver and Kidneys

Crash diets and rapid fat loss cause a significant surge in toxin release, which can overwhelm the liver and kidneys. The liver, your body’s primary detox organ, processes these toxins and converts them into forms that can be excreted through bile or urine. However, when the liver is overloaded, it may struggle to neutralise and eliminate toxins, allowing them to recirculate (for much longer) in the body.

2. Hormonal Imbalance

Sudden weight loss and calorie restriction can disrupt hormone levels, especially when toxins like BPA and phthalates are released into circulation. This can lead to mood swings, fatigue, and metabolic dysfunction.

3. Increased Inflammation

The toxins released from fat cells can trigger systemic inflammation. Inflammation is your body’s response to harm, but chronic, low-level inflammation can damage tissues and lead to conditions like insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and other long-term health problems.

4. Prepping the Body for Detox Before Weight Loss

To mitigate the impact of toxin release, you must prime your detox systems before embarking on rapid weight loss. This involves supporting the liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system to ensure that they can process and eliminate the released toxins efficiently.

Detoxification should be viewed as an ongoing process, not just a one-time fix.

How Heavy Metals and Environmental Toxins Harm Your Health

— Heavy Metals

Heavy metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium are neurotoxic and can cause damage to your nervous system and kidneys. For example, mercury is notorious for its role in neurological disorders because it can cross the blood-brain barrier.

In pregnant women, mercury exposure can affect foetal development, causing cognitive impairments. Similarly, lead exposure has been linked to cognitive decline, especially in children and older adults.

— BPA and Plastics

BPA’s endocrine-disrupting properties can lead to hormonal imbalances, which contribute to weight gain and reproductive health issues. Phthalates also accumulate in fat cells and impact hormone regulation, leading to long-term metabolic problems.

— Fluoride and PFOAs

The accumulation of PFOAs in the body has been linked to thyroid dysfunction and developmental disorders. Over time, these compounds can disrupt the endocrine system, leading to subfertility, immune suppression and increased cancer risks.

— Aluminium

Aluminium is one of the most common elements on Earth and is found in a variety of everyday products. While small amounts are considered relatively safe, chronic exposure to aluminium from multiple sources can lead to toxic build-up in the body.

Actionable Steps: How to Detox Safely During Weight Loss

Supporting your detox pathways during weight loss is essential to avoid toxin overload.

Here are 5 actionable strategies to support detoxification and ensure that your body safely eliminates stored toxins.

1. Start Your Morning with a Liver Flush

Your liver is the primary detoxifying organ. A simple lemon water flush can stimulate bile production, which helps the liver remove toxins more efficiently. Lemon water, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, also helps neutralise free radicals that damage cells during detox.

How to: Upon waking, drink a glass of warm water with freshly squeezed lemon juice (from organic lemon). Add a pinch of turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties. This helps stimulate the liver, supporting detoxification first thing in the morning.

2. Incorporate Dry Brushing Before Showering

Dry brushing stimulates the lymphatic system, an important tool in toxin elimination. The lymphatic system moves waste and toxins out of tissues and into the bloodstream, facilitating their excretion. However, unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system doesn't have a pump, so it needs manual stimulation to work efficiently.

Dry brushing helps activate the lymphatic system and promotes skin cell regeneration by exfoliating dead skin cells.

How to: Before showering, use a natural bristle brush to brush your skin in gentle upward strokes, starting from your feet and moving toward your heart. Brush in long, sweeping motions for about 5-10 minutes. This can help stimulate lymphatic drainage, improve circulation, and promote cell regeneration, aiding in toxin elimination through the skin.

3. Oil Pulling for Oral Health

Oil pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic practice, helps draw toxins out of the mouth and gums, where harmful bacteria and heavy metals can accumulate. Since the mouth is the entry point for pathogens and toxins, oral detoxification can help maintain overall health.

Bacteria and heavy metals can accumulate in the mouth, leading to oral health problems and systemic toxicity. Oil pulling helps reduce the toxic load from the mouth, supporting a more effective overall detoxification process.

How to: Swish 1 tablespoon of coconut or sesame oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes. The oil will bind to toxins and bacteria, pulling them out of your gums and teeth. After swishing, spit the oil into the bin (not the sink, as it may clog pipes) and rinse your mouth with water. This process helps cleanse oral tissues, supports gum health, and can be done daily to aid your body's detox efforts.

4. Increase Your Fibre Intake for Toxin Elimination

Dietary fibre is crucial for binding and eliminating toxins from the body. As your fat cells release stored toxins during weight loss, fibre helps capture these toxins in the digestive tract and ensures they are carried out of the body through bowel movements. Soluble and insoluble fibres are beneficial, as they can help with regular elimination and prevent toxins from being reabsorbed. Dietary fibre also helps your gut microflora deactivate some toxic substances.

Fibre binds to toxins, including heavy metals like aluminium and chemicals like BPA, and prevents them from being reabsorbed by the gut. Increasing fibre intake supports regular bowel movements, which is essential for clearing toxins from the digestive tract.

How: Incorporate high-fibre foods into your diet, such as leafy greens, linseeds, chia seeds, and oats. Soluble fibre-rich foods, like apples, chia seeds and linseeds, form a gel-like substance that traps toxins, while insoluble fibre from vegetables and whole grains promotes regular elimination. You can also take a psyllium husk supplement to support healthy digestion during a cleanse.

Take chlorella every time you eat fish; daily if possible to support the elimination of heavy metals.

5. Use Activated Charcoal to Bind and Eliminate Toxins

Activated charcoal is a highly porous substance that binds to toxins and heavy metals, safely carrying them out of the body. When used correctly, activated charcoal can absorb unwanted substances in the digestive system, preventing them from being reabsorbed into the bloodstream. This is particularly useful for binding toxins like aluminium, mercury, and BPA, which can otherwise recirculate in the body.

This prevents the reabsorption of harmful substances released from fat cells during weight loss. Always take activated charcoal outside of meals.

How to: Take activated charcoal 1-2 hours after meals when detoxing. It will bind to toxins in the digestive tract, ensuring they are excreted rather than reabsorbed. Make sure to drink plenty of water when taking activated charcoal to avoid dehydration and ensure smooth toxin elimination. Note that activated charcoal should not be taken alongside medications or supplements, as it can interfere with absorption.