86: Toxic Overload – The Hidden Chemicals Making You Sick with Dr. Christian Jenski

Could the toxins in your air, food, and water be quietly sabotaging your energy, hormones, and long-term health?

In this episode, Dr. Aaron Hartman and Dr. Christian Jenski dive deep into the hidden world of environmental toxins and how they affect human health. From heavy metals and pesticides to plastics and micro-pollutants, they uncover how modern life exposes us to thousands of untested chemicals—and what we can do about it.

 They explain how toxins enter and disrupt the body, the organs responsible for detoxification, and why an individualized, science-based approach is essential. Listeners will learn practical ways to reduce exposure, support the liver and kidneys, and adopt safer habits for air, water, food, and household choices. This conversation is both eye-opening and empowering, offering a clear path toward detoxing smarter, not harder.

 👤 About the Guests

Dr. Aaron Hartman is a board-certified physician and founder of Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine. With years of experience in both conventional and integrative care, he helps patients uncover root causes behind complex conditions through nutrition, lifestyle, and regenerative medicine.

 Dr. Christian Jenski is an emergency medicine and integrative physician who brings a systems-based perspective to toxin exposure and detoxification. His expertise bridges conventional toxicology and functional medicine, helping patients restore balance through practical, evidence-based strategies.

 🔑 Key Topics Covered

• Why more than 80,000 chemicals are in circulation—but fewer than 2,000 have been adequately tested for safety
• How toxins from air, water, food, and household products contribute to inflammation, endocrine disruption, and chronic illness
• Common toxic culprits: arsenic, lead, mercury, glyphosate, aluminum, and microplastics
• How phase 1 and phase 2 liver detoxification work, and why amino acids and B-vitamins are crucial
• The role of the kidneys and hydration in toxin elimination and pH balance
• The surprising connection between sweating, gut health, and detox efficiency
• Why chronic stress and shallow breathing interfere with the body’s natural detox pathways
• Practical detox methods: infrared saunas, cold plunges, mineral support, and hydration
• The precautionary principle—why Europe’s approach to chemical regulation is safer than America’s
• How to create a low-toxin home environment with simple, affordable steps

 🧭 Actionable Tips

• Filter your water: Use certified filters or reverse osmosis systems and test your tap water at ewg.org/tapwater.
• Improve air quality: Use HEPA filters, houseplants, and proper ventilation—especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Choose safer cookware: Replace Teflon with stainless steel or cast iron, and store food in glass instead of plastic.
• Support your liver: Eat protein-rich meals with amino acids like glycine and taurine; include cruciferous vegetables and hydration.
• Sweat regularly: Sauna sessions or exercise at least 3 times per week to promote toxin elimination.
• Prioritize gut health: Ensure daily bowel movements and balanced microbiome support.

 📚 Products and Resources Mentioned

• Environmental Working Group (EWG) – Tap Water Database and Clean 15/Dirty Dozen Lists
• Harvard School of Public Health – Healthy Home Guide
• Reverse Osmosis Filters – Suggested for drinking and cooking water
• Functional Medicine Detox Series – Available at Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine

 🎧 Listen Now & Share

If you found this episode helpful, share it with a friend or patient who cares about holistic wellness. Subscribe, leave a review, and let us know what topics you’d like to hear next.

📲 Follow Dr. Aaron Hartman & Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine

💻 Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/

📺 YouTube: @AaronHartmanMD