Is Your Environment Making You Sick?

Join Dr. James Odell for Season 2 of the Science of Self-Healing Podcast! He's the medical and executive director for BRMI, as well as a practicing naturopathic doctor for over 35 years, and he's here to share with you his extensive knowledge of medicine from a different perspective.

The Bioregulatory Medicine Institute

The Science of Self-Healing Podcast

In today’s episode, Dr. Odell explores environmental illness—a growing but often overlooked health crisis caused by exposure to toxins in our everyday surroundings. From air and water pollution to pesticides, mold, and heavy metals, these hidden environmental threats can trigger a wide range of chronic symptoms—from fatigue and asthma to chemical sensitivities and immune dysfunction.

He'll explain:

• What environmental illness is

• How toxins like heavy metals, VOCs, and pesticides affect your body

• Why some people are more sensitive than others

• How to support your body’s natural detoxification systems

• Practical, holistic strategies to heal and protect yourself using bioregulatory medicine

Whether you're a practitioner or someone simply trying to live a cleaner, healthier life, this episode offers meaningful ideas to help you thrive in our increasingly toxic world.

Transcript for: Is Your Environment Making You Sick?

Hello and welcome to the Science of Self-Healing podcast, produced by the Bioregulatory Medicine Institute (BRMI). We provide unique insights into how you can naturally support your body’s ability to regulate, adapt, regenerate, and self-heal. I’m Dr. James Odell, your host and BRMI’s medical and executive director, with over 35 years as a naturopathic doctor. Please remember, this podcast is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for personalized care from a qualified health professional.

Before we begin, I’d like to invite you to our upcoming conference and retreat aboard Celebrity Cruise’s ship Beyond. We’ll depart from Miami for a 7-night Caribbean cruise, visiting St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and the Dominican Republic. We’ve reserved Aqua Class Staterooms with exclusive amenities, starting at $2,284.50 per person (double occupancy), plus $295 for the conference with promo code BEYOND. Our conference, held on sea days, features a range of engaging talks and is open to practitioners and anyone interested in health. Space is limited—visit brmi.online for details and registration. We hope to see you aboard!

In this podcast, I will be discussing Environmental illness, its toxicological causes, and therapeutic approaches with bioregulatory medicine.

So, Environmental illness, sometimes referred to as environmentally induced illness or environmental sensitivity, encompasses a wide range of health disorders caused or exacerbated by exposure to harmful substances and conditions in our surroundings. These illnesses can result from exposure to chemical toxins, physical agents, biological contaminants, and pollutants increasingly present in our air, water, food, and built environments. 

As societies become more industrialized and urbanized, and as climate change alters ecosystems and environmental risks, such conditions have become an urgent public health issue.

Environmental illness includes both acute conditions, like poisoning, and long-term chronic diseases such as asthma and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). Addressing this growing issue requires a deep understanding of the sources, mechanisms, and impacts of environmental exposures, along with comprehensive strategies to mitigate their effects and protect public health.

Historical Context and Definitions

Although the concept of environmental illness may seem modern, its roots trace back to the Industrial Revolution when illnesses linked to occupational and environmental exposures first became widely recognized. Factory workers, miners, and others exposed to hazardous materials developed conditions that were caused by their work environments. Over time, as industrial processes evolved and synthetic chemicals became widespread, environmental illness also began to affect the general population.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) broadly define environmental illness as any disease or condition caused by exposure to environmental factors. These factors include chemical, biological, and physical agents present in the air, water, soil, and food. 

Subcategories like multiple chemical sensitivity, sick building syndrome, and toxicant-induced loss of tolerance (TILT) highlight specific mechanisms or exposures involved. These definitions help underscore the importance of recognizing environmental triggers in patient health and inform the basis for environmental regulations and protections.

Causes of Environmental Illness

Chemical pollutants are among the most significant contributors to environmental illness. These include both naturally occurring elements, like heavy metals, and synthetic chemicals introduced through industrial activity. Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic can accumulate in the body over time, causing neurological damage, organ dysfunction, and developmental problems, especially in children. Exposure often occurs through contaminated water, food, or older infrastructure such as lead-based paints and pipes.

Pesticides and herbicides are another major source of chemical exposure. Frequently used in agriculture and landscaping, these substances have been linked to neurological disorders, cancers, and reproductive issues. Long-term exposure, even at low levels, can result in chronic illnesses that are difficult to diagnose without specific environmental assessments.

Air pollution, both outdoor and indoor, is a well-documented cause of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and ground-level ozone can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, triggering asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even heart attacks. Indoor air pollutants such as mold, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from household products, and tobacco smoke are equally hazardous and have been linked to conditions like sick building syndrome.

Biological agents also play a role in environmental illness. Mold, bacteria, and viruses present in damp or poorly maintained buildings can cause allergic reactions,respiratory symptoms, and infections. Long-term exposure to mold spores, for example, is associated with chronic sinusitis and immune system disturbances.

Physical environmental factors include radiation from natural or artificial sources, noise pollution, and extreme temperatures. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the leading cause of skin cancers, while ionizing radiation from medical procedures or industrial accidents can increase the risk of various cancers. 

Chronic exposure to noise, particularly in urban environments, contributes to sleep disturbances, hypertension, and stress-related illnesses.

Climate change has intensified temperature extremes, leading to a rise in heat-related illnesses and fatalities.

Pathophysiology of Environmental Illness

Environmental illness often begins when harmful substances enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, or, less commonly, direct injection. Once inside, these agents may cause direct tissue damage, disrupt cellular function, or interfere with immune and hormonal systems. The body’s response varies depending on the nature and concentration of the toxin, the duration of exposure, and the individual’s genetic makeup and overall health. 

In many cases, symptoms arise from immune activation or inflammation. For example, exposure to allergens or toxic chemicals may trigger an exaggerated immune response, leading to respiratory symptoms, skin rashes, or systemic inflammation. Some agents cause oxidative stress by generating free radicals that damage cells and DNA. Others act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormonal balance and affecting reproductive health, metabolism, and development.

Certain individuals may be more susceptible to environmental illness due to genetic differences in detoxification pathways or heightened sensitivity of the nervous system.

Emerging research in epigenetics suggests that environmental exposures can even alter gene expression, potentially leading to long-term health effects that may span generations.

Common Environmental Illnesses

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is one of the most discussed but also controversial forms of environmental illness. Individuals with MCS report severe reactions to low levels of common chemicals such as perfumes, cleaning agents, or synthetic fragrances. Symptoms often include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, cognitive dysfunction, and respiratory problems. Although not fully understood, MCS may involve immune dysregulation, neural sensitization, or an impaired detoxification system.

Respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD are strongly linked to environmental exposures. Urban air pollution, pollen, occupational dust and fumes all contribute to the onset and exacerbation of these conditions. Children living in polluted areas are particularly at risk of developing asthma, and elderly populations face worsened outcomes due to pre-existing conditions.

Heavy metal poisoning remains a significant public health issue, particularly in regions with poor environmental regulation. Lead poisoning, even at low levels, can cause irreversible cognitive and developmental damage in children. 

Mercury exposure, often from contaminated seafood, affects the nervous and immune systems and can be especially harmful during pregnancy.

Sick Building Syndrome arises when people experience symptoms such as headaches,fatigue, eye irritation, and respiratory distress while spending time in a specific building, often one with poor ventilation or high levels of indoor pollutants.

Removing the source or improving ventilation typically alleviates symptoms, but long-term exposure may lead to chronic issues. 

Radiation-induced illnesses include acute conditions from high-level exposures, such as in nuclear accidents, and chronic diseases like cancer from prolonged low-level exposure. Medical professionals exposed to radiation over the years, as well as residents near contaminated sites, are at increased risk.

Diagnosis and Clinical Challenges

Diagnosing environmental illness is often difficult due to the nonspecific nature of symptoms, which frequently overlap with those of other conditions. 

A comprehensive approach involves a detailed history of environmental exposures, including occupational, residential, and lifestyle factors. Clinicians may use environmental questionnaires to identify possible triggers and patterns. Laboratory tests can detect heavy metals or specific chemical metabolites in blood and urine. Skin tests may help diagnose allergic reactions, while pulmonary function tests can assess respiratory impairments. Imaging and neuropsychological assessments may be useful in evaluating organ damage or cognitive decline linked to exposure. 

Despite available tools, many environmental illnesses go undiagnosed or are misattributed to psychological causes. This has led to frustration among patients and debates within the medical community about the legitimacy and recognition of conditions like MCS. 

Fortunately, there are several specialized laboratories that can measure an array of environmental toxins. Such as mycotoxins, heavy metals, and industrial pollutants. It is possible to measure environmental phenols, parabens, and phthalates, as well as many herbicides, pesticides – organochlorine pesticides, organophosphate pesticides, pyrethroid pesticides and numerous Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs.

Certain populations are more vulnerable to environmental illness. Children, due to their developing systems, are particularly sensitive to toxins like lead or air pollutants. Older adults often suffer more severe consequences due to reduced physiological resilience. People in low-income or marginalized communities are more likely to live near industrial sites, highways, or in substandard housing, increasing their exposure risks.

Occupational groups such as factory workers, agricultural laborers, and healthcare professionals also face higher exposure to harmful substances. Protecting these populations requires targeted interventions and workplace safety regulations.

Prevention and Management

Preventing environmental illness begins with reducing exposure. We cannot depend on our government to protect us. Improving our water quality is a first step; next, we should focus on air purification, enhancing home ventilation, and switching to non-toxic household products. As for food, using organic produce and reducing seed oils is also helpful. Regular maintenance of homes to prevent mold and the use of natural or eco-friendly cleaning products can significantly improve indoor air quality.

Treatment can be complex but can involve specific food supplementation that is designed for the toxin involved. It is first important to stimulate the organs of detoxification – the intestines and intestinal microbiome, the liver, and the kidneys. When our detoxification pathways are functioning optimally, these toxins leave our bodies with minimal to no harm done. 

Liver support is required for healthy optimal detoxification. The phases of liver detoxification need various vitamins and minerals to function correctly. 

After the liver is supported, it is crucial to support the different organs of elimination to ensure that the toxins clear the body efficiently. Specifically, daily bowel movements and a healthy gut are necessary to eliminate toxins. However, a thorough detox protocol gently supports all of the organs of elimination, which include the colon, kidneys, skin, and lymph, without creating more stress or burden on them.   

Certain nutrients have been shown to help support phases 1 and 2 of liver detoxification. Cruciferous vegetables can alter liver enzymes in favor of optimal liver detoxification. Berries, rooibos tea, and celery have also been shown to modulate liver enzymes and may be supportive. Allium vegetables (such as garlic, onions, leeks, etc.), apiaceous vegetables (such as carrots, parsnips, celery, and parsley), and grapefruit have all shown clinical significance in enhancing liver detoxification.

To support elimination through the colon, our primary organ of elimination, consistent healthy bowel movements are essential. If gut symptoms are present, working with a functional medicine practitioner to heal the gut should be the first step.

Certain supplements may also be helpful. Resveratrol has been shown to modulate enzymes required for phase 2 liver detoxification making the process more efficient. Quercetin is hepatoprotective, which means it protects the liver and may indirectly benefit liver detoxification by relieving some of its burdens. Another helpful supplement is Lycopene, which has been shown in several studies to induce antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes of phase 2. 

Herbs can also help assist with detoxification support. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is an herb that has been used for hundreds of years to support, heal, and benefit liver function. The active component, known as silymarin, may inhibit the binding of toxins to the liver cells. Turmeric is another herb with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrogenic, and anti-carcinogenic activities. The active component curcumin has been suggested to confer therapeutic efficacy against different environmental or occupational hepatic toxins. 

Probiotics help address the intestinal microbiome and plenty of pure water is essential for kidney function. It is important to seek out a practitioner versed in environmental detoxification in order to have a tailored and appropriate protocol. 

There are numerous commercial products designed for chemical and metal detoxification. One I personally use is Standard Process SP Detox Balance - Whole-Food Detox Cleanse with Magnesium, Iron, Creatine, Milk Thistle, Protein, Calcium, Potassium, Choline, Arginine. It’s vegan and gluten-free.

Emerging Research and Future Directions

Research in environmental medicine is expanding rapidly as scientists seek to understand the complex interactions between environmental exposures and human health. One promising area is the development of biomarkers that can detect early signs of environmental stress or damage before clinical symptoms appear. These may include indicators of inflammation, oxidative stress, or epigenetic changes.

Genomic and epigenomic studies are shedding light on why some individuals are more susceptible to environmental toxins. This type of testing can greatly help personalized prevention and treatment strategies based on genetic profiles. The role of the microbiome in modulating environmental responses is also being explored. For example, gut bacteria may influence how toxins are metabolized or how the immune system reacts to pollutants. Understanding these interactions could open new avenues for treatment and prevention. 

Climate change poses new challenges by altering the distribution of pollutants, increasing extreme weather events, and expanding the range of infectious diseases. As such, climate resilience must be integrated into public health planning to address future environmental risks.

Environmental illness is a complex and multifaceted public health issue that reflects the growing tension between modern human development and the natural world. As evidence of the link between environmental exposures and chronic diseases continues to grow, it becomes increasingly important to adopt a holistic approach to prevention and care.

By integrating scientific research, public policy, community action, and personal responsibility, society can reduce the incidence and severity of environmental illnesses. Protecting human health requires protecting the environmental goal that not only benefits individuals but ensures the well-being of future generations.

That’s all for today's podcast. I’ll be back in two weeks for another episode of the Science of Self Healing. Till then, be well.

Thank you for your time today, and remember that this podcast is made possible by the Bioregulatory Medicine Institute, also known as BRMI, a nonprofit, global, non political, non commercial institute to promote the science and art of bioregulatory medicine. We extend our gratitude to each and every one of you for listening today, and if you haven't already, make sure to visit us at brmi.online. A treasure trove of invaluable information awaits you there. Connect with us across various social media platforms as well. Come and become a member of our thriving tribe. If you've enjoyed today's episode, we invite you to show your support by rating us, leaving us a review, or sharing the podcast within your circle. Our podcast and mission flourish through sharing, and your participation means the world to us. Our organization is sustained by donations, each of which is tax deductible and fuels projects like this. Visit our website, brmi.online, to contribute or simply to explore the wealth of uncensored and impartial information we offer. No contribution is too small. In just two weeks, we'll be back delving into another captivating topic. Until then, we thank you once again for listening. May wellness and wisdom be your path. Be well.

Bioregulatory medicine is a total body (and mind) approach to health and healing that aims to help facilitate and restore natural human biological processes. It is a proven, safe, gentle, highly effective, drugless, and side-effect-free medical model designed to naturally support the body to regulate, adapt, regenerate, and self-heal. BRMI is a non-commercial 501(c)(3) foundation and will expand and flourish with your support. Our goal is to make bioregulatory medicine a household term.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for the direct care of a qualified health practitioner who oversees and provides unique and individualized care. The information provided here is to broaden our different perspectives and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.