Pesticide Toxicity
What Does It Mean?
Pesticide toxicity occurs when chemicals intended to control pests adversely affect human physiology. These chemicals can disrupt endocrine, immune, and detoxification pathways, leading to systemic imbalances. Chronic exposure can contribute to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired liver detoxification, and neurological and hormonal dysregulation.
How Did We Get There?
Diagnosing Pesticide Toxicity
A diagnosis of pesticide toxicity is typically based on:
- Patient history: Occupational or environmental exposure to pesticides, herbicides, or insecticides.
- Clinical symptoms: Neurological, endocrine, and immune dysfunction signs.
- Lab tests: Assessing detoxification efficiency, oxidative stress, liver function, and immune response.
Signs and Symptoms
- Neurological: Brain fog, memory issues, mood disturbances, headaches.
- Endocrine: Hormonal imbalances, thyroid dysfunction.
- Gastrointestinal: Poor digestion, bloating, liver congestion.
- Immune system: Increased susceptibility to infections.
- Detoxification dysfunction: Impaired liver function, elevated oxidative stress.
Lab Test Findings
Pesticide toxicity affects key metabolic and detoxification markers:
| Lab Test Name | Expected Change | Optimal Range |
| Bilirubin, Total | Increased | 0.50-0.90 mg/dL |
| Cholesterol, Serum | Increased | 180.00-220.00 mg/dL |
| Cholinesterase, Serum | Decreased | 1355-3299 IU/L |
| HDL Cholesterol | Decreased | 55.00-93.00 mg/dL |
| Hematocrit | Altered | 40.00-48.00 % |
| Hemoglobin | Altered | 13.50-14.50 g/dL |
| Lymphocyte Abs | Decreased | 0.57-3.97 |
| MCH | Altered | 28.00-31.90 pg |
| MCHC | Altered | 32.00-35.00 g/dL |
| Platelet Count | Increased | 190.00-300.00 10E3/uL |
| RBC | Altered | 4.20-4.90 10E6/uL |
| Thyroid-stimulating Hormone (TSH) | Altered | 1.00-2.00 µU/mL |
| Uric Acid | Increased | 3.50-5.40 mg/dL |
How Do We Treat It?
Functional medicine treatment focuses on enhancing detoxification, repairing mitochondrial function, and supporting immune resilience.
Supplement Protocol:
| Supplement Name | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| Vita-Glutathione | Antioxidant & cellular detoxification | 1 capsule with or without food, twice daily |
| Advanced Vita-Biotic R | Supports gut microbiome & immune function | 1 capsule with food daily |
| Endura | Electrolyte balance & hydration support | 1 packet with or without food, three times daily |
| D-Mannose Powder | Prevents bacterial adhesion to gut lining | 1 tsp of powder with food, twice daily |
| Vita-Biotic | Supports microbiome balance | 4 capsule without food, daily |
| V-Pax | Neurotransmitter & adrenal support | 2 capsules with food, twice daily |
| V-Inflamma | Reduces oxidative stress and systemic inflammation | 3 capsules without food, daily |
| Vita Defense | Immune system support | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita B Methyl | Supports methylation & energy production | 1 capsule without food, twice daily |
| Magnesium | Aids detox pathways, supports nervous system | 2 capsules with or without food, three times daily |
| Zinc | Supports immune balance, reduces toxic load | 1 capsule with food, daily |
| Vita-Candid | Supports gut health and immune response | 2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily |
| Vita-DIM | Supports estrogen metabolism and detoxification | 2 capsules with or without food, twice daily |
| CoQ10 300 mg | Enhances energy production, reduces oxidative stress | 2 capsules with food, daily |
| Vita Binder | Support detoxification by binding to toxins and aiding their removal from the body | 2 capsules 2 hours apart from food or supplements, twice daily |
| Advaclear | Enhances Phase I & II detox pathways | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita Microbe | Supports immune function and microbial balance | 3 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita-Digestyzyme | Aids digestion and nutrient absorption | 2 capsule 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily |
| Vita-Buffered C Powder | Supports immune health and detoxification | ¼ scoop of powder with food, three times daily |
| Vita Buff-C Caps | Support immune health | 1 scoop of powder without food, daily |
| V-Collagen | Supports gut lining & joint health | 1 scoop of powder without food, daily |
| SBI Powder | Promotes gut barrier integrity and reduces inflammation | 1 scoop of powder in cold liquid only, without food |
| Gluta Protect | Maintains gut lining and supports GI health | 1 scoop of powder without food, daily |
| Vita-Flux | Nitric oxide & vascular health support | 2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Eliminate exposure: Avoid conventionally grown produce, non-organic animal products, and processed foods.
- Hydration: Adequate water intake to flush toxins.
- Detox-supporting diet: Cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens, and high-antioxidant foods.
- Sauna therapy: Enhances detox through sweat.
- Gut microbiome balance: Probiotics and prebiotics to maintain gut health.