241: Resiliency Radio with Dr. Jill: Understanding Toxic Load: A Functional Medicine Approach to Testing with Dr. Jason Barker

Using a Functional Medicine Approach to Testing we discover the hidden dangers of mycotoxins, heavy metals, and environmental chemicals, and learn how these toxins can contribute to serious health issues such as cancer, hormonal imbalances, and neurological disorders. Dr. Jason Barker shares his expert insights on identifying and mitigating these toxic burdens to enhance overall wellness.

Prolonged exposure to environmental toxins can have much more severe, lasting effects on health. Over time, the accumulation of toxins can lead to health concerns.

✅ Cancer: Many environmental toxins, such as carcinogens, trigger mutations at the cellular level, increasing the risk of developing various types of cancer.

✅ Hormonal imbalances: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals can mess with hormone production and regulation, leading to issues like infertility, thyroid dysfunction, and metabolic imbalances.

✅ Autoimmune diseases: Accumulated toxins can overwhelm the immune system, leading it to malfunction and attack the body’s own tissues – contributing to autoimmune conditions.

✅ Neurological damage: Long-term exposure to neurotoxic chemicals can result in cognitive decline, memory loss, and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.

The Vibrant Total Tox Burden Test evaluates three main categories of toxins:

✅ Mycotoxins: Mold toxicity is much much more common than you might think – with hidden mold spores lurking in many homes and workplaces. This test measures 29 different mycotoxins –  providing a thorough assessment of any mold-related toxins that may be hiding out in your body.

✅ Heavy Metals: Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic (to name just a few) are notorious for accumulating over time and contributing to a whole range of health issues. The test measures 20 different heavy metals, helping to identify any buildup of these toxic substances.

✅ Environmental Chemicals: These are synthetic or man-made chemicals, such as pesticides and forever chemicals, that are rampant in everyday products, in the food and water we consume, and even in the air we breathe. The test assesses 38 different environmental chemicals that may be impacting your health, providing a broad view of your exposure to modern-day toxins.

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Toxins in your environment could be silently impacting your health. Get connected with a Vibrant provider to identify your toxic exposure and take control of your health journey.

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Help your patients uncover hidden toxic exposures with the Vibrant Wellness Total Tox Burden test. Sign up for a free Vibrant Wellness account to access advanced testing and actionable insights.

Dr. Jason Barker, ND 
Dr. Jason Barker, ND graduated from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. He earned his B.S in Exercise and Sport Science with a Minor in Anatomy and Neurobiology from Colorado State University.  After obtaining his Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine he completed a 2-year residency at National University of Natural Medicine and earned a Certificate in Clinical Research at Oregon Health & Sciences University.  In addition to private practice, he’s served as a clinical consultant to the nutraceutical and sports medicine industry, has authored numerous articles for the journals Alternative and Complementary Therapies, Natural Pharmacy and The Townsend Letter, and is the co-author of the book “Herbs and Nutrients for the Mind: A Guide to Natural Brain Enhancers“.  Currently he is a recreationally competitive trail runner and triathlete and enjoys spending time with his 3 children outside in beautiful Colorado.