What do you think?
Rate this book
The Toxin Solution: How Hidden Poisons in the Air, Water, Food, and Products We Use Are Destroying Our Health—AND WHAT WE CAN DO TO FIX IT
Eliminate avoidable toxins, mitigate the effects of those you can’t avoid, and enjoy a longer life with this essential health guide from a pioneer in integrative medicine, Dr. Joe Pizzorno—the author, teacher, practitioner, and founder of Bastyr University, the country’s first and largest fully accredited university of natural medicine.
Dr. Joe Pizzorno is convinced that lifelong good health rests on two key your exposure to toxins and your ability to process them in your body. While lifestyle, diet, and genetics all play a major role in well-being, many symptoms of declining health and chronic disease are rooted in toxic overload—our exposure to a barrage of chemicals, heavy metals, radiation, electromagnetic frequencies, and pollution that are the byproducts of modern life. While the human body has an innate capacity to detoxify, it cannot cope with the elevated levels of toxins we are exposed to today. Most alarmingly, this toxic overload has helped transform once rare diseases into epidemics affecting people of all ages.
In The Toxin Solution, Dr. Pizzorno provides the proven detox and tailored methods he has developed to heal toxic overload and restore health in just eight weeks. With this essential guide you will learn how
Avoid toxins in food and the products you use;Mend your gut and prepare for detox;Support your body in releasing the chemicals;Repair some of the damage toxins have caused.Fortunately, our bodies have a tremendous capacity for healing and recovery. With The Toxin Solution you will discover how releasing and avoiding toxins can help you to feel better today—and every day for the rest of your life.
Dr. Joe Pizzorno is convinced that lifelong good health rests on two key your exposure to toxins and your ability to process them in your body. While lifestyle, diet, and genetics all play a major role in well-being, many symptoms of declining health and chronic disease are rooted in toxic overload—our exposure to a barrage of chemicals, heavy metals, radiation, electromagnetic frequencies, and pollution that are the byproducts of modern life. While the human body has an innate capacity to detoxify, it cannot cope with the elevated levels of toxins we are exposed to today. Most alarmingly, this toxic overload has helped transform once rare diseases into epidemics affecting people of all ages.
In The Toxin Solution, Dr. Pizzorno provides the proven detox and tailored methods he has developed to heal toxic overload and restore health in just eight weeks. With this essential guide you will learn how
Avoid toxins in food and the products you use;Mend your gut and prepare for detox;Support your body in releasing the chemicals;Repair some of the damage toxins have caused.Fortunately, our bodies have a tremendous capacity for healing and recovery. With The Toxin Solution you will discover how releasing and avoiding toxins can help you to feel better today—and every day for the rest of your life.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2017
290 people are currently reading
1363 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 31, 2017
A great read for those that wish to rid themselves of toxins and avoid them in the future. I garnered a lot of tips and tricks and took copious notes for future reference. Good to know the "Dirty Dozen" and the "Clean 15" and how certain foods can help your kidneys to perform better. You only get one body in this life, so you may as well try to take good care of it!
February 28, 2019
Overall, I think this is a very well written book in regards to research in the toxicity of our environment and how it impacts our health. I think the plan he created is too complicated to follow and very heavy in supplements for the average reader. It was a worthwhile read and I did follow his plan but it took me a lot of time to prepare, organize supplements, and follow the plan and I'm a naturopathic doctor! If you are wanting more information on how toxins are impacting your health I think it's a good read. If you want help implementing changes to improve your health I think you are better off seeking professional help than trying to follow his plan.
December 22, 2022
Good over view on the toxins that affect our health (and our government and leadership has failed to ban). The detox protocol is quite involved so would require a lot of prep and purchasing of supplements. Overall worth trying at least once. I gave it 4 stars because of the lack of shopping lists for the meal plans and a lack of recipes.
April 22, 2018
A peddler of superstition selling his wares. Nothing special. What is immoral is his use of fear to make his victims buy his junk.
January 18, 2020
You have to take a bit of the information with a grain of salt (but cut out all added salt according to the book). I can make any information match what I want the results to say by creating my own graphs. Like we seen an increase in obesity which corresponds with the increase in avocados. Some good tips and pointers, but not the only authority to trust on detox.
May 15, 2024
*First and foremost, I recommend that anyone with any history of or susceptibility to eating disorders/disordered eating not read this book and instead work closely with a professional who
Is both eating disorders and toxin/detoxification informed. More on this below.
I am a dietitian and read this book for continuing education credit. I received graduate education and training at the university founded by the author, and I had positive bias going into it. I believe that Dr. Pizzorno is probably the authority in the arena of toxins as they relate the human body, as well as the human body’s detoxification systems. I learned a lot from this book. Dr. Pizzorno is great at presenting evidenced-based information and is up front about where the research is lacking. For anyone that immediately dismisses the idea of “detox”, I urge you to read this book with an open mind, as Dr. Pizzorno does address—with science—common concerns and misconceptions.
The bulk of my issues with this book are nutrition related. I would love to see a second edition of this book come out with a dietitian co-author so as to make the book’s plan more applicable to a real person’s life. Some of the sentiment about nutrition is outdated. Some of the nutrition information presented is contradicted later in the book or in the presented meal plans. And worst of all, there are no recipes for any of the items listed in the meal plan, which is just….hard to comprehend on many levels.
This book is not eating disorder informed, which could easily be improved upon by including an ED-informed dietitian on a second edition. On a positive note, it does have some very weight neutral inclusions! But it does come with a side of healthism, as well as a bit of emotion/politics, which I don’t appreciate.
At times I wished for more information, and at other times I thought that the information presented would be way, way over a layperson’s head. Overall, I learned a lot and did enjoy the book. I have an integrative/functional background and have never read anything so thorough on this topic.
Is both eating disorders and toxin/detoxification informed. More on this below.
I am a dietitian and read this book for continuing education credit. I received graduate education and training at the university founded by the author, and I had positive bias going into it. I believe that Dr. Pizzorno is probably the authority in the arena of toxins as they relate the human body, as well as the human body’s detoxification systems. I learned a lot from this book. Dr. Pizzorno is great at presenting evidenced-based information and is up front about where the research is lacking. For anyone that immediately dismisses the idea of “detox”, I urge you to read this book with an open mind, as Dr. Pizzorno does address—with science—common concerns and misconceptions.
The bulk of my issues with this book are nutrition related. I would love to see a second edition of this book come out with a dietitian co-author so as to make the book’s plan more applicable to a real person’s life. Some of the sentiment about nutrition is outdated. Some of the nutrition information presented is contradicted later in the book or in the presented meal plans. And worst of all, there are no recipes for any of the items listed in the meal plan, which is just….hard to comprehend on many levels.
This book is not eating disorder informed, which could easily be improved upon by including an ED-informed dietitian on a second edition. On a positive note, it does have some very weight neutral inclusions! But it does come with a side of healthism, as well as a bit of emotion/politics, which I don’t appreciate.
At times I wished for more information, and at other times I thought that the information presented would be way, way over a layperson’s head. Overall, I learned a lot and did enjoy the book. I have an integrative/functional background and have never read anything so thorough on this topic.
April 2, 2022
Highly informative, and excellent introduction to the toxicity present in our environment. It's not the most comprehensive, as some of the things he suggests to intake has other environmental concerns (e.g., fish and mercury concerns; I obsessively look up mercury levels for fish, and some of the worst offenders that should be avoided include swordfish and Chilean sea bass; farm-raised fish have concerns with soil runoff from agricultural lands and so can have high levels of other things, etc. One also needs to be careful of kale, or any large-leaf vegetables, since if they grew along a highway, they have a tendency to pick up car pollutants from the air).
In any case, though, his list of things to eat are a useful starting point. However, it just needs one extra step of double checking how "clean" those foods are. Also, I highly recommend to check out the Consumer Report on brands of spices and herbs for heavy metal toxicity.
I also found his detoxification program a little too extreme. Basically, a fasting diet at the beginning. Not in the intermittent-fasting way either (which would induce autophagic processes, a garbage-cleanup mechanism in our body). I'm not sure how useful a near-total fasting diet would be, as many toxins tend to accumulate in, e.g., organ tissues, fat, and bone.
But despite some questions as to the efficacy of his step-by-step program at the end, overall it's a good read.
In any case, though, his list of things to eat are a useful starting point. However, it just needs one extra step of double checking how "clean" those foods are. Also, I highly recommend to check out the Consumer Report on brands of spices and herbs for heavy metal toxicity.
I also found his detoxification program a little too extreme. Basically, a fasting diet at the beginning. Not in the intermittent-fasting way either (which would induce autophagic processes, a garbage-cleanup mechanism in our body). I'm not sure how useful a near-total fasting diet would be, as many toxins tend to accumulate in, e.g., organ tissues, fat, and bone.
But despite some questions as to the efficacy of his step-by-step program at the end, overall it's a good read.
January 24, 2018
This book is scary.
Not the horror movie kind of scary, but the "we are killing ourselves with our modern lifestyle" kind of scary.
Dr. Pizzorno presents evidence of how our western lifestyle, which relies heavily on chemicals, plastics, pesticides, and heavy metals is slowly but surely making our society sicker and sicker. And although modern medicine can help alleviate the symptoms, it cannot fix our health issues because we keep poisoning ourselves with what we put in and on our bodies.
The author provides examples from his own naturopath medical practice of people who have been helped by eliminating toxins from their bodies. Each person is different, but everyone can benefit from using cleaner cosmetics/personal care products, minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals in our environment, and eating healthier/organic foods.
Dr. Pizzorno provides clear protocols to try to rid our bodies of toxins. Each protocol is only 2 weeks long. Although some of the stuff seems difficult to actually carry out (like eating ALL that fiber!), but even if one does some of the actions, it would still help detoxify him or her.
The only action I’ve taken thus far is throwing out my “dirty” cosmetics and beauty products and replacing them with organic and more natural formulas and I’ve already noticed a difference. Not only do I feel better about the products I’m using, but my skin actually looks better.
Not the horror movie kind of scary, but the "we are killing ourselves with our modern lifestyle" kind of scary.
Dr. Pizzorno presents evidence of how our western lifestyle, which relies heavily on chemicals, plastics, pesticides, and heavy metals is slowly but surely making our society sicker and sicker. And although modern medicine can help alleviate the symptoms, it cannot fix our health issues because we keep poisoning ourselves with what we put in and on our bodies.
The author provides examples from his own naturopath medical practice of people who have been helped by eliminating toxins from their bodies. Each person is different, but everyone can benefit from using cleaner cosmetics/personal care products, minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals in our environment, and eating healthier/organic foods.
Dr. Pizzorno provides clear protocols to try to rid our bodies of toxins. Each protocol is only 2 weeks long. Although some of the stuff seems difficult to actually carry out (like eating ALL that fiber!), but even if one does some of the actions, it would still help detoxify him or her.
The only action I’ve taken thus far is throwing out my “dirty” cosmetics and beauty products and replacing them with organic and more natural formulas and I’ve already noticed a difference. Not only do I feel better about the products I’m using, but my skin actually looks better.
September 21, 2017
Excellent book on toxins
I am a health and wellness expert who runs one of the largest detox groups on Facebook called smart detox. This book has been helpful to me and many people in my Facebook group.
I am a health and wellness expert who runs one of the largest detox groups on Facebook called smart detox. This book has been helpful to me and many people in my Facebook group.
February 22, 2022
Definitely educational but not realistic to follow his plan of like 7 million supplements to detox
January 11, 2019
Really interesting read. The plan was no joke though and something I will not be attempting. Two things bothered me about this book. It came with really detailed meal plans, two or three weeks of breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks with NO recipes. I looked online as well and there was nothing there either. Also this is extremely supplement heavy. Each week comes with a new list of supplements for the specific area you are detoxing. (like three different types of herbs you take days 7-16 and then totally different ones for days 17-24 etc) I feel like it would cost hundreds of dollars just to buy all the stuff needed. I think if you are sick or know you are in need of a serious detox for whatever reason then I am sure this is worth it. I took away some good information and that will be it for me.
September 29, 2024
This book contains a lot of good information about toxins in food and in the environment. This book goes into the risks toxins pose to our overall health, including the development of autoimmune diseases, cancers, and other chronic diseases. The information in this book is good. I find that the recommendations for detox are a little bit too strict. I feel like the majority of the population would have a hard time sticking with the detox proposed in this book, but the strictest aspect of the detox are not meant to last all that long. If you’re already pretty informed about toxins, there won’t be any new information in this book. But, if you’re new to learning about your toxic environment, you will find this book very helpful.
July 13, 2025
Not something I would normally pick up, but this came highly recommended by a colleague.
My biggest criticism of this book was a lack of literature to support claims, and lack of thorough evaluation of the literature. It seems the author is forgetting two major principles - correlation does not equal causation, and the dose makes the poison.
I did a lot of fact checking - I agree with much of what was said regarding pesticides, UPF, and endocrine disrupters, but believe there is too little evidence to support many of the other recommendations (especially the aggressive supplementation).
My biggest criticism of this book was a lack of literature to support claims, and lack of thorough evaluation of the literature. It seems the author is forgetting two major principles - correlation does not equal causation, and the dose makes the poison.
I did a lot of fact checking - I agree with much of what was said regarding pesticides, UPF, and endocrine disrupters, but believe there is too little evidence to support many of the other recommendations (especially the aggressive supplementation).
June 24, 2019
Lots of great info about how to avoid toxins. It's main purpose is to do a 9 week detox, it has menus and all the info you need. There are also shorter 2 week detox diets that are detailed as well. I am not doing the diets but learned a lot about toxins in every day life and how to avoid them. He also gives a great app to check on the toxin levels in products that you may use. I've used that while shopping to make better choices and use less toxins. Very informative!
May 20, 2018
Dr Pizzorno is a terrific speaker and just as good a writer. I also happen to agree with his premise that most cases of chronic disease I see go back to toxicity. This book has lots of very practical advice on how to support the body's detoxification mechanisms, and some patient cases that help to drive his messages home.
January 8, 2019
ANOTHER book with a detox diet. pizzorno is really really worried about
every chemical possible, a very thorough list, and very scary to think about.
most of the info seemed accurate, although i did look up info on arsenic+cadmium poisoning in portland and that was old news...
too many limited detox diets for my taste.
every chemical possible, a very thorough list, and very scary to think about.
most of the info seemed accurate, although i did look up info on arsenic+cadmium poisoning in portland and that was old news...
too many limited detox diets for my taste.
October 20, 2017
Pizzorno has a clear sequence for healing the body from toxins. It is admirable that he focuses on using foods but some of these foods can also cause harm to your body. Most of his examples of treating and healing are anecdotal. Where's the research documentation?
August 3, 2020
The book is very informative. I won't be trying the meal plan which is too involved for me especially without a shopping list or recipes. I will be paying more attention to what I eat. It contains some good healthy references.
December 1, 2017
Everyone should read this book! It’s very eye opening how much toxins are in our air, water, food and products. It’s a program to detox your toxin load!
November 4, 2018
Great advice on how to detoxify the body and then lead a toxin-free lifestyle as much as possible. I plan the follow the program he outlined myself. Great, detailed appendices.
April 4, 2019
Wow... what an amazing book! It definitely changed my perspective towards our environment and lifestyle.
July 27, 2019
Very helpful and pragmatic book!
November 12, 2021
Very informative about the environment we live in and how it affects our health.
June 26, 2022
Highly recommend it. Looks like a great 8 week program to detox.
December 6, 2023
Very informative but his plan is very complex. Hope I can do some of this.
February 2, 2024
This book will change how you look at the common diseases such as diabetes, cancer, dementia.
June 25, 2024
good review
July 4, 2022
Excellent book about the dangers of toxins and how toxicity is likely the cause of every human disease. In my research I’ve come to the same conclusion and this book just reinforced it.
nearly 80,000 chemicals on the market in the United States, many of which are used by millions of Americans in their daily lives and are un- or understudied and largely unregulated, exposure to potential environmental carcinogens is widespread.
up to 200 chemicals are in the blood of babies before they’re even born.
having a level of BPA in your urine above 5 μg/L (micrograms per liter) doubles your risk of diabetes, since this toxin blocks the receptor sites on the cells that insulin activates to allow sugar in.
One study out of Harvard determined that Americans have collectively forfeited 41 million IQ points as a result of exposure to lead, mercury, and organophosphate pesticides.
nearly 80,000 chemicals on the market in the United States, many of which are used by millions of Americans in their daily lives and are un- or understudied and largely unregulated, exposure to potential environmental carcinogens is widespread.
up to 200 chemicals are in the blood of babies before they’re even born.
having a level of BPA in your urine above 5 μg/L (micrograms per liter) doubles your risk of diabetes, since this toxin blocks the receptor sites on the cells that insulin activates to allow sugar in.
One study out of Harvard determined that Americans have collectively forfeited 41 million IQ points as a result of exposure to lead, mercury, and organophosphate pesticides.
February 26, 2017
Too technical in some places and basic in others. Heavy on science, but light on practical explanations of protocol steps. If you don't have a working knowledge of this information it might be hard to undertake on your own.
June 26, 2020
This seems legit.
There's also enough information provided, that makes sense and would allow modification of the detoxification protocol to make it more affordable. Most of the supplements seem to be extras, which is a good sign, not just for affordability but as an indication that he knows what he's talking about, since most things can be done by eating the right foods.
There's also enough information provided, that makes sense and would allow modification of the detoxification protocol to make it more affordable. Most of the supplements seem to be extras, which is a good sign, not just for affordability but as an indication that he knows what he's talking about, since most things can be done by eating the right foods.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews