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Toxic: Heal Your Body from Mold Toxicity, Lyme Disease, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, and Chronic Environmental Illness
Millions of people are suffering from chronic illnesses that, unbeknownst to them, are the result of exposure to environmental toxins and infectious agents such as mold and Borrelia, which causes Lyme disease. Millions. Because the symptoms of these illnesses are so varied and unusual, many of these individuals have sought medical care only to be dismissed, as if what they are experiencing is "in their head." Many (if not most) have tried to tough it out and continue to function without hope of improvement. Unfortunately, their illnesses are very real.
Toxic is a book of hope for these individuals, their loved ones, and the physicians who provide their care. Over many years of helping thousands of patients recover their health (even after their previous doctors had given up on them), Dr. Neil Nathan has come to understand some of the most common causes for these debilitating illnesses, which allows for the utilization of more precise and effective forms of treatment.
The goal of this book is to shed light on these complex illnesses so that suffering patients and their families can get the help they so desperately need. Inside, you will find: Information about how extreme sensitivity and toxicity develop in the body, how sensitivity and toxicity differ, and how they often overlap. Detailed descriptions of each of the five major causes of extreme sensitivity and toxicity: mold, Bartonella (a co-infection of Lyme disease), mast cell activation, porphyria, and carbon monoxide poisoning. An outline of the cell danger response, a revolutionary model developed by Dr. Robert Naviaux that explains how the body essentially gets "stuck" fighting a threat even after the danger has passed. A system-by-system plan for "rebooting" the body to break the cycle of illness and allow healing to begin. Information about coping with stress and embracing an emotional and/or spiritual awakening on the path to wellness.
Toxic is a book of hope for these individuals, their loved ones, and the physicians who provide their care. Over many years of helping thousands of patients recover their health (even after their previous doctors had given up on them), Dr. Neil Nathan has come to understand some of the most common causes for these debilitating illnesses, which allows for the utilization of more precise and effective forms of treatment.
The goal of this book is to shed light on these complex illnesses so that suffering patients and their families can get the help they so desperately need. Inside, you will find: Information about how extreme sensitivity and toxicity develop in the body, how sensitivity and toxicity differ, and how they often overlap. Detailed descriptions of each of the five major causes of extreme sensitivity and toxicity: mold, Bartonella (a co-infection of Lyme disease), mast cell activation, porphyria, and carbon monoxide poisoning. An outline of the cell danger response, a revolutionary model developed by Dr. Robert Naviaux that explains how the body essentially gets "stuck" fighting a threat even after the danger has passed. A system-by-system plan for "rebooting" the body to break the cycle of illness and allow healing to begin. Information about coping with stress and embracing an emotional and/or spiritual awakening on the path to wellness.
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 9, 2018
604 people are currently reading
1152 people want to read
About the author
Neil Nathan
14 books28 followersDr. Neil Nathan, MD, is a Family Practice and Pain Management doctor. He is a Founding Diplomate of the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine and a Founding Diplomate of ISEAI. He has written several books, including "Healing is Possible: New Hope for Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Persistent Pain, and Other Chronic Illnesses," and "On Hope and Healing: For Those Who Have Fallen Through the Medical Cracks." He has hosted an internationally syndicated radio program/podcast on Voice America called "The Cutting Edge of Health and Wellness Today."
Nathan's current medical practice is the Redwood Valley Clinic in Northern California. He has been treating chronic complex medical illnesses for 25 years, and Lyme disease for 15 years. He finds himself increasingly treating patients who have become so sensitive and toxic that they can no longer tolerate their usual treatments, and his major current interest is in finding unique ways of helping them to recover.
Nathan's current medical practice is the Redwood Valley Clinic in Northern California. He has been treating chronic complex medical illnesses for 25 years, and Lyme disease for 15 years. He finds himself increasingly treating patients who have become so sensitive and toxic that they can no longer tolerate their usual treatments, and his major current interest is in finding unique ways of helping them to recover.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 20, 2019
I read this book with the intention of understanding my own chronic symptoms that have been long-standing and stubborn. Toxic provided exactly the information that I was seeking. It is dense with detail and clearly written.
If you are diagnosed with CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) or any of the other syndromes such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia or chronic Lyme disease and its coinfections that fail to find help from conventional approaches, I would highly recommend this book.
It represents a new leap in understanding and a beginning of promising treatments for the pathogenic underpinnings of so much of the chronic illness so many of us suffer.
I especially appreciate the humbleness of this doctor. His willingness to admit when a topic is not fully understood, helps me to trust what he does say. He is clear that this is new territory in the medical world.
If you are diagnosed with CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) or any of the other syndromes such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia or chronic Lyme disease and its coinfections that fail to find help from conventional approaches, I would highly recommend this book.
It represents a new leap in understanding and a beginning of promising treatments for the pathogenic underpinnings of so much of the chronic illness so many of us suffer.
I especially appreciate the humbleness of this doctor. His willingness to admit when a topic is not fully understood, helps me to trust what he does say. He is clear that this is new territory in the medical world.
September 4, 2019
A good book, sensitive and comprehensive overview of treating people with mould illness, especially the most sensitive. However, as a CIRS sufferer myself it seems a pity Dr Nathan does not do more to emphasise the extreme importance of ensuring mould illness patients are not living and/or working in mouldy environments. I found absolutely no treatment worked until this essential piece of the puzzle was dealt with, and it is an essential part of ongoing improvement in health.
November 15, 2020
My doctor recently diagnosed me with mold toxicity, after a urine test came back with off the charts mold toxins. It explains a lot! When I got to the symptoms page in the book, I nearly burst into tears. If you’ve been struggling with mold toxins, I’d highly recommend this book in conjunction with a treatment plan recommended by a doctor.
June 8, 2020
As someone who is learning to live with chronic disease and working with a naturopath and MD, this book was incredibly useful in understanding the science behind toxicity and some of the testing. I stumbled across this book as I was searching for more information on DNRS (dynamic neural retraining system) and am glad I read it.
If you're looking for a protocol to help you work through chemical sensitivity/lyme/mold, this isn't it. But if you're struggling to find a provider who can think outside the box, this could be a helpful tool for both of you.
If you're looking for a protocol to help you work through chemical sensitivity/lyme/mold, this isn't it. But if you're struggling to find a provider who can think outside the box, this could be a helpful tool for both of you.
July 11, 2019
Very good book on all types of ailments that can spring up from mold and Lyme disease. Very worth reading to get a better understanding of how many autoimmune diseases are more a result of a deeper condition of mold accumulation in the body or Lyme disease.
August 28, 2019
Brilliant book, learned so much! Really important stuff
October 23, 2022
If you have any form of chronic illness, this book is worth checking out! Neil Nathan is well researched, informative, and backs up his information with several sources. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more specifics on chronic illnesses, doing research for a project or getting guidance for your illness and a place to start.
This book is definitely worth the money! I’m also using it for my senior thesis paper as a source, because this book covers so many topics in a simplistic way that it’s incredible.
I now know the testing I need to get done, the supplements I need and the things to talk to my doctor about. Thank you Neil!!
This book is definitely worth the money! I’m also using it for my senior thesis paper as a source, because this book covers so many topics in a simplistic way that it’s incredible.
I now know the testing I need to get done, the supplements I need and the things to talk to my doctor about. Thank you Neil!!
June 28, 2024
Exceptional and scientific coverage of complex environmental inflammation issues
I’m one of those people who has a host of autoimmune diseases and was told over and over again by traditional doctors that there was either nothing to treat, or it was all in my head. It turns out I had been living around mold for eight years and have an inability to detox it. This book explained literally everything that had been going on with me and is a complete lifesaver. I highly recommend not reading this book, but getting a good functional medicine practitioner if you’re experiencing issues like this.
I’m one of those people who has a host of autoimmune diseases and was told over and over again by traditional doctors that there was either nothing to treat, or it was all in my head. It turns out I had been living around mold for eight years and have an inability to detox it. This book explained literally everything that had been going on with me and is a complete lifesaver. I highly recommend not reading this book, but getting a good functional medicine practitioner if you’re experiencing issues like this.
November 8, 2023
Had to read this for a class. Found it annoying, the author spends at least half a page every other page just complaining about how most doctors miss signs of certain illnesses, which I think could be true, but the book would have been half as long if they didn’t bring it up so much. Two stars because some of the info might be helpful for people who are trying to figure out if they have illnesses related to what they’ve been exposed to and maybe what kind of tests could help them.
April 4, 2022
I had to read this book for a class. It’s not bad, EAI’s definitely need to be looked into more, but it was a bit too ‘crystal mommy’ for my liking.
April 19, 2023
Comprehensive and rather technical throughout, this book gives the reader an glimpse of the massive disruption that these issues cause. It covers what they are, diagnoses, assessment, treatment, recovery and removal of the root causes. Well written and very positive.
March 30, 2021
This is essential reading if you have any of these conditions. He is an extremely current, informed, experienced and empathetic doctor.
July 6, 2023
A must read. The writing style is simply awesome.
August 23, 2020
Fairly easy to read, informative, and much to think about. There are some areas in which Nathan makes statements I don't completely agree with, and my beliefs have me going in a bit different direction of late. But that is not to say his work at curing people isn't justified. I am glad there is a MD out there considering the dangers of mold and toxins and the effect they have on our bodies and minds. Even the many neurologists we have met with fail to recognize what stares them in the face. Pathetic. Note: Agent Orange isn't only affecting VietNam veterans. It is still being used in herbicides today. Fact.
January 15, 2020
Too much of an in-between audience: not intended for those with chronic illness looking for protocols to integrate into their lives, but also not quite at the level of a scientific resource for MDs. Author recognizes this niche, but it is one of the greater weaknesses in it.
A growing field, to be sure, and hopeful for more.
A growing field, to be sure, and hopeful for more.
October 22, 2019
This is priceless for anyone who is suffering from these things but it is tough reading. I read lots of books of this type and this is is very hard but he really knows his stuff. I wish I could go to see him!
August 21, 2022
This book is life changing. It’s a lengthy read for a non-medical person, but helps set expectations for what the process of removing mold (or other toxins) from the body may entail. If you are chronically ill, an environmental toxin may be the cause. I implore you to read this book.
November 28, 2018
Written for the layperson as well as doctors, it takes a bit to get through. Covers mold to its, Lyme disease, multiple chemical sensitivities & chronic environmental illness.
January 1, 2019
I appreciate everything Dr. Nathan shared but maybe, because I am a health professional I felt it was just a tease. I hope he writes one with much much more detail.
January 20, 2019
Excellent -- I learned a lot of new clinical pearls, and the psychological analysis for practitioners was fascinating.
March 10, 2020
If you're struggling with mold toxicity or extreme sensitivity to medical treatment, I absolutely recommend this book. If you're not, it's boring AF.
September 15, 2024
There's a VAST world of "contested" diseases like chronic lyme, mold illness, multiple chemical sensitivities, and more. These diseases are politically and medically fraught, and frequently considered illegitimate illnesses by mainstream doctors. Some other "medically legitimate" diseases are also highly politicized and stigmatized, like myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), the most disabling condition I have. I know a lot about the political, social, and medical history of ME, but not much about other contested diseases, which often have similar symptoms. The world of contested and stigmatized diseases is rife with wacky treatments peddled by doctors, naturopaths, chiropractors, therapists, "coaches," random people with zero training, and more. I picked up this book to learn more about what one doctor has to say about the origins and treatments of some of these contested diseases.
This book impressed me in its understanding of disease etiology and, in particular, its explanation of UC San Diego metabolomics researcher Dr. Naviaux's "Cell Danger Response" theory, which he's published on a bunch in the scientific literature. As a side note, I find Dr. Naviaux somewhat controversial...his research applies to a wide range of diseases and conditions, but he's focused a lot of research on autism. I'm not particularly well-versed in the topic, but my understanding is that autism is not a disease and many autistic people absolutely do not want to be "cured," but rather want a world that is more friendly and accommodating of neurodiversity. Dr. Naviaux has also studied my condition, ME, and has come up with some really fascinating results (including unique metabolomic signatures of ME patients that could be used as a biomarker for diagnosing the disease if anyone cared to create such a test). Why is he focusing so much time and so many resources on trying to cure autism, instead of trying to cure ME, which literally every patient with the disease wants cured???
Anyways, I found parts of "Toxic" to be quite well-researched and well-written. The biochemistry bits are particularly well-written for a lay audience. It dives into a TON of treatments that address many different organ systems. Some of these treatments are pretty fringe and have little to no research or credibility in contemporary Western medicine (but that doesn't mean they don't work I suppose-- we don't have the data either way). A lot of other treatments are less fringe and have some amount of research backing them up, like acupuncture and vagus nerve stimulation. There aren't too many details on each treatment or the associated diagnostic testing, it's more of a jumping off point for patients to explore with their medical team-- a book with more details would be thousands of pages long, I'm sure. That being said, this book gives patients with contested illnesses as well as patients with established illnesses who haven't found an effective treatment a lot of stuff to potentially explore. I will say, a lot of these suggestions are NOT benign treatments, but are potentially dangerous (and, in the case of ME specifically, have been shown to make patients sicker in multiple peer-reviewed research studies).
Throughout the book Nathan repeats the message that "It is my intention to bring this large body of information to your attention so that it will add to the message of hope that no matter how long you have been ill, there are multiple healing modalities available to help you" which I'm sure a lot of people appreciate. Overall an interesting text, although I doubt the credibility and effectiveness of some of the treatments detailed within. Ultimately my main takeaway is that we need to devote a lot more research to contested and environmentally induced chronic illnesses, because what's not contested is that a lot of patients are super sick with very little support from the contemporary Western medical industrial complex. I understand why patients with complex and contested illnesses seek out alternative providers like Dr. Nathan, who is certainly smart and kind and well-intentioned.
This book impressed me in its understanding of disease etiology and, in particular, its explanation of UC San Diego metabolomics researcher Dr. Naviaux's "Cell Danger Response" theory, which he's published on a bunch in the scientific literature. As a side note, I find Dr. Naviaux somewhat controversial...his research applies to a wide range of diseases and conditions, but he's focused a lot of research on autism. I'm not particularly well-versed in the topic, but my understanding is that autism is not a disease and many autistic people absolutely do not want to be "cured," but rather want a world that is more friendly and accommodating of neurodiversity. Dr. Naviaux has also studied my condition, ME, and has come up with some really fascinating results (including unique metabolomic signatures of ME patients that could be used as a biomarker for diagnosing the disease if anyone cared to create such a test). Why is he focusing so much time and so many resources on trying to cure autism, instead of trying to cure ME, which literally every patient with the disease wants cured???
Anyways, I found parts of "Toxic" to be quite well-researched and well-written. The biochemistry bits are particularly well-written for a lay audience. It dives into a TON of treatments that address many different organ systems. Some of these treatments are pretty fringe and have little to no research or credibility in contemporary Western medicine (but that doesn't mean they don't work I suppose-- we don't have the data either way). A lot of other treatments are less fringe and have some amount of research backing them up, like acupuncture and vagus nerve stimulation. There aren't too many details on each treatment or the associated diagnostic testing, it's more of a jumping off point for patients to explore with their medical team-- a book with more details would be thousands of pages long, I'm sure. That being said, this book gives patients with contested illnesses as well as patients with established illnesses who haven't found an effective treatment a lot of stuff to potentially explore. I will say, a lot of these suggestions are NOT benign treatments, but are potentially dangerous (and, in the case of ME specifically, have been shown to make patients sicker in multiple peer-reviewed research studies).
Throughout the book Nathan repeats the message that "It is my intention to bring this large body of information to your attention so that it will add to the message of hope that no matter how long you have been ill, there are multiple healing modalities available to help you" which I'm sure a lot of people appreciate. Overall an interesting text, although I doubt the credibility and effectiveness of some of the treatments detailed within. Ultimately my main takeaway is that we need to devote a lot more research to contested and environmentally induced chronic illnesses, because what's not contested is that a lot of patients are super sick with very little support from the contemporary Western medical industrial complex. I understand why patients with complex and contested illnesses seek out alternative providers like Dr. Nathan, who is certainly smart and kind and well-intentioned.
June 22, 2025
Technically didn’t read the whole thing but I would say I finished about 70% of it. I lived in a moldy building and I feel like this explained so much. There is a lot at the beginning about symptoms and how it is often misdiagnosed as anxiety which really resonated with me after so many people trying to gaslight me into saying I just had anxiety. There is a good section that talks about diagnosis and labs which I found very practical and it included tips about why or why not a lab might return positive and the nuance of different companies providing the lab.
Later in the book, he covers the cell danger response which I found very intriguing from a scientific point of view. The framework presented can be used to explain and help treat many illnesses. The cell danger response is a relatively new scientific theory and I’m glad it is getting some attention.
The end of the book talks about how to reset all the symptoms disturbed by mold/lyme and other chronic inflammatory illnesses. This part reads less like a story and more like a bulleted list and gets a bit boring. From the way it’s written it sounds like he’s met and worked with many people pioneering these therapies but science hasn’t proven which ones work the best. From a treatment perspective I would just pick the one that resonates with you the most.
I read this when I got sick and by the time I went to the doctor I was bored because I felt like she was just parroting back to me what I already knew from the book. This book really does contain enough for you to be smarter than your doctor. While I’m not a subject matter expert I found everything in this book to be very accurate - though I did try to ignore the sections where he referenced his own work - those seemed a little bias.
Overall I really love this book. For anyone treating mild illness I think this is a must read. For anyone interested in some of the latest and greatest (last 15 years - 2010ish+) science on functional illnesses and how to treat them I think this offers an interesting read. He does a great job simplifying it to be readable by a lay person, but I would not recommend to the casual reader. This is a book meant for learning, not for entertainment.
Later in the book, he covers the cell danger response which I found very intriguing from a scientific point of view. The framework presented can be used to explain and help treat many illnesses. The cell danger response is a relatively new scientific theory and I’m glad it is getting some attention.
The end of the book talks about how to reset all the symptoms disturbed by mold/lyme and other chronic inflammatory illnesses. This part reads less like a story and more like a bulleted list and gets a bit boring. From the way it’s written it sounds like he’s met and worked with many people pioneering these therapies but science hasn’t proven which ones work the best. From a treatment perspective I would just pick the one that resonates with you the most.
I read this when I got sick and by the time I went to the doctor I was bored because I felt like she was just parroting back to me what I already knew from the book. This book really does contain enough for you to be smarter than your doctor. While I’m not a subject matter expert I found everything in this book to be very accurate - though I did try to ignore the sections where he referenced his own work - those seemed a little bias.
Overall I really love this book. For anyone treating mild illness I think this is a must read. For anyone interested in some of the latest and greatest (last 15 years - 2010ish+) science on functional illnesses and how to treat them I think this offers an interesting read. He does a great job simplifying it to be readable by a lay person, but I would not recommend to the casual reader. This is a book meant for learning, not for entertainment.
January 28, 2022
I had a mixed reaction to this book. I did find one helpful suggestion in it, so I guess I should just be glad for that-and I am, but I found so much of it irrelevant. I think Nathan was overly ambitious in his intentions, and while he did a fairly comprehensive job with mold illness and a fair-to-middling job with Bartonella, many other topics received little more than a mention, leaving me wondering why he included them at all.
I also found a lot of his information, such as in what order to begin each treatment, directly contradictory to my own experience. So, I guess this is a good book for those who fit his clonclusions, and not so much for those who've had other experiences.
I also found a lot of his information, such as in what order to begin each treatment, directly contradictory to my own experience. So, I guess this is a good book for those who fit his clonclusions, and not so much for those who've had other experiences.
November 2, 2023
I've now read or skimmed piles of these type of books to try to glean any wisdom on how to handle my overly sensitive system. This one was by far the most helpful. Granted. Neil is a little bonkers. In the same way as nearly every alternative-med doc. He is passionate and thorough and meandering. There were sections that I scrolled through because they were irrelevant or dense or scientific, but there were tons of helpful things and perspectives and thoughts that gave me additional clarity. Glad I put myself on the waitlist for this one at the library. It was worth the skim for me.
October 31, 2022
If only I had read this book 22 years ago. I have been sick for so long. The past 5 years have been extra difficult. Right now my goal is to get through one day at a time. There are so many answers in here. I just got my test back from Great Plains Lab and it looks like I have a high mold level. Can't wait to talk to the naturopath and discuss plans for treatment. This book will help me to be more informed and to be able to recognize more of the medical terms.
May 16, 2024
Exceptional information communicated in a user friendly manner
I feel fortunate to have read this book. It’s filled with a lot of medical information that I would normally consider dry or hard to follow. Dr. Nathan presents important content with kind thoughtfulness that I found magnetic. I finished the book with a new found hope that my conditions are treatable. I look forward to implementing his regimes and reading his other books.
I feel fortunate to have read this book. It’s filled with a lot of medical information that I would normally consider dry or hard to follow. Dr. Nathan presents important content with kind thoughtfulness that I found magnetic. I finished the book with a new found hope that my conditions are treatable. I look forward to implementing his regimes and reading his other books.
January 26, 2020
I am suffering from Multiple Chemical Sensitivities and found this book to be extremely helpful! I have learned a lot and found the supplement and homeopathic suggestions very, very beneficial. I feel more hopeful after reading this book and will continue to refer to it frequently.
June 11, 2022
Felt like I was back in Human Biology class. I feel like he could’ve kept it a bit more simple and removed some of the science and figures so that you don’t get so overwhelmed. Overall, lots of good info for anyone feeling ‘stuck’ with a chronic illness they can’t figure out.
November 30, 2024
This book was recommended to me for one specific chapter dealing with MCAS. I found that chapter to be a helpful overview of the condition, as well as possible testing and treatment. I can't speak to the rest of the book though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews