FAQ

Where to start?

Find a functional doctor or holistic practitioner in your area. Call them and ask for a consult to review symptoms and see if your medical needs align with their practice and pricing methods.

Why do I need a biological dentist?

Many illnesses begin in the gums. Biological dentists have CT scans

Why is testing so important?

Comprehensive testing ensures that you find the root cause of your symptoms. This is often costly, but it saves you money in the long run because you are getting answers quickly and a complete picture of what is happening inside your body. Comprehensive testing speeds up your recovery time. Comprehensive testing involves deeper dives into blood work, stool samples, and other co-factors that could be contributing to your health.

Why is a comprehensive stool test so important to order?

Most health problems are connected to our intestines where 80% of our immune system resides. Health symptoms seemingly unrelated to our intestines can be aggravated or escalated by unknown problems inside our intestines. For example, H.Pylori, a common intestinal infection, can sometimes have no symptoms, and yet will wreak havoc on a person’s body in other areas. Autoimmune patients often have intestinal problems, and when the intestines heal, the autoimmune symptoms are more manageable. symptoms start in the intestines, so ordering a complete stool sample is often the baseline approach.

Why should a functional doctor/practitioner oversee my detox?

Detoxing our bodies from toxins can be a lengthy detailed process, with adjustments needing to be made along the way. Side effects can occur, and if not properly managed, a detox can cause other health problems. Functional doctors and practitioners are well trained in detoxes and how to support the body from a multi-system approach.

What common chemicals are found in traditional household cleaning supplies?

Disinfectants & Antibacterial Agents

Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) – Kills bacteria, viruses, and mold.
Quaternary ammonium compounds (Quats) – e.g., benzalkonium chloride (used in disinfectant sprays and wipes).
Triclosan (now restricted in many products) – Formerly common in antibacterial soaps.
Phenols – Used in some heavy-duty disinfectants.

Surfactants (Dirt & Grease Removers)

These help break up oils and allow them to rinse away.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)
Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) – Now restricted in some regions but still present in some products.
Linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS)

Fragrance Chemicals

Often listed simply as “fragrance” or “parfum,” which can represent dozens or even hundreds of undisclosed chemicals.

Common fragrance-related compounds:

Phthalates (used to stabilize scent)
Limonene
Linalool
Benzyl acetate
Synthetic musks

Solvents

Used to dissolve grease, stains, and residues.

Ammonia
2-Butoxyethanol
Ethanol
Isopropyl alcohol
Glycol ethers

Bleaching & Whitening Agents

Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite)
Hydrogen peroxide
Sodium percarbonate
Optical brighteners (fluorescent whitening agents in laundry detergents)

Builders & Water Softeners

Help detergents work more effectively.

Sodium carbonate (washing soda)
Phosphates (restricted in many areas due to environmental concerns)
Sodium tripolyphosphate

Preservatives

Prevent microbial growth in liquid products.

Methylisothiazolinone (MIT)
Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT)
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (e.g., DMDM hydantoin)

What common chemicals/preservatives are found in traditional packaged foods?

Common Preservatives

These help prevent mold, bacteria, and spoilage.

Sodium benzoate – Prevents growth of bacteria and yeast (common in sodas, salad dressings).
Potassium sorbate – Inhibits mold and yeast (cheese, baked goods, juices).
Calcium propionate / Sodium propionate – Prevents mold in bread and baked goods.
Sodium nitrite / Sodium nitrate – Preserves color and prevents bacterial growth in processed meats (bacon, hot dogs, deli meats).
Sulfur dioxide / Sulfites – Preserves dried fruits, wine, and some packaged potatoes.
BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole) – Prevents fats from going rancid (cereals, snack foods).
BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene) – Similar function to BHA (chips, cereals).
TBHQ (Tertiary butylhydroquinone) – Extends shelf life of oils and fried foods.

Artificial Sweeteners

Often used in “diet” or low-calorie foods.

Aspartame
Sucralose
Saccharin
Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K)

Artificial Colors (Synthetic Dyes)

Common in candy, drinks, cereals, and snack foods.

Red 40
Yellow 5
Yellow 6
Blue 1
Blue 2

Flavor Enhancers

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) – Enhances savory flavor.
Disodium inosinate / Disodium guanylate – Often paired with MSG.
Artificial flavor / Natural flavor – Broad terms that can contain many compounds.

Emulsifiers & Texture Stabilizers

Help ingredients mix and maintain consistency.

Soy lecithin
Mono- and diglycerides
Polysorbate 80
Carrageenan
Xanthan gum
Guar gum

Highly Processed Additives

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)
Hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils (source of trans fats)
Modified food starch
Maltodextrin

Anti-Caking Agents & Miscellaneous

Silicon dioxide
Calcium silicate
Propylene glycol
Sodium phosphate compounds

How can I tell if my or my family’s GI tract is being effected by processed foods?

Irritability, mood swings, sleep disruptions, hyperactivity, feeling down or sluggish, teeth decay, stomach aches, change in bowel movements (lack thereof, or too frequent), nausea, feeling unwell and not knowing why, and trouble concentrating to name a few.

What first steps should I take in removing chemicals from our home?

When switching to a more natural lifestyle, think replacement instead of removal. As you run out of dish soap, for your next purchase, purchase a natural one. Start with one category and work your way through each category one by one (i.e. dish soap, washing machine detergent, laundry detergent, toothpaste, etc).