In today’s world, it’s hard to escape toxins completely, especially heavy metals. Even the cleanest eaters and most conscious wellness lovers (myself included!) are exposed to toxins through the soil, water, and even certain “healthy” foods.
But don’t worry, this isn’t about fear or restriction!
It’s about awareness, empowerment, and taking small, loving steps to honor your body’s wisdom and protect it as much as possible.
Detox isn’t about being extreme—it’s about working with your body’s natural intelligence to gently release heavy metals and other toxins and support what it already knows how to do.
Especially because the modern world has increasingly introduced unnatural toxins and chemicals that come in contact with our bodies.
Start with daily rituals, nourishing foods, and a whole lot of self-love!
What Are Heavy Metals, And How Do You Detox From Them Naturally?
I live in Los Angeles, and like many of you, I was deeply concerned about the airborne lead and other toxins released after the recent fires. As we were leaving for evacuation, We were in evacuation for a few weeks, and as we were leaving, we could see some pretty scary dark smoke plumes! Even when you can’t see the smoke though, toxins are being dispersed for miles and miles.
When materials like old paint, industrial waste, or contaminated soil burn, heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic can become airborne—attaching to ash and dust particles we may inhale or that may settle on surfaces, plants, and soil.
Even when we’re doing our best to live clean, there are things—like environmental disasters—we simply can’t control. And even without such extreme disasters, there are heavy metals that leach into the waterways, are part of everyday air pollution, and in so many other ways!
That’s why I’m so passionate about finding practical, powerful ways to protect and support our bodies with nature’s intelligence.
Let’s start with the basics. Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements found in the earth, but many of them become harmful when they accumulate in the body over time.
The most common culprits include lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and aluminum—and unfortunately, they’re more present in your everyday environment than you might realize, especially in urban areas affected by pollution, construction, or fires.
We’re also constantly exposed to heavy metals from many sources beyond contaminated soil and water, air, and pollution. We are exposed to these toxins from our food packaging, cookware and even some beauty products.
Heavy metals are bioaccumulative, meaning they don’t just pass through once they enter your body. They can be stored in your tissues, bones, brain, and fat cells- quietly building up and interfering with your body’s natural systems.
You might be thinking, “Aren’t small amounts okay?”
Yes, our bodies are incredibly intelligent. We have natural detox systems designed to help us process and release certain toxins—but when exposure becomes chronic or overwhelming, our systems can get overburdened.
That gentle trickle of exposure over time becomes a flood, and that’s where a daily heavy metal detox routine rooted in food, breath, and nature’s intelligence becomes so powerful.
Common Foods That Contain Heavy Metals (and What You Can Do)
One of the most important things we can do for our health is to become more aware of where toxins are coming from so we can make empowered, informed choices (without falling into fear or perfectionism)!
Heavy metals often find their way into our diets through common, everyday foods, even those we think of as “healthy.”
And NO, I don’t want you to stress over EVERY BITE! Just be more mindful of your choices.
Let’s walk through a few common sources and what the research tells us:
Conventionally Grown Produce
I absolutely love fresh fruits and vegetables; they’re vibrant, nourishing, and essential for our well-being!
However, it’s important to be mindful that conventionally grown produce can sometimes be exposed to contaminated soil or sprayed with chemical pesticides, which may increase their heavy metal content!
How to Reduce Heavy Metal Exposure from Produce
This doesn’t mean you need to avoid fresh produce altogether, but choosing organic options when possible or thoroughly washing and peeling conventionally grown fruits and vegetables can help reduce potential exposure to these unwanted substances. I know it’s not always possible to buy all organic, though if you can I would recommend putting your budget towards greens and fruit you don’t peel, like strawberries.
Non-Organic Protein Powders and Supplements
This might surprise you (it surprised me), but a Clean Label Project investigation found that many popular protein powders, especially plant-based and even organic ones, had detectable levels of heavy metals like lead and cadmium! In fact, chocolate-flavored varieties tended to be the worst!
How to Choose Clean, Heavy Metal-Free Supplements
It’s an important reminder that just because something looks or sounds healthy doesn’t always mean it’s truly nourishing. This is why I always encourage you to choose clean, trusted sources when choosing a protein powder or any of your supplements!
Certain Fish (Like Tuna, Swordfish, Mackerel)
Mercury is a common concern in larger fish since it builds up over time in their tissues and in ours when we eat them regularly. One study found that tuna had the highest levels of mercury among the fish tested, high enough to potentially pose a health risk if eaten too often!
Safer Alternatives to High-Mercury Fish
If you eat meat, choosing smaller, lower-mercury fish like wild salmon or shifting toward plant-based omega-3s can help reduce exposure. Fish can also be a high source of microplastics, due to the pollution of the waterways. I take a algae-based omega 3 supplement every day, and I also eat seeds and nuts such as chia seeds which are a great source of omega 3s.
Rice and Rice Products
Yes, even rice! While it’s a staple in many of our kitchens, rice naturally absorbs more arsenic from the soil and water than other grains.
A recent study found that even rice that meets safety standards can still pose health risks over time due to arsenic and cadmium buildup.
Simple Ways to Lower Arsenic in Rice (and Lighten Your Toxic Load)
You don’t have to give it up entirely—but you can soak it before cooking, ideally for at least a few hours. You can also rotate it with other nourishing grains like quinoa, millet, or even cauliflower rice to lighten your toxic load.
Spices
Even your spice cabinet might need a second look. A recent cinnamon recall found dangerously high levels of lead in certain cinnamon products, which can pose serious health risks when consumed regularly.
How to Find Pure Spices
Start by choosing high-quality, organic spices from trusted brands, ideally, ones that have been third-party tested for purity. Store them away from heat and light to preserve their potency, and rotate them often; spices can lose their freshness (and accumulate more risk) the longer they sit.
Cacao Products
You know how much I love cacao. We grow it here on our farm in Hawaii, and it is a sacred plant. It’s one of my favorite nourishing, earthy additions to smoothies and snacks. Cacao is incredibly rich in antioxidants and magnesium, and it supports mood, brain function, and even heart health.
But it’s also important to know that cacao plants can absorb cadmium from the soil, especially when grown in certain regions. In fact, dark chocolate has come under scrutiny for higher levels of heavy metals in some brands!
How to Avoid Metals and Still Enjoy Cacao!
Obviously, you shouldn’t have to give up your favorite treat (I definitely haven’t!). Just be mindful about sourcing; just look for chocolate and cacao products from reputable companies that test for purity and heavy metals (most do!).
Fruit Juices (Especially Apple and Grape)
Fruit juices may seem like a healthy option, but some commercially produced juices, especially apple and grape, have been found to contain small amounts of arsenic and lead, particularly when made from concentrate. These metals can leach in from contaminated soil or water during farming and processing.
How Can I Find Healthy Juices?
Skip juice concentrates altogether! Beyond heavy metals, there are so many reasons to reach for whole fruits or cold-pressed, organic juices instead.
Whole fruits are packed with fiber, enzymes, and living nutrients that support your digestion and blood sugar levels, unlike many juices that spike your energy and then leave you crashing!
Do Your Research + Choose Clean, Pure Products
If there’s one thread I’ve woven through this entire article, it’s this: not everything that sounds healthy is clean. From protein powders to rice, chocolate, and even spices, purity matters!
When you’re choosing packaged foods or supplements, always opt for brands that are transparent about their sourcing and testing. Look for third-party testing, toxin screenings, and organic certifications.
Supporting Your Detox, Daily
Detox isn’t just a trend—it’s a natural, ongoing process your body performs through your liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, skin, and colon.
These systems are designed to neutralize and eliminate toxins, but in today’s world, they can become overburdened. That’s why daily support is so essential—not extreme cleanses, just loving, consistent care for your body’s natural ability to cleanse and renew.
So, how do you know if your body could use a little extra support?
Some common signs of toxic buildup include low energy, brain fog, skin breakouts, bloating, sluggish digestion, or just feeling “off.”
These aren’t problems to fear—they’re invitations to tune in and take gentle steps to support your body’s natural detox from heavy metals and other environmental toxins.
Just like we care for our emotional well-being, our spiritual connection, and our relationships, how you detox is another form of self-love.
In fact, true detox happens across all Four Cornerstones: Food, Body, Emotional Well-being, and Spiritual Growth. When we nourish all parts of ourselves, the body naturally releases what no longer serves us—physically, emotionally, and energetically.
Our bodies are always working to keep us balanced and clean… but in today’s world, they simply need more support.
Here are a few ways you can help your body release what no longer serves you and bring in what truly nourishes you.
Everyday Detox Rituals to Try:
- Start your morning with warm water and lemon to stimulate digestion and flush toxins
- Aim to eat the Solluna way: light to heavy, mostly raw to cooked, and fiber-rich at every meal!
- Take Glowing Greens Powder® daily for powerful plant-based cleansing nutrients like spirulina and chlorella
- Add SBO Probiotics to support gut health and promote natural elimination—a diverse and healthy microbiome is essential for long-term detoxification and hormone balance
- Include Detoxy 2–3 times per week to support gentle, oxygen-based colon cleansing and help remove buildup from the GI tract
- Use Digestive Enzymes before your largest meals to help reduce bloating, break down food, absorb nutrients, and support gentle daily detox
- Eat fiber-rich, plant-based meals with leafy greens, seeds, and legumes to help bind to toxins and carry them out through digestion (fiber is one of the most underrated detox tools!)
- Move your body daily (even a short walk helps stimulate lymph flow)
- Practice deep breathing or dry brushing to support circulation and detox pathways
- Prioritize sleep—your body performs deep cellular detox while you rest
Glowing Greens Powder®: Nature’s Detox Ally
One of my favorite daily rituals for supporting gentle, effective detox is taking Glowing Greens Powder®.
I created this incredibly powerful, synergistic blend of powerful greens (and Cordyceps mushrooms) blend to help you flood your body with high-vibration nutrients, all without needing a fridge full of ingredients!
One of the star ingredients is spirulina. Spirulina helps detoxify the body– it’s one of nature’s most powerful detoxifiers! This nutrient-dense blue-green algae binds to heavy metals and toxins in the body, helping to flush them out through natural elimination pathways.
What makes spirulina truly extraordinary is its ability to chelate, or bind to, heavy metals—so they can be safely escorted out of the body.
This isn’t just theory. After environmental disasters like Chernobyl and the radioactive fallout in Japan, spirulina was studied and shown to help people detox from harmful exposure by accelerating the removal of heavy metals.
At the same time, spirulina delivers clean plant protein, chlorophyll, antioxidants, and essential nutrients that support your energy, skin, and vitality. It’s a daily ally in building resilience from the inside out.
I personally take Glowing Greens Powder® every single day. I created this formula to include seven powerful plants, including spirulina, chlorella, moringa, ashitaba and amalaki to help buffer the impact of toxins and build true vitality in a very real, modern world.
If you’re feeling called to start a daily detox ritual that’s easy, supportive, and backed by nature and science, Glowing Greens Powder® can be a beautiful addition to your routine.
I take it every day—and I truly believe in its power to help you feel lighter, clearer, and more energized from the inside out.
The Feel Good Starter Kit: Gentle Support for Your Detox Routine
My non-negotiable daily supplement is always my SBO Probiotics, which help nourish gut health and support natural elimination.
I also take Detoxy most nights to promote ongoing cleansing through oxygen-based colon support, and I use Digestive Enzymes to help break down food efficiently, reduce bloating, and ensure I’m absorbing all the nutrients my body needs.
These three have been a cornerstone of my personal wellness routine, which is why I created the Feel Good Starter Kit—to help you begin (or return to) a gentle, daily detox rhythm with trusted tools.
Our newest addition to this routine, Glowing Greens Powder®, offers daily detox support that’s even more nutrient-rich, accessible, and convenient—no fridge full of greens required!
What makes it different is that it floods your body with deep-cleansing nutrients that support detoxification at the cellular level.
GGP’s formula goes beyond basic fiber or elimination support, as key ingredients like spirulina and chlorella help bind to heavy metals and toxins, aiding in their natural removal.
It’s here to complement, not replace, the foundational tools in your detox routine—and to help you feel light, vibrant, and nourished from the inside out.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be intentional.
The truth is, in today’s world, it’s nearly impossible to avoid exposure to toxins and heavy metals at every turn—and I want you to know that I see that, and I live it too.
You can’t always control what’s in the air, the soil, or the water, but you can control what you put into your body. And every small, intentional choice you make is a step toward strength, radiance, and resilience.
We’re not aiming for perfection here. We’re simply creating a more conscious, supportive environment within our bodies so we can thrive despite the modern challenges around us.
Because detox isn’t just about removing toxins.
It’s about coming home to your most radiant, connected whole self.
That is where true health, true beauty, and true love live.
With much love and appreciation,
We can’t live in a bubble and we don’t need to. When we stay connected to our bodies and our intuition, when we take empowered steps to support ourselves every day, we naturally build the strength to thrive in an imperfect world.
This is what true wellness looks like—not fear, but freedom.
References
- Aladaileh, S. H., et al. “Spirulina platensis Attenuates γ-Irradiation and/or Thioacetamide-Induced Nephrotoxicity…” Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 2021.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8201556/)
- Clean Label Project. Protein Powder Study 2.0. Clean Label Project, 2024, https://cleanlabelproject.org/protein-study-2-0/.
- Storelli, Francesco, and Giovanni O. Marcotrigiano. “Lead, Cadmium and Mercury in Canned and Unprocessed Tuna: A Risk Assessment Study.” Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, vol. 92, 2020, p. 103570. ScienceDirect, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889157520313430.
- Wei, Rong, et al. “Heavy Metal Concentrations in Rice That Meet Safety Standards Can Still Pose a Risk to Human Health.” Communications Earth & Environment, vol. 4, 2023, article 84. Nature, https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-023-00723-7.
- Kritz, Fran. “Why Are There So Many Cinnamon Recalls Nowadays?” Verywell Health, 2024, https://www.verywellhealth.com/cinnamon-recalls-lead-contamination-8758444.
- Loria, Kevin. “Lead and Cadmium Could Be in Your Dark Chocolate.” Consumer Reports, 15 Dec. 2022, https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-safety/lead-and-cadmium-in-dark-chocolate-a8480295550.
- Gill, Lauren L. “Arsenic and Lead Are in Your Fruit Juice: What You Need to Know.” Consumer Reports, 2019, https://www.consumerreports.org/food-safety/arsenic-and-lead-are-in-your-fruit-juice-what-you-need-to-know.
- Nesterenko, V. B., Nesterenko, A. V., and A. V. Yablokov. “Decorporation of Chernobyl Radionuclides.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, vol. 1181, no. 1, 2009, pp. 287–298. Wiley Online Library, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04836
0 Comments