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Environmental Medicine Services to Address Exposure to Toxins

Alternative to Meds Editorial Team
Medically Reviewed by ATMC Clinical Review Team

Human health, including mental health, involves a complex system of many components. It’s important to think about health as a holistic or whole-person concept. Environmental medicine is one of many beneficial fields that can be applied to mental health treatment.

In mental health treatment, it’s vital to consider potential environmental impacts that may be at the root of symptoms, and that may hinder healing. Environmental factors are often overlooked.  Learn more about how our environmental medicine services in Sedona could help you on your path to mental wellness.


Experience the transformative power of Environmental Medicine.

long-term effects
We invite you to read about our high rates of success and the unique philosophy behind our programs which has helped so many achieve their mental health goals. Our treatment protocols are evidence-based, non-addictive, and non-toxic. The staff at the center are passionate about helping each client by designing a program that is uniquely tailored to the individual’s immediate needs and long-term goals. By addressing root causes in non harmful ways we have helped thousands of clients regain natural mental health over the past 17 years.

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What Is Environmental Medicine?

Environmental medicine studies how environmental factors can affect overall health. It recognizes that health can be influenced deeply by chemical exposures and other toxic elements that can take their toll on mental health. Environmental medicine research has provided large data sets showing the consequences of heavy metal and other types of toxic chemical exposures, and how these can negatively affect both physical and mental health

Environmental medicine examines a wide range of concerns about pollutants in the air and in public water supply, pesticides and other toxins in food and medications, cleaning products, certain cosmetics, impacts of EMF radiation, indoor air quality, and much more.1-17

Why Is Environmental Medicine Important in Mental Health?

Many patients come to the Alternative to Meds Center with symptoms that pharmaceutical medications have not been able to resolve. Far too often, we find that environmental impacts are either at the root of the issue or contributing to a person’s mental health symptoms.

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Environmental Medicine Addresses Exposure to Toxins

Environmental medicine studies the following exposures:
  • Exposure to pollutants in the home such as cleaning products, off-gassing carpets or furniture, mold spores, poor water quality
  • Mercury poisoning, often due to diet, dentistry, or medications
  • Lead exposure and poisoning from environmental exposure, including paint, gas, and more
  • Chemical contaminants, including dioxins, PFAs (forever chemicals), etc.
  • Exposure to pesticides in foods and soils
  • EMF and similar exposure risks

The brain is a biochemical organ that is physically protected by the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). The interior nervous tissue is extremely vulnerable to chemicals and other environmental toxins if they can bypass the BBB. There is a vast array of chemicals and toxins you encounter every day, including incidental contact with toxins in the air, water, and food supply, as well as toxins ingested as part of a medication regimen. Toxins are typically fat-soluble. A large percentage of brain matter is made of fat. This is where toxins will be stored. 6,7,14

Toxins can and will hinder the brain’s ability to operate normally by interfering with the normal biochemical signaling it must undertake every day. Neurotoxin exposures can poison the neurons, send brain signaling into overdrive, or hinder its functioning in other ways. This dysfunction is what can begin sending an individual into anxiety, depression, brain fog, insomnia, and many other mental health symptoms that can be misdiagnosed as mental disorders.1-6,8-16

Environmental Medicine at Alternative to Meds Center

For many years, the focus of physical and mental health providers, as well as addiction treatment centers, has been on treating the patient’s symptoms and not the patient as a whole. The trouble with this approach is that environmental factors that may be contributing to the patient’s condition are often missed. This can cause issues with physical, mental, and behavioral health.

environmental medicine services at Alternative to Meds CenterResearch shows a wide variety of toxins can drive hyperactivity, depression, and anxiety.1,5,13,15,16 Our environmental medicine services in AZ not only consider environmental factors that may otherwise be overlooked but also strive to address them and resolve adverse conditions that can be ruinous to mental health. Transformative cleansing measures are in place at Alternative to Meds Center to purge accumulated neurotoxins from the body for relief.

Exposure to toxins and pollutants at work and during the normal activities of daily life can be among the most dangerous. Because these exposures are so unobtrusive and occur so regularly, it’s easy to assume the resulting symptoms, including anxiety, exhaustion, hyperactivity, insomnia, lowered cognition, and depression, are just a normal part of life. Many people are then prescribed pharmaceuticals to numb the symptoms rather than addressing their source.14

Treating and eliminating environmental toxin exposure is crucial to restoring neurochemical function and can be instrumental when addressing issues at the root of failed drug treatments, developed dependence on prescription drugs, and related maladies. Over time, the body and brain store fat-soluble toxins, which can debilitate cognition, impair balance, interfere with impulse control, and even dysregulate one’s metabolism. These effects can lead to chronic fatigue, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, mood swings, insomnia, and more.2,7 At Alternative to Meds Center, we use testing to fully understand the multitude of ways exposure to toxins in the environment can impact our mental health. With the application of environmental medicine, we can treat patients effectively by neurotoxin removal, and providing correct nutrition to rebuild and rehabilitate one’s neurochemistry naturally.

Can Air Pollutants Influence Mental Health?

Air pollutants are of particular concern here at Alternative to Meds Center. Toxins in the air can affect how mental illnesses manifest, as well as their severity. A recent study revealed a 33% increase in psychotic events and a 39% increase in the occurrence of mental health disorders in urban areas with a high concentration of air pollutants.

This study suggests that incidences of anxiety and depression, already common in the US and a major underlying factor for conditions like substance use disorder, can increase because of air pollutants and toxins within the environment. Worse, if these issues are preexisting, they may worsen with the introduction of environmental toxins in the air. Attention to air pollution, both as a preventative step and during environmental medicine treatment, can change the lives of those affected.3

Medication Dependence, Substance Use Disorder, Co-Occurring Disorders, and Environmental Medicine

Medication dependence, and substance use disorder rarely present alone. The person who attempts to dampen mental health issues with medication or recreational drugs may fall into a dysregulated state. Where toxins are present in the body, psychological and even nutritional therapy will be severely impeded.17

Addressing neurotoxicity essentially enables us to treat a wide range of mental health issues more effectively. Applying environmental medicine can greatly benefit tackling these co-occurring conditions for success.

Lab Testing for Environmental Toxins

lab testing for neurotoxinsThe problem with traditional approaches to substance use disorder treatment is that they focus on the symptoms rather than the contributing factors to this disease. At Alternative to Meds Center, we’ve found that many of the patients we treat are affected by heavy metals from environmental exposures. We explore the interactions between patient health and toxins in the environment to discover the external influences that could be contributing to mental health conditions as well as impeding recovery from medication dependence and substance use disorder. To do so, we run comprehensive lab testing to assess the toxic burden placed upon our patients by environmental toxins that have accumulated in the body.

After determining toxin load and the effects it is having on a patient, we’ll work to detoxify the body of heavy metals, neurotoxins, and related nutritional deficiencies. In these ways, we can help patients stabilize neurochemistry, improve mental health, and make real progress toward recovery from ongoing symptoms related to medication use, or over use, dependence, and addiction. Our goal is to eliminate unnecessary chemical influences and comprehensively address each and every component of the patient’s wellness.

Environmental Medicine in Sedona, AZ

At Alternative to Meds Center, environmental medicine is the foundation of a holistic and authentic approach to recovery. This frequently involves addressing multiple environmental factors, addictive substances, medication tapering, and nutritional deficiencies. Neurotoxin removal is a specialty at Alternative to Meds Center.

If you suspect that toxins have influenced your ability to lead a healthy life and are contributing to your mental health and medication dependence and related issues, it’s important to reach out as soon as possible. Our friendly staff is here to help you learn more about the services we offer. When you’re ready, contact us to get your questions answered and discover the next steps to a healthy life.

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Environmental Medicine FAQs

What are some effects of heavy metal exposures ?

While some heavy metals in trace amounts are essential to human health, including copper, zinc, iron, and selenium, others like cadmium, mercury, lead, arsenic, chromium, and thallium can have severe mental and physical health effects. These metals have been linked to everything from cardiovascular disease and kidney issues to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, seizures, and other mental health disorders. Toxic heavy metals can disrupt neurons and disrupt their tasks in the brain and nervous system. Heavy metals have been linked to mental health disorders like schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, and others.

How Can Toxins in Your Body Cause Anxiety and Depression?

Toxins affect the brain by inhibiting the production and distribution of important neurotransmitters. When the brain is unable to release neurotransmitters to communicate with body systems to influence bodily processes, it may work harder than it needs to or cease performing essential functions. This disruption in neurochemical balance can cause mood swings, anxiety, depression, and more. For example, toxins can interfere with neurochemical transmission, which can directly result in anxiety and depression.8,9

Where Are Toxins Typically Found?

Several heavy metals can directly affect the intricate neurochemistry of the CNS and brain, including mercury, cadmium, aluminum, arsenic, thallium, and lead. Recent studies have shown an association between lead and other toxins and negative effects on brain development in adults and in children.10,14 Molds found in damp or unventilated spaces are associated with brain fog and other neurotoxic symptoms.5 In addition to heavy metals, common chemicals like pesticides and BHA can make their way into food and water supplies. Food additives and chemically processed foods like high fructose corn syrup, artificial food coloring, aspartame, and MSG (monosodium glutamate) can lead to adverse effects on neurochemistry, and even brain damage in severe cases. Finally, harmful toxins found in common household cleaners can include ammonia, trisodium phosphate, ethylene glycol, and more. Because cleaning solutions often evaporate, these can create an indoor environment laden with neurotoxic airborne particles.16
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For Help with Environmental Medicine

References:

1. Reuben, A., Manczak, E. M., Cabrera, L. Y., Alegria, M., Bucher, M. L., Freeman, E. C., … & Perry, M. J. (2022). The interplay of environmental exposures and mental health: Setting an agenda. Environmental health perspectives, 130(2), 025001. [cited 2025 Nov 11]

2. Vidal, H., & Naville, D. (2018). Environmental Pollutants and Metabolic Disorders: The Multi-Exposure Scenario of Life. Frontiers in endocrinology, 9. [cited 2025 Nov 11]

3. Bakolis, I., Hammoud, R., Stewart, R. et al. (2021). Mental health consequences of urban air pollution: prospective population-based longitudinal survey. Soc psychiatry psychiatr epidemiol 56, 1587–1599 (2021). [cited 2025 Nov 11]

4. Thau L, Reddy V, Singh P. Anatomy, Central Nervous System. 2022 Oct 10. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan–. PMID: 31194336. [cited 2025 Nov 11]

5. Harding CF, Liao D, Persaud R, DeStefano RA, Page KG, Stalbow LL, Roa T, Ford JC, Goman KD, Pytte CL. Differential effects of exposure to toxic or nontoxic mold spores on brain inflammation and Morris water maze performance. Behav Brain Res. 2023 Mar 28;442:114294. doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114294. Epub 2023 Jan 10. PMID: 36638914; PMCID: PMC10460635. [cited 2025 Nov 11]

6. Genuis SJ. Toxic causes of mental illness are overlooked. Neurotoxicology. 2008 Nov;29(6):1147-9. doi: 10.1016/j.neuro.2008.06.005. Epub 2008 Jun 24. PMID: 18621076. [cited 2025 Nov 11]

7. Reig N, van der Goot FG. About lipids and toxins. FEBS Lett. 2006 Oct 9;580(23):5572-9. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2006.08.033. Epub 2006 Aug 28. PMID: 16962591. [cited 2025 Nov 11]

8. Newbury JB, Stewart R, Fisher HL, Beevers S, Dajnak D, Broadbent M, Pritchard M, Shiode N, Heslin M, Hammoud R, Hotopf M, Hatch SL, Mudway IS, Bakolis I. Association between air pollution exposure and mental health service use among individuals with first presentations of psychotic and mood disorders: retrospective cohort study. Br J Psychiatry. 2021 Dec;219(6):678-685. doi: 10.1192/bjp.2021.119. PMID: 35048872; PMCID: PMC8636613. [cited 2025 Nov 11]

9. Zundel CG, Ryan P, Brokamp C, Heeter A, Huang Y, Strawn JR, Marusak HA. Air pollution, depressive and anxiety disorders, and brain effects: A systematic review. Neurotoxicology. 2022 Dec;93:272-300. doi: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.10.011. Epub 2022 Oct 21. PMID: 36280190; PMCID: PMC10015654. [cited 2025 Nov 11]

10. Guxens M, Lubczynska MJ, Perez-Crespo L, Muetzel RL, El Marroun H, Basagana X, Hoek G, Tiemeier H. Associations of Air Pollution on the Brain in Children: A Brain Imaging Study. Res Rep Health Eff Inst. 2022 Feb;(209):1-61. PMID: 36106707. [cited 2025 Nov 11]

11. Gazwi HSS, Mahmoud ME, Hamed MM. Antimicrobial activity of rosemary leaf extracts and efficacy of ethanol extract against testicular damage caused by 50-Hz electromagnetic field in albino rats. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2020;27(13):15798-15805.[cited 2025 Nov 11]

12. Raghu SV, Kudva AK, Rajanikant GK, Baliga MS. Medicinal plants in mitigating electromagnetic radiation-induced neuronal damage: a concise review. Electromagn Biol Med. 2022;41(1):1-14 [cited 2025 Nov 11]

13. Gui J, Ding R, Huang D, Wang L, Han Z, Yang X, Yang J, Luo H, Jiang L. Associations between urinary heavy metals and anxiety among adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2007-2012. Chemosphere. 2023 Nov;341:140085. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140085. Epub 2023 Sep 9. PMID: 37690549. [cited 2025 Nov 11]

14. Crofton KM, Bassan A, Behl M, Chushak YG, Fritsche E, Gearhart JM, Marty MS, Mumtaz M, Pavan M, Ruiz P, Sachana M, Selvam R, Shafer TJ, Stavitskaya L, Szabo DT, Szabo ST, Tice RR, Wilson D, Woolley D, Myatt GJ. Current status and future directions for a neurotoxicity hazard assessment framework that integrates in silico approaches. Comput Toxicol. 2022 May;22:100223. doi: 10.1016/j.comtox.2022.100223. Epub 2022 Mar 17. PMID: 35844258; PMCID: PMC9281386. [cited 2025 Nov 11]

15. Wallace DA, Gallagher JP, Peterson SR, Ndiaye-Gueye S, Fox K, Redline S, Johnson DA. Is exposure to chemical pollutants associated with sleep outcomes? A systematic review. Sleep Med Rev. 2023 Aug;70:101805. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2023.101805. Epub 2023 Jun 16. Erratum in: Sleep Med Rev. 2023 Dec;72:101853. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2023.101853. PMID: 37392613; PMCID: PMC10528206. [cited 2025 Nov 11]

16. Salonen H, Salthammer T, Castagnoli E, Täubel M, Morawska L. Cleaning products: Their chemistry, effects on indoor air quality, and implications for human health. Environ Int. 2024 Aug;190:108836. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108836. Epub 2024 Jun 18. PMID: 38917624. [cited 2025 Nov 11]

17. Cano-Sancho G, Casas M. Interactions between environmental pollutants and dietary nutrients: current evidence and implications in epidemiological research. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2021 Feb;75(2):108-113. doi: 10.1136/jech-2020-213789. Epub 2020 Oct 6. PMID: 33023970. [cited 2025 Nov 11]

Originally Published Sep 13, 2018 by Lyle Murphy

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This content has been reviewed and approved by:

ATMC Clinical Review Team

The ATMC Clinical Review Team includes licensed physicians and experienced healthcare professionals dedicated to ensuring the accuracy, quality, and integrity of our medical content. The team reviews articles for clinical accuracy, evidence-based guidance, and relevance while supporting Alternative to Meds Center’s whole-person approach to mental health, recovery, and long-term wellness.

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