Ep. 242 - Detox Demystified: everything you need to know to support your body's disposal system with David Mara

From Not Your Mother's Menopause with Dr. Fiona Lovely | Perimenopause and Menopause Support · 01:06:41

Show by Dr. Fiona Lovely

In this illuminating conversation, Dr. Fiona Lovely welcomes David Roberts, co-founder of Mara Labs, to unpack one of the most confusing topics in wellness: detoxification. David's journey into this work is deeply personal. After his late wife Mara was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer in 2012, he partnered with Johns Hopkins-trained researcher Dr. John Gildea to investigate natural compounds that could support her health. What emerged from that research was sulforaphane, a molecule found in broccoli that would become the foundation of a major breakthrough—the first naturally stabilized, bioavailable sulforaphane supplement, and the first to demonstrate mobilization of microplastics in the body. David explains the three phases of liver detoxification with remarkable clarity, and why so many detox programs leave people feeling worse. Many products stimulate phase one—making toxins more toxic—without supporting the phases that actually move them out of the body. Sulforaphane works across all three phases, slowing phase one while accelerating phase two and supporting elimination, which is why it doesn't produce the dreaded "detox flu." The conversation also explores the alarming ubiquity of microplastics, how they act as Trojan horses carrying BPA, phthalates, and heavy metals into our cells, and what practical steps women can take to reduce their exposure—from HEPA filters and reverse osmosis water to ditching plastic food containers and shiny tea bags. This episode is essential listening for any woman concerned about estrogen metabolism, inflammation, brain health, and long-term vitality. Episode Highlights: The three phases of detoxification and why most detox programs get it wrong How sulforaphane supports all three phases without causing "detox flu" Why DIM only addresses one phase—and what sulforaphane does differently The role of sulforaphane in priming detox pathways before starting HRT How microplastics carry toxins into cells and why they're so hard to eliminate Practical steps to reduce microplastic exposure at home and while traveling The connection between sulforaphane, BDNF, and brain health Why sulforaphane may help mobilize microplastics for excretion If you've ever felt worse after a detox—or wondered whether any of it actually works—this conversation will change everything you thought you knew. Connect with David: Website: https://mara-labs.com/ Instagram: @themaralabs Thank you to our sponsors for this episode: 💤Support for Deeper Sleep with BIOptimizers > We talk a lot about hormone and nervous system balance, and quality sleep is foundational to both. Most supplements rely on just one cheap form of magnesium, but Magnesium Breakthrough includes all seven essential forms to truly nourish your nervous system and support deep, restful sleep.* BIOptimizers has spent over two decades in their own lab perfecting this blend. Get 15% off your order: Visit bioptimizers.com/lovely and use promo code LOVELY at checkout. 🛌 🌹Join us for the Way of the Menopause Doula webinar coming up on November 13th at 10am MDT. We are entering a whole new era of supporting women through the menopause transition. I can't wait to see you there! Get on the list right here: https://menopausedoulacouncil.com Dr. Fiona Lovely is a longevity, health and wellness expert with specialties in menopause medicine, functional neurology and functional medicine. She is speaking to the topics of women's health around perimenopause and menopause. How to work with Dr. Lovely: We get many requests for this info, so here it is! First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast. It's because of your support, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️ The Menopause Doula Council is opening its doors to the new cohort soon! Join our Waitlist to get all the information about the program first! Follow Dr. Lovely on IG and TikTok: @drfionalovely Follow the podcast on Facebook: www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast Please sign up for our newsletter - Fiona's Friday Favourites! This is where we make the first announcements, share course offerings, drop new episodes, blog posts and the coveted 'Fiona's Favourites' column, etc. drlovely.com You can also find some great resources there! Finally, a humble request: If you love the podcast, please leave us a review! It helps more people find useful info for a challenging time: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/not-your-mothers-menopause-with-dr-fiona-lovely/id1097326296 Please scroll to the bottom of the page to leave a review. Thank you! 💕🤗 Partnerships by Category3 Media Group

More episodes of Not Your Mother's Menopause with Dr. Fiona Lovely | Perimenopause and Menopause Support

More episodes

PodSearch is a free, independent podcast search engine. Read about PodSearch, the privacy policy or contact us.