Thoughts on a Unified Theory of Disease: The Role of Arsenic and Environmental Toxins in Chronic Illness

By Santorio, Inspired by Dr. Joseph Pizzorno (PMC7819492)

Explore how Dr. Joseph Pizzorno’s research into arsenic toxicity informs Santorio’s AI-driven approach to proactive, personalized wellness.

What’s Really Making Us Sick?

Why are chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular illness, and cancer continuing to rise, even as medical technology advances?

According to a growing body of research (PMC7819492), one often-overlooked answer lies in environmental toxins—particularly arsenic, a naturally occurring but highly toxic element found in contaminated water, rice, and other common foods. While we often attribute chronic illness to genetics or poor lifestyle choices, these toxins may be the root cause in many cases.

At Santorio, we believe that prevention must start by uncovering what’s hiding beneath the surface. That’s why our AI-powered platform integrates the latest in functional medicine research, helping users evaluate their toxic load and create personalized detox and wellness plans for lifelong health.

Spotlight on Dr. Joseph Pizzorno

Dr. Joseph Pizzorno is a trailblazer in the field of naturopathic and functional medicine, known for co-founding Bastyr University and serving as a White House-appointed advisor on integrative health.

His work focuses on empowering individuals to understand and reduce environmental health risks through clinical tools, lab testing, and lifestyle medicine. His research has greatly influenced the foundation of Santorio’s functional medicine algorithms—particularly in how we screen for and respond to heavy metal exposures like arsenic.

Key Insights from the Research

The study offers a sobering but essential look at how arsenic toxicity is silently affecting millions—and what we can do to stop it.

1. Arsenic Exposure Is Far More Widespread Than We Think

Arsenic is found in:

Contaminated groundwater (common in both developing and developed nations)
Rice and rice-based products
Certain seafoods and produce

Urinary arsenic levels above 10 μg/L are associated with increased risk for:

Diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
Certain cancers, including bladder and lung

2. Arsenic Persists in the Body and Environment

Arsenic may clear from blood in days, but it can remain in body tissues for years, damaging mitochondria, inflaming organs, and disrupting insulin sensitivity. This long half-life makes routine exposure a chronic risk—even when intake seems small.

3. Functional Tests Reveal Hidden Toxin Burdens

Research highlights several lab markers to assess arsenic-induced damage:

GGTP (gamma-glutamyl transferase): Elevated levels—even within the normal range—are linked to a 12-fold increase in diabetes risk.
ALT (alanine aminotransferase): A liver enzyme that can rise in response to arsenic.
Urinary arsenic: The most reliable marker of ongoing exposure.

4. Detox Is Possible—But It Takes Strategy

While it’s difficult to eliminate arsenic entirely, studies support a mix of:

Dietary choices (organic, low-arsenic grains)
Water filtration (especially reverse osmosis systems)
Supplemental support (like N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and zinc) to boost the body’s detox capacity

Santorio’s Approach: Turning Functional Toxicology Into Personalized Wellness

Santorio’s AI-driven platform makes Dr. Pizzorno’s research practical and personal.

1. Exposure Analysis Based on Real-Life Data

Using your environment, location, food preferences, and habits, Santorio estimates your arsenic exposure risk profile. Our AI flags red zones based on known contamination data and personal inputs.

2. Functional Lab Data Interpretation

We help users go beyond “normal” lab results by evaluating markers like:

GGTP (liver detox strain)
ALT (inflammation/stress)
8-OHdG (oxidative DNA damage)

These tests are interpreted through a functional medicine lens, identifying risks conventional care often misses.

3. Personalized Detox Strategies

Santorio builds a plan around your specific risk level, which might include:

Switching to arsenic-safe grains like quinoa or oats
Filtering tap water using a system certified for arsenic reduction
Supporting detox pathways with antioxidants and liver-friendly nutrients

4. Progress Tracking and Continuous Optimization

Users can monitor biomarkers, track habits, and adjust their strategy in real time, creating a feedback loop for proactive health improvement.

5 Smart Steps to Reduce Arsenic Exposure

Want to lower your arsenic risk starting today? Here are science-backed, simple strategies:

Filter Your Drinking Water
Use a certified reverse osmosis or activated alumina system to remove arsenic and other heavy metals.
Limit Rice Consumption
Choose alternatives like quinoa, millet, or oats. If eating rice, rinse thoroughly and cook in excess water.
Incorporate Detox Support Nutrients
Add NAC, selenium, and zinc to your regimen to support glutathione production and heavy metal clearance.
Test Urinary Arsenic and GGTP
Don’t guess—test. Early signs of toxin overload often appear long before symptoms.
Choose Organic Produce
Organic farming minimizes exposure to additional heavy metals and pesticide synergists that can worsen arsenic’s impact.

The Takeaway: Functional Medicine Reveals What Traditional Care Misses

Dr. Pizzorno’s research on arsenic underscores a larger truth: our environment shapes our health far more than we realize. And to truly fix our “sick care” system, we need to focus on removing the root causes of disease, not just managing symptoms.

At Santorio, we’re proud to carry this vision forward—by delivering AI-powered, functionally-informed wellness tools that help you uncover hidden risks and build health for the long term.