By Kim Ressler, Founder & CEO of SNiP Nutrigenomics

In 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported a troubling statistic: more than 158 million Americans—nearly half the U.S. population—have drinking water contaminated by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.” These persistent synthetic compounds, widely used for their water- and grease-resistant properties, have infiltrated our homes, our water supplies, and even our bodies.

As a health innovator and mother of four, this hits close to home. I’m passionate about protecting my family’s health and yours. We must understand these chemicals and our bodies’ natural defense mechanisms, so we can make informed choices and take proactive steps to safeguard our long-term health.

The Hidden Threat: What Exactly Are Forever Chemicals?

Forever chemicals are so named because of their resistance to natural breakdown processes. Introduced decades ago, PFAS quickly became staples in household products like non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, cosmetics, cleaning supplies, and food packaging. While they’ve made daily life more convenient, their durability also means they linger in the environment—and in our bodies—for years, accumulating over time and potentially harming our health.

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to serious health concerns, including hormonal disruption, increased cancer risks, immune system impairment, and metabolic disorders. Yet, despite growing awareness, these chemicals continue to seep into our environment, making avoidance nearly impossible.

Detoxification: Your Body’s Natural Defense

Your body has a built-in detoxification system designed to manage and eliminate toxins. This system primarily relies on two critical processes: antioxidant-based detoxification and methylation-based detoxification.

Antioxidant-based detoxification neutralizes harmful molecules, known as free radicals, which damage cells through oxidative stress. Methylation-based detoxification uses molecules called methyl groups to tag and neutralize toxins, preparing them for elimination. However, the efficiency of these systems varies significantly from person to person due to genetic differences.

How Genes Influence Your Detox Ability

Your genes profoundly impact your detoxification capabilities. Variations in specific genes can significantly reduce your body’s ability to neutralize and remove harmful substances, including PFAS. Let’s explore a few essential genes related to detoxification:

• NQO1: This gene converts the antioxidant Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) into its active form, ubiquinol, crucial for protecting cells from oxidative damage. Genetic variants in NQO1 can reduce antioxidant defenses, making cells more vulnerable to toxin-induced damage.
• GSTP1: Glutathione, often called the body’s master detoxifier, binds to toxins like PFAS to facilitate their elimination. GSTP1 genetic variants can slow glutathione activity, allowing toxins to linger longer and accumulate.
• MTHFR, AHCY, MTR, MTRR: These genes are central to the methylation process. Variants in these genes can slow methylation, impairing toxin removal and increasing inflammation and oxidative stress.

The Detox-Nutrient Connection

While genetics can highlight vulnerabilities, nutritional choices can profoundly influence your body’s detoxification efficiency. By knowing your genetic makeup, you can strategically support your detox pathways with targeted nutrients.

For instance:

• Glutathione: Enhancing glutathione levels with foods like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, garlic, and onions supports GSTP1 function and helps clear toxins more efficiently.
• Activated B Vitamins (Folate and B12): These nutrients support methylation pathways, crucial for neutralizing toxins and reducing inflammation. Including leafy greens, eggs, and liver in your diet can naturally boost your methylation efficiency.
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10/Ubiquinol): Rich dietary sources like oily fish (salmon, sardines) and organ meats can bolster antioxidant defenses, particularly for those with NQO1 variants.
• Botanical and Herbal Support: Milk thistle, turmeric, green tea, and cruciferous vegetables like kale and cauliflower enhance liver detoxification processes and offer potent antioxidant support.

These foods and nutrients help offset common genetic vulnerabilities, ensuring your body can manage toxin exposure more effectively.

Practical Lifestyle Steps to Lower Your PFAS Exposure

Beyond genetic and nutritional approaches, simple lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce your overall toxin burden:

• Filter Your Water: Use activated carbon or reverse osmosis water filters to reduce PFAS contamination in drinking water.
• Cookware Choices: Avoid non-stick cookware and opt for stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic alternatives.
• Food Packaging: Limit fast foods or foods wrapped in grease-resistant packaging, which often contain PFAS.
• Personal Care Products: Choose natural cosmetics and body care products free from PFAS or other harmful chemicals.
• Regular Exercise and Sweating: Exercise stimulates circulation and toxin release, while sweating helps your body naturally eliminate toxins.

Why Nutrigenomics is a Game Changer

Understanding the relationship between your genetics and detoxification abilities gives you a powerful advantage. Nutrigenomics—the study of how nutrition influences gene expression—enables personalized strategies to boost detox pathways, manage toxin exposure, and enhance overall health.

Whether or not you choose to pursue genetic testing with a company like SNiP Nutrigenomics, integrating the principles of nutrigenomics into your lifestyle can significantly enhance your body’s ability to handle environmental toxins effectively.

Empowerment Through Knowledge

The issue of forever chemicals can feel overwhelming, but taking proactive steps to support your body’s detoxification pathways can transform anxiety into empowerment. Understanding your genetics gives you control over your health decisions, enabling targeted dietary and lifestyle changes that can profoundly impact your long-term wellness.

At SNiP Nutrigenomics, we’re committed to making genetic insights accessible and actionable. If you’re interested, our testing can reveal your specific genetic vulnerabilities, allowing you to take precisely targeted actions to enhance your natural detox capabilities. SNiP testing also includes your dedicated Detoxification DNA Health Report, featuring personalized, science-backed, clinician-approved lifestyle recommendations. Ready to take control of your health and reduce the impact of forever chemicals? Empower yourself by discovering your genetic blueprint and optimizing your detox pathways today. Whether you choose SNiP Nutrigenomics or another path, your health deserves proactive attention—so take the first step now and make informed choices to protect yourself and your family.