About
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:
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The three phases of detoxification and why most detox programs get it wrong
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How sulforaphane supports all three phases without causing "detox flu"
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Why DIM only addresses one phase—and what sulforaphane does differently
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The role of sulforaphane in priming detox pathways before starting HRT
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How microplastics carry toxins into cells and why they're so hard to eliminate
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Practical steps to reduce microplastic exposure at home and while traveling
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The connection between sulforaphane, BDNF, and brain health
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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:
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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.
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