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Detoxification does not refer to a specific health condition or disease; instead it is something that we should do on a regular basis for optimum health. Detoxification can be the single most effective action you can take to improve the long term health of your body. Toxicity occurs on two basic levels--external and internal. We can acquire toxins from our environment by breathing them, by eating them, or through physical contact with them. These are external or exogenous toxins. We all are exposed to toxins daily. Most drugs, food additives, and allergens can create toxic elements in the body. In fact, any substance can have toxicity--water, sodium, and almost all nutrients can be a problem in certain circumstances. On the internal level, our body produces toxins through its normal everyday functions. Biochemical, cellular, and bodily activities generate substances that need to be eliminated. Free radicals are produced normally and can be called toxins, as is too much of one hormone, especially oestrogen. When these substances are not eliminated, they can cause irritation or inflammation of the cells and tissues, blocking normal functions on a cellular, organ, and whole-body level. This can contribute to disease. Sources of exogenous toxins come from all different places, from furnishings such as:
The systems we use to eliminate toxins from our bodies are the respiratory system: lungs, bronchial tubes, throat, sinuses, and nose; gastrointestinal system: liver, gallbladder, colon, and whole GI tract; urinary system: kidneys, bladder, and urethra; Skin and dermis: sweat and sebaceous glands and tears; and the lymphatic system, actually a branch of the immune system: the lymph channels and lymph nodes. It is important to use all of these body systems when detoxing. Just focusing on one, for instance using laxatives or colonics alone creates more burdens on the other systems, especially the liver, and a greater imbalance. Of course, if our body is working well, with good immune and eliminative functions, we can handle our basic everyday exposure to toxins Symptoms Of course, not all
of these problems are solely problems of toxicity or completely
cured by detoxification. Most of these diseases, and the majority
of those factors, have to do with abuses, especially on a nutritional
level. There is no one standard test to determine if we are having a problem of an abnormally high toxic burden. Standard medical testing can use liver function tests to evaluate if the liver is functioning properly, which may be beneficial in looking at toxicity from alcohol; but these tests also look for liver damage from viruses, bacteria and not conclusive to toxicity. Using hair to analyse
toxicity is very useful in looking for heavy metals that have accumulated
in the body due to past or recent exposure to metals. It can show
a relative body storage amount of the metals arsenic, aluminium,
lead, mercury, and cadmium among others. Further testing may be
performed using urine. Hair and urine testing for toxic heavy metal
elements must only be performed by a qualified practitioner. Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications Diet is one of the easiest, but also most challenging, aspects to change when trying to reduce the toxic load of the body. The challenge comes from eliminating foods that may be high in toxic elements, be a burden for our body to metabolize, or are just plain bad for us. A gentle non-toxic diet is one that is high in nuts, fruits and vegetables and avoids or minimizes red meats, cured meats, organ meats, refined foods, canned foods, sugar, salt, saturated fats, coffee, alcohol, and nicotine. Foods should be rotated whenever possible, for instance fish should not be eaten 3 day in a row. Organic foods are best, although fresh local foods are good too. Cooking should be done in iron, stainless steel, glass, or porcelain pots and pans. (Link to detox diet?) Another aspect of the nontoxic diet is avoiding drugs--over-the-counter, prescription, and recreational types--and substituting natural remedies, such as nutrients, herbs, and homeopathic medicines, all of which have fewer side effects. Avoiding or minimizing exposure to chemicals at home and work is also important. This lessens our total toxic load. Substituting natural cleansers, cosmetics, and clothes is helpful. To improve elimination through the skin, regular gentle exercise is important to stimulate sweating. Exercise also improves our general metabolism and helps overall with detoxification. However, exercise can increase the production of toxins, especially free radicals, in the body so it must be accompanied by adequate fluids, antioxidants, vitamin and mineral replenishment, and other detoxifying principles already discussed. Regular bathing is essential to cleanse the skin of the toxins it has released and to open the pores to eliminate more. Saunas and sweats are commonly used to help purify the body through enhanced skin elimination. Dry brushing the skin with an appropriate skin brush before bathing is usually suggested, especially during detox programs, to cleanse the skin of old cells and invigorate it. Massage therapy, especially lymphatic and even deeper massage, is very useful. It stimulates elimination and body functions and promotes relaxation. Clearing tensions, worries, and other mental messes also makes for a more complete detoxification. Remember, water should always be used during any type of detox program to help dilute and eliminate toxin accumulations. It is likely the most important detoxifier. It helps clean us through our skin and kidneys, and it improves our sweating with exercise. Eight to ten glasses a day (depending on our size and activity level) of clean, filtered water are suggested. Resting, relaxation, and recharging are important to this rejuvenation process. During detox, we may need more rest, quiet time, and sleep; although more commonly we have more energy and function better on less sleep. Relaxation exercises help our body rebalance as our mind and attitudes stop interfering with our natural homeostasis. Meditative exercises such as yoga or tai chi may help with allowing our minds to focus on cleansing old patterns and learning. Although it is important
to focus on all body systems, giving some emphasis on making sure
one has normal bowel movements should take prominence. When constipation
occurs during detoxification, toxic elements have a chance to re-circulate
in the body and cause more problems. With dietary changes to include
whole grains and vegetables can increase fibre, and therefore bowel
movements, sometimes supplemental fibre is recommended. Nutritional Factors Shown to be Beneficial Vitamin
C Alpha Lpioic
Acid Milk Thistle
(Silybum marianum) Betaine
Calcium
d-Glucarate Tumeric
(Curcuma longa) Fish oils
Trifala Molybdenum Recommended NaturalMeds Products for Detoxification Chem-Defense Turmeric
Extract (from Curcuma longa) Trifala Calcium
D-glucurate Silymarin
Plus Alpha-
Lipoic acid 100 mg Vitamin
C Ascorbic acid crystals C-1000 Ultimate
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