Detoxification

Detoxification: What is it and how does it work in the body?

• Detoxification, as reviewed here, is the constellation of physiologic and psychological processes by which the body identifies, neutralizes, and eliminates toxic substances, metabolic byproducts, habits, and patterns. Alcohol and other narcotic withdrawal therapies are serious medical conditions requiring close supervision and are not discussed here.

• For an increasing number of people living in a more pol-luted and stressful world, body systems can become overburdened and strained by various contaminants that may lead to health problems. In general, these toxins can be identified within the following general categories"

• Antinutrients such as high-fructose corn syrup, trans fats, caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods

  Internal metabolic toxins such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, bile, urea, and stool Medications used improperly, inappropriately, or too often

• Heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, tin, and aluminum Chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, cleaning products, solvents, and glues

• Allergens such as food, mold, dust, pollen, and chemicals Infectious organisms such as bacteria, viruses, yeast, and parasites

• Further, the following social, emotional, and spiritual challenges affect health and well-being

  Stress, such as lack of personal time, too much work, excessive worry, too little rest, and financial strain

• Unhealthy mental states, such as addictions, overeating, and destructive mental patterns

• Ambient distractions, such as pervasive noises, smells, lights, and

• Overstimulation from advertisements, radio, computers, television, smart phones, and pagers

• Lack of spiritual connection, a loss of meaning and purpose

• Isolation, the lack of social support and community

• Nature deprivation, being disconnected from natural environments

• Negative emotions and persistent self-defeating thoughts, such as anger, fear, guilt, and hopelessness

• Although too infrequently acknowledged, the body and mind already possess the capacity to handle these challenges.

• This process of maintaining biologic and mental balance is called homeostasis.

• The major systems that work together synchronously to maintain health and balance include the following:

• Liver and gallbladder

• Kidneys

• Gut

• Skin

• Lungs

• Lymphatics and circulation

• Mind and brain

• Symptoms that may reflect an overtaxed or dysfunctional detoxification system are vague and nonspecific, but when seen in constellation they suggest a problem with the body's ability to restore itself. When potentially serious medical conditions have been ruled out by a reasonable allopathic workup, symptoms that may be attributed to a detoxification problem with the body often include the following

• Fatigue with sleep disruption and brain fog

• Mood disturbance, especially depression, anxiety, fear, and anger

• Muscle aches and joint pain

• Sinus congestion, dark circles under the eyes, and postnasal drip

• Headaches with neck and shoulder pain

• Bloating and gas

• Irritable bowel, foul-smelling stools, and dark urine

• Weight changes and loss of muscle tone

• Heartburn, recurrent colds, and persistent infections

• Infertility and low libido

• Premature aging and weakness

• Fluid retention and excess weight

• Rashes and canker sores

• Bad breath and adverse body odor

Important points to consider

• Unfortunately, pectin is a viscous fiber that is not absorbed into the bloodstream, and food sources

  (citrus, apples, legumes, cabbage) do not help chelate heavy metals. Modified citrus pectin is absorbed and does help reduce this burden.

Key Web Sources

• www.fammed.wisc.edu/integrative/modules

• http//www.eng.org/safefishlist

• http://www.edi.org/page.cfm/tagID=1521

• https://www.edc.gov/exposurereport/

• www.doctorudata.com

• www.bioneers.org

• www.nccam.nih.gov