Detoxification

General Information

Every time we eat, drink and breathe we are exposed to toxins. Even worse, our exposure is 50 times the level of toxins compared to most other developed countries. Daily, poisonous chemicals are introduced to our bodies from cleaning supplies, clothing, personal care products, cookware, computers, cell phones, pest management, plastics and fragrances. These ever expanding toxic chemicals infiltrate our food, water, air and skin creating several debilitating chronic diseases and acute reactions.

Toxin Statistics

The Environmental Protection Agency states that there are over 85,000 chemicals registered worldwide. However, less than half of those have been tested for toxicity in the human body. Even worse- less than 9% of chemicals have been assessed for toxic effects on children and their development. Of the 85,000, around 3,800 chemicals are considered “high use” and are more prevalent in today’s society. The EPA estimates that over 90% of all U.S. foods contain pesticides. Likewise, the EPA estimates that 4 billion pounds of pesticides are used in U.S. foods on a yearly basis, that equals 10 pounds for every man, woman and child. How many pounds is that for your own household?

Toxic Health Effects

The daily amount of varying toxins, pesticides and hormones that our bodies take in is innumerable. Once inside the body, these toxins reside in the bowel, liver and fat tissues and affect multiple body systems. For instance, pesticides are linked to hormone imbalances, cancer, neurological and autoimmune diseases. They are often associated with weight gain, foggy memory, fatigue, decreased sex drive, fertility disorders, depression and anxiety. Toxins attack our bodies in and outside of our homes- and shockingly, the toxins we find in our homes are more dangerous than what lurks outside. Common household toxins include most cleansers, body lotions, paint, adhesives, air fresheners, carpet deodorizers, stain removers, bleach, mothballs, oven cleaners, lawn and garden care, and many pesticides!

Toxins don’t always come from obvious chemical exposures, They can produced internally as a result of food allergies or overgrowth of opportunistic organisms. Additional health issues related to toxins Include:

• Bowel toxins- Candida/ yeast and pathogenic bacteria impair the absorption of nutrients.
• Acidity- A decrease in pH can slow chemical reactions in the body. It is caused by shallow breathing, lack of vegetables and inflammation.
• Electromagnetic Radiation- We are exposed from cell phones, computer, WiFi zones can affect fertility and brain function.
• Liver Toxins- Found in Tylenol, prescription drugs, alcohol, gas and fumes, they impair metabolism of hormones.
• Viruses, Fungi, Parasites- They are present everywhere and can build up in the body.
• Heavy Metals- Found in food, medications, amalgam tooth fillings, fertilizers, paint, and batteries, they diminish neurological function. Most common ones are: Arsenic, mercury, iron, lead, aluminum, copper, fluoride, and cadmium.

What can Detoxification do for You?

Detoxification is a vital way to help your body eliminate toxins as well as to give your system a fresh start. There are several excretory pathways and organs that aid the body in detoxification on a daily basis. The four main excretory pathways include urine, sweat, respiration and stool, while the main detox organs are the liver, intestines, kidneys and skin. Optimally functioning detoxification systems are vital to overall well-being. If any of these pathways are clogged or are unable to function properly, the body usually becomes toxic. Utilizing a seasonal bowel cleanse with vegetables and supplements containing probiotics, enzymes and fiber is a great way of increasing bowel absorption. Below is a chart describing some of the common toxins that are addressed during detoxification.