Toxins

Human beings are exposed to an ever increasing number of toxins.

Toxins are:

  • found in the air, water, food and anywhere in the environment
  • chemical molecules that have an effect on every cell, tissue, gland and organ in the body-mind
  • processed through the body and mind which work to break down molecules into byproducts of metabolism

Toxin Overload

Usually the body is efficient in clearing toxins, but due to increased environmental exposures over time, as well as eating contaminated, altered foods and/or not digesting completely, dysfunction can occur. The whole body system becomes overloaded, burdened and imbalanced. As a result there may be impairment of one’s detoxification ability, which easily easily ramp up systemic inflammation.  Systemic inflammation is most often an added burden to cells and may damage DNA, RNA and associated proteins.   Damaging DNA, RNA and proteins may alter gene expression, thereby increasing the potential for specific health issues to occur.

Detoxification

Detoxification occurs as the body naturally converts toxic substances into non-toxic metabolites (called biotransformation).

Conversion of toxic substances:

  • primarily occurs in the liver
  • occurs in and through the intestinal mucosal wall
  • may lead to changes in a molecular structures that increases water solubility and for most, hastens excretion through the kidneys
  • may create detoxification reactions if not properly cleared

Detoxification Reactions:

  • occurs if innate detoxification mechanisms are not functioning properly thereby creating a toxic burden
  • possible signs and symptoms relating to detoxification reactions:

Skin rash/dry skin                       Bone marrow suppression

Soft tissue &/or bone pain         Anxiety

Insomnia                                      Brain fogginess

Immune dysfunction                  Neurological tremor/disorder

Hormone imbalance                   Diarrhea

Respiratory distress                    Visual Disturbances

Gastrointestinal issues               Constipation

Asthma                                         Altered taste/smell

Irritability                                     Autism

Fibromyalgia                                Cold hands/feet

Neurological disease                  Fatigue

Depression                                   Other:  hair, nails and more…

Personal Review

  • Nutritional status: take nutritional quiz online, work with a nutrition-based practitioner to assess your nutritional status
  • Xenobiotics: review your exposure to metals, insecticides, herbicides, drugs, solvents, etc
  • Infections: determine your past or present infections related to streptococcus, pseudomonas, parasites, etc.
  • Toxins: identify your exposure load and body burden
  • Biological Inhalants: determine your exposure to molds, algae, pollens, foods, etc
  • Physical phenomena: assess your exposure to electromagnetic fields, ionizing radiation and other sources of electro-smog
  • Genetics: consider genetic testing to determine if gene variants are contributing to symptoms
  • Lifestyle: evaluate your habits related to drinking alcohol, smoking, lack of exercise, eating junk food, etc
  • Mechanical problems: determine if you have a biomechanical dysfunction such as nasal, intestinal, or other obstruction
  • Hormonal aberration: assess possible hormone imbalance of growth hormone, DHEA, cortisol,estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, etc
  • Psychosocial factors: evaluate your stress level, coping skills, belief system, psychological trauma experienced, and other factors

Self-Care Helpful Hints

  • Increase the amounts of daily intake of compounds from the flavonoid family (found in fruits and vegetables)
  • Eat cruciferous vegetables: cabbage, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and other sulfur-containing vegetables
  • Eat garlic and garlic oil, and rosemary to support detoxification in the body
  • Ingest adequate amounts of fiber = approximately 35 grams of fiber/day
  • Drink adequate water: Minimal amount of water/day=body weight divided by 1/3; maximum amount of water/day = body weight divided by 1/2 (unless heart or kidney problem, then ingest the amount of water per your practitioner’s instruction)
  • Learn to promote healthy detoxification: utilize good nutrition, detoxification products and supplementation as needed
  • Exercise, exercise exercise: combine cardio and weight resistance exercises and exercise a minimum of 50 minutes a minimum of 4x/week
  • Reach out for guidance: seek the assistance of a well-trained health provider who will work alongside you to evaluate your health status and provide personalized care
Posted in Health News and tagged , , , , ,