Topics of Interest DETOXIFICATION Studies show that a large percentage of Americans suffer from some kind of toxic overload. These toxic substances have been shown to cause a host of problems including fatigue, poor concentration, allergies, asthma, eczema, aches and pains, and learning disabilities. They are strongly linked to many cancers and vascular diseases. Where do these toxins come from? Forty-two million pounds were released in the air in 1994. Twenty-five million pounds were released into the surface water in 1994. Forty million pounds were onsite in a deep well inspected in 1994. Total estimated toxic release in 1994 was two billion pounds. These toxic compounds enter the air we breathe, they get into the foods we eat, and contaminate the water that we drink. These toxic compounds are in our cosmetics, our deodorants, they are what we wash our clothes and our dishes with. There are also natural (or endogenous) toxins. These are the ones that are produced by the body through routine metabolic processes. For example, metabolism of protein produces a by-product called urea that is a toxic substance we eliminate through the kidney. Although natural, these toxins can be just as harmful. Normally, the body can handle these toxins relatively easily. When the load of these toxins exceeds the ability of the body to deal with them, even endogenous toxins can become a problem. Certain vitamins and minerals are crucial to the process of detoxification. A deficiency can drastically reduce the ability of the body to detoxify. An overload of toxins requires an increase in the amount of vitamins and nutrients required to handle the extra demand. When this toxic load is excessive, the body stores the toxins in fatty tissue, in the liver, or other organs. These toxins then result in the production of free radicals, which are highly reactive. This reactivity is due to the fact that a free radical has given up an electron, and is in search of another electron to takes its place. It is this search for an electron that renders the free radical reactive. If a free radical finds its electron in DNA, for example, it can create a mutation, leading to a malignancy. If it finds it in the tissue lining the arterial wall, it creates a "nick," which can trigger a repair response leading to the formation of a clot and a heart attack. For this reason, the process of detoxification is critical to our health, so as not to contribute to an excess of free radicals. The organs that are involved in detoxification are the lungs, the skin, the kidneys, the liver, and the gut. The lungs eliminate carbon dioxide and other respiratory gasses that can become toxic if they were to accumulate. The skin excretes waste products and can eliminate certain chemicals including lead and PCBs. The kidney eliminates certain toxins in the urine, including some water-soluble toxins coming from the liver. The intestines eliminate many ingested toxins that are not absorbed, and some that are excreted in bile from the liver. At Nature's Health Care, our detoxification program concentrates on the role played by the liver and the gut. The liver is the filter of the body. Ninety-nine percent of chemicals, preservatives, bacteria, and medicines that enter our system are detoxified through the liver. Detoxification strengthens our body's ability to handle chemicals and biological stresses, increases our immunity, and helps prevent some cancers. The liver has a complicated number of enzymes known as the cytochrome p450 system. Between 50 to 150 different enzymes are involved in this system. Certain enzymes work on certain toxins. For example, smoking has many different chemicals that use a certain set of enzymes and vitamins. Some patients may have certain aspects of the p450 system working while exposure to specific toxins -- smoking, drinking, medications, etc. -- has stressed out a certain enzyme or system. At times it will become vital that these systems are tested individually. In these cases, lab tests for the liver are performed to analyze the individual detoxification functions of the liver. Occasionally we can test for certain toxins, especially if a history or physical indicates an exposure to a certain metal or toxin, such as an occupational history of an exterminator. Hair analysis, although controversial, can be used. Hair analysis should be done with strict guidelines and used as part of a comprehensive history and exam. Only certain metals and toxins are evaluated by hair analysis, which can be discussed with your doctor. At Nature's Health Care, the detoxification process will be individually tailored for your personal healthcare needs. Factors we consider are your age, your health status, your symptoms, other diseases, and healthcare goals. The actual detoxification can consist of a pure water fast, a juice or broth fast, or changing the diet. In such cases, it is possible to detoxify in one to three days while drinking juices and broths three to four times a day. During the actual fasting periods, signs and symptoms may get worse as toxins are being mobilized prior to being excreted. Often, repeat fasts, every month or three times a year, are recommended. Also, herbal and nutritional support can be used before, during, and after fasts to assist the body in detoxification. Lab Most detoxification happens in the liver. We can test the liver's ability to detoxify by challenging it with different substances like caffeine, aspirin, or acetaminophen. These substances are ingested, and a urine sample is collected ten hours later. If your liver is functioning properly, we should have a known amount of the metabolic by-products in the urine sample. If the liver is not functioning properly, we will have less than the expected amount a healthy liver should produce. We would then tailor the detoxification program with supplements and herbs to support the detoxification process. Patients with heavily congested or overworked livers, several detoxifications may be required. Self-Care During a detoxification period, the body is in a process of handling and eliminating many years of chemicals, preservatives, antibiotics, pollutants, and natural toxins. You may not feel well during the initial period of detoxification. You may feel weak, headachy, nauseated or lightheaded. Your tongue may develop a white coat, and you may develop foul breath. Drinking juices will help with these symptoms, and you can still have a successful detoxification. Get plenty of rest, and a nap is a good idea on the first day. Light exercise, if you are in shape, is okay . Drink plenty of water. Water fasts are the most difficult. Juice fasts provide simple carbohydrates for energy, which will not stress the liver, and allows for a more comfortable fast. Nature's Health Care will tailor your detoxification to your specific healthcare needs, with specific juices advised for different clinical situations. For detoxification in patients with an ulcer, raw cabbage juice is used, with enteric coated peppermint or deglycyrrhizinated licorice tea. Other juices are apple, lemon, carrot, grape. An herb known as milk thistle is sometimes supplemented with silymarin 70 - 210 mg three times a day. Teas include alfalfa, burdock, dandelion, and rosehips. Back to Top

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