Sad to say, we’re all toxic. This is no longer controversial. Many scientific studies have looked at blood, tissue and breast milk samples from people all over the world – no one has been free of toxic chemicals. In October 2006, National Geographic published an article on the problem, particularly mentioning fire-retardant chemicals found in clothing and furniture.
Breast milk samples, even those from women in remote areas, found multiple toxins. One researcher said, “If this was a new product submitted to the FDA for approval, it would be rejected as too contaminated.” A very sad commentary on the state of our world.
In my own experience of testing Seattle-area patients for heavy metals, I’ve never found one that didn’t have a least some elevation of lead, mercury, arsenic or other toxic metal. Even my own levels were quite high.
What are the dangers of environmental toxins?
A wide variety of diseases and symptoms have been attributed to toxins. Basically, they poison cells of various tissues – brain, nerves, blood vessels, thyroid, pancreas – rendering them less effective. Cancer, heart disease, diabetes, depression, low thyroid, skin conditions, chronic pain, fatigue and weight-gain (to name a few) have all been associated with toxins. For most people, the result is chronic, long-term disease.
Detoxification has become a necessary part of staying or becoming healthy. Medicine of the 21st Century will move away from using drugs to suppress symptoms and develop new ways to clean the environment and detoxify people.
Why is detoxing suddenly so important? People have used detoxification therapies for thousands of years. Every culture participated in detoxification practices. Sweat lodges, saunas, fasting, specific diets, herbal teas and mineral baths are part of a long tradition and still of some value. The problem we face today is that we are exposed to very different toxins than our ancestors.
In the last 130 years, since the beginning of synthetic chemistry, humans have invented 100,000 new chemicals. Only about 25,000 of these have been tested for safety. These new exposures mean that we must devise new ways of detoxifying.
Fasting, for instance, has a long history, yet may now be dangerous as it can trigger an excessive release of toxins that overwhelm the body’s detoxification processes. Keep in mind that in the same 130 years that humans have been subjecting themselves to more toxins, they’ve also been eating a diet progressively poorer in nutrients. The detoxification process requires protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It’s no wonder so many people are sick.
What kind of detoxification is recommended?
Fortunately, the science of detoxification has progressed rapidly in the past 40 years. We now understand more about how the body, and particularly the liver, removes toxins. Science gives us good direction. We no longer have to rely on unproven treatments.
Early experiments demonstrated that the herb silybum (milk thistle) protected the liver from certain deadly liver toxins. Another example is the use of the amino acid cysteine as a precursor for the powerful antioxidant glutathione.
Detoxification formulas, called Medical Foods, are now available to support the liver’s detoxification processes. High antioxidant formulas of low-heat dehydrated fruits and vegetables help combat the destruction of cells by free-radicals.
Free-radicals cause oxidative damage and are associated with all chronic diseases – diabetes, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, heart disease, cancer and many others.
Fiber helps remove toxins from the body. Stabilized rice bran is a particularly helpful fiber, less irritating than many others, and full of many useful nutrients.
Probiotics – microorganisms that support intestinal health – are also an important part of the detoxification process.
Digestive enzymes reduce toxins by increasing breakdown and aiding elimination.
Far-infrared Heat (FIR) has been shown to mobilize toxins from where they are stored in fat cells.
These and other detoxification therapies can be used to gently and effectively remove toxins and, when done correctly, you will actually feel good while detoxifying. If you don’t feel good during your therapy, then something is wrong with the therapy you’re using.
How do I know if I’m toxic?
We’re all toxic, it’s just a matter of how severe. Fortunately, scientific testing is now available. See Available Testing for more information.
How long does detoxification take?
That depends on how toxic you are and how much continued exposure you have. After a doctor-supervised detoxification to take out the worst of your toxins, I recommend continual detoxification to prevent re-accumulation.
The sad fact is, you live in a toxic world. What you can do is limit your exposure as much as possible and continue to employ detox treatments. But remember, simple things like exercise, skin scrubs, vitamin C, and a diet rich in organic fresh fruits and vegetables are detoxifying.
Start your detoxification now by calling 425-255-8100 Ex6 (Renton) or 206-324-2225 (Seattle) today.