We hear everyone talking about "detoxing", but what exactly is detoxing, and why is it such a big deal?
First of all, this is not your mother's world out there. We are exposed to more chemicals, and heavy metals, than any generation in history. We have more toxins in our bodies than previous generations, and we have no real idea how much harm this will cause to our health in the long run. A "toxin" is any substance that causes harm if not disposed of by the body, whether chemicals like pesticides in our food, or heavy metals in vaccinations and drinking water. Our skin absorbs substances quickly, most within twenty minutes of applying, so our creams, shampoos, and even toothpaste, add to our toxic load. A child born today will have the toxic load by the time they are 6 years old that it took us 40 years to build up. It is only logical that we are not made to dispose of this much "bad stuff", so our system is overwhelmed, our liver's are bogged down, our metabolism is sluggish, and we have weird symptoms that we can't get rid of. This is no way to go through life!
Here are some symptoms associated with Toxic Overload:
Headaches
Ringing Ears (tinnitus)
Fatigue
Foggy Thinking
Depression
Recurrent Yeast Infections
Chronic Immune System Deficiency
Increased Allergic Reactions, especially Skin
...and many more
Our human body was made with amazing biochemical pathways to clear toxins and the by-products of normal metabolism. It is important to understand that toxins may remain in our bodies for years. Certain tissues have affinities to specific toxins, such as heavy metals in the brain. Your fat cells function as little receptacles that may be holding on to toxins, so weight loss may be dumping unusually high levels of toxins into the body and asking the liver to neutralize and help dispose of them. This slows down weight loss, and may be the cause of plateaus and fatigue.
There are 2 phases of detoxification in the human body, and they take place in any tissue. However, the liver is the most important detoxification organ. Phase 1 Detox takes a toxic molecule, adds a functional group, and produces an intermediary molecule. This molecule is recognized by the body, and enters Phase 2 Detox. In Phase 2 Detox various enzymes in the liver conjugate that intermediary molecule by adding protective compounds that make that toxin safer and easier to excrete (often in the urine). We need a balance between both phases of detoxing because those intermediary molecules after Phase 1 may be even more harmful than the original toxin. These reactions also cause oxidative stress by releasing free radicals into your system that also need to be neutralized.
We can help our bodies with the biochemistry involved in detoxification by taking the right nutrients. Vitamins C and E, zinc, selenium, and occasionally copper, help protect us from oxidative stress. Phytonutrients found in fruits and vegetables help both pathways stay in balance. Trying to eat a clean, whole food, grass fed, organic diet goes a long way in helping to decrease future toxic load. Choosing personal care products, like toothpaste without flouride, and shampoo without sulfate, is important. Can you imagine how much we absorb through our scalp and gums? These are some of the most vascular tissues in our bodies.
There are several ways to help get rid of toxins. Far infrared saunas draw toxins out in our perspiration. Ionic foot baths can draw out toxins through the soles of our feet (I know, I didn't believe it either until I saw proof). Detoxing cleansing programs help you internally to clear the pathways in the liver to allow it to do its job. Juice fasting detoxes are popular, however, the detoxification process requires energy for its chemical reactions, and any fast could cut down on the nutrients and energy needed for this. Reputable medical supplement companies have designed cleansing programs that support detoxification with the right combination of nutrients, and nutritional shakes, while you also eat a healthy diet. These may last 1-2 weeks, even up to a month. Many people feel more energetic, and find that some of their chronic symptoms have improved after a detoxing program. Here, at AgeLess Medical, we have looked at quite a few companies. We chose Designs for Health because it is a well established medical supplement company with excellent research to back their products. We've been working with them for several years. Their program is 2 weeks long, and is quite "do-able". It comes in a box with all you need; your supplements are in packets for each day, as are the meal replacement shakes (2/day). This makes the cleanse easy to follow.
Even with detoxing, and a healthy diet, we are still surrounded by toxic exposure. This is part of our lives now, and is not likely to get any better. Periodic detoxing will help us stay vibrant, alert, and healthy. We are working towards a good quality of life, with healthy aging and without frailty. Getting toxins out of our bodies helps to clear our minds, take down inflammation, and even keep our skin looking younger. Think about detoxing periodically, and don't let this stuff bog you down!
