Detox 101 – how toxic are you?

The question is not whether you are toxic, but rather ‘How toxic are you?’

There has been a sharp increase in the potential exposure to environmental toxins (up to 80 000) over the past decades, a fact that pretty much guarantees you are harbouring some level of toxicity. A toxin is defined as a ‘substance or mixture that can cause harm to a living organism’. Industrial chemicals, pesticides, plastic compounds, food additives, preservatives and heavy metals are examples.

Over the past few decades there has been a steady increase in chronic diseases such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, increased food sensitivities, neuro-degenerative diseases (like Parkinson’s disease), dementia, learning disorders, and ever-growing numbers of people diagnosed with cancer.

The most common symptoms of toxicity in the body include headaches, fatigue, sore muscles and joints, ‘brain fog’, irritability, mood swings, food sensitivities, eczema and digestive problems.

TOXICITY DIAGNOSIS

Apart from the more obvious physical symptoms, a range of blood tests and genetic screenings can be done to assess the various systems in the body that might be affected. These include liver and kidney functions, inflammatory markers, heavy metal testing glucose, insulin and hormonal level testing as well as screening genetic markers linked to an impaired detoxification ability of the liver.

You may be suffering from some degree of toxicity if you: are bloated, nauseous or have indigestion; experience muscle stiffness and/or painful joints; have low energy levels; get headaches; have dark circles under your eyes; have dry skin or rashes; suffer from chronic infections and sinusitis.

DETOX 101 BASICS

The majority of toxins are fat-soluble which means they are attracted to cell membranes which contain mainly lipids (fats). This is where the potential danger lies as the toxin embeds itself in the cell and disrupts normal cell function.

Fortunately, there is a complete biotransformation, or detoxification process in place to help the body get rid of excess toxins. The liver is the most important organ involved in the detoxification process. It converts fat-soluble toxins to water-soluble toxins that can be excreted through the kidneys, bile, gut and skin. The metabolic process is described as Phases l, ll and lll, which are dependent on specific enzymes (activators) and nutrients.

There needs to be a balance, aided by the correct nutrition during each relative phase to ensure complete and balanced detoxification.

NUTRIENTS TO AID DETOXIFICATION

Phase l

To avoid protein and DNA damage: B-vitamins; folate; glutathione; antioxidants such as catechins from green tea, artichoke extract, silymarin from milk thistle, humulone from hops, carotenoids; and vitamins C and E.

Phase ll

For the necessary and adequate production of energy: thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, magnesium, vitamins C and E, zinc, selenium and copper. Helpful phytonutrients include watercress, prunes, berries, broccoli and pomegranate.

Phase lll

For optimal digestion to aid the excretion of toxins: increase the intake of rice bran which has been shown to be more beneficial than wheat, corn, barley or oat fibres.¹

Speak to your integrative medical doctor for advice on nutrient dosages during each stage of detoxification.

TOXICITY & WEIGHT GAIN

• Food cravings can be a symptom of toxicity and are an indication of disturbances in the insulin production of the body that can lead to higher glucose levels and increased fat storage.
• Toxins also act as stressors in the body that can, in combination with other factors, lead to a chronic elevation of cortisol – a stress hormone that causes weight gain which creates the ideal environment for the body to store even more toxins.

TOXICITY AND HORMONAL BALANCE

A liver with impaired detoxification pathways can lead to oestrogen dominance with symptoms of water retention, breast tenderness, hypertension, painful periods, hair loss, difficulty losing weight, fatigue, depression, mental fog and/or memory loss. Xeno-oestrogens (‘xeno’ means ‘foreign’) act as hormone disruptors and are present in the air, food, especially the lining of tinned foods that contain bisphenol A or BPA, and water, as well as many pesticides and herbicides.

They are also found in toothpaste, deodorants, cosmetics, sunscreens and various forms of plastic-containing products. In men high oestrogen levels can lead to low sperm counts, infertility, less muscularity and a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. The thyroid gland is particularly sensitive to excess fluoride, mercury, lead and pesticides which can all lead to a malfunctioning thyroid and the subsequent disturbance of cell metabolism in most cells in the body.

Bio-identical hormones may assist the body in regulating hormonal balance.

THE SOLUTION – WHAT TO DO

Detoxification is a natural process that takes place on a daily basis. However, due to unhealthy lifestyles, high stress levels, and exposure to environmental toxins the body’s ability to get rid of toxicity can be impaired over time.

Adapting to a diet that is high in phytonutrients and fibre is highly recommended. Fruits and vegetables contain many phytonutrients that support balanced detoxification and help to lower overall inflammation in the body and prevent the development of many chronic diseases.

It is a good idea to follow a structured 10-day or 28-day detoxification programme at least once or twice a year. In this case a metabolic detoxification process is recommended that can be prescribed by your healthcare provider. The prescription includes a modified elimination diet, a powdered beverage mix or medical food and supplements that provide all the necessary vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients in therapeutic amounts to support optimal detoxification. Foods to avoid during this time usually include dairy, wheat, gluten, beef/pork, refined sugar, eggs, peanuts, soy products and shellfish. Use fresh foods where possible, plan your meals and snacks, and stock your kitchen with everything you need.

Adequate fibre and water intake ensures a healthy gut. Add ½ a sliced cucumber, one sliced lemon with skin and some mint leaves (all organic) to one litre of water and leave for an hour or overnight. Drink during the day. Try chamomile or peppermint tea instead of caffeine drinks.

To limit typical detox symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches and pains, etc. take 1 g of vitamin C three to four times daily.

Make use of a sauna to get rid of excess toxins through sweating. The skin plays an important role and massage therapy and dry skin brushing will improve lymph and blood circulation.

Be sure to get enough sleep and adequate rest and reduce stress levels by doing deep belly breathing, yoga and meditation. Listen to relaxing music, take a short walk in nature, have a good laugh, take a power nap, and write in your journal.

WHAT TO AVOID

1. Limit exposure to possible toxins in your home and environment. Many toxins are present in the products we use to clean our houses, the plastic containers we use to store food and water and the products we use on our bodies. Buy organic whenever possible, especially celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries, cherries, nectarines, peppers, spinach, kale, potatoes and grapes. Someone with arthritis may benefit by excluding nightshades like potatoes, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, cayenne and chillies. If you suffer from Candida infections, it is better to avoid all fruits.
2. Avoid or limit alcohol and cigarette smoke.
3. Juice fasting is a popular option but not recommended when you are dealing with a chronic liver condition, suffer from constipation or have very low energy.
4. Water fasting only causes imbalanced detoxification that results in incomplete removal of toxins from the body.²
5. Do not detox when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

CONCLUSION

Before you set off on any detoxification programme it is a good idea to clarify your intentions. Why would you choose to do this? What do you hope to achieve? What is it you want to change; do you want to have more energy, sleep better, lose weight etc. Very often it is also a good time to clear your mind from negative thoughts and address emotional patterns that do not serve you anymore. Even clearing out your physical living space can be liberating.

Keeping a journal during this time can help you to keep track of any emotions and thoughts that are surfacing while you go through the process. Make this a time of letting go on all levels.

Editor's note: Please see the articles on Detoxification and Heavy Metal Toxicity and Detox Done Right – the purification process.

References

1. Harris PJ, Sasidharan VK, Roberton AM, et al. Absorption of a hydrophobic mutagen to cereal brans and cereal bran dietary fibres. Mutation Res 1998; 412(3):323-331.
2. Fry JR, Sinclair D., Piper CH, et al. Depression of glutathione content, elevation of CYP2E1-dependent activation, and the principal determinant of the fasting-mediated enhancement of 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol hepatotoxicity in the rat. Food Chem Toxicol 1999; 37(4):351-355.