Detoxification
Detoxification is a broad concept that encompasses many different modalities and nutrients used in cleansing the body’s systems and organs. It is one of the oldest known practices of health promotion and has roots in some form or another in all ancient cultures.
Detoxification is not commonly used in conventional Western medicine but is a mainstay of naturopathic medicine and other traditions such as Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and Western herbal medicine.
Detoxification regimes primarily target heavy metals, chemical toxins, microbial compounds, and by-products of protein metabolism.
At this time, laboratory research documents some natural detoxification processes in the body and strategies for stimulating those processes, but there has been little clinical research on clinical outcomes of most detoxification regimes.
Proponents of detoxification believe the various approaches can cleanse the body, clear the skin, enhance the senses, help weight loss, improve fertility, improve flexibility, increase vitamin and mineral absorption, reduce blood fat levels, rejuvenate, rest organs, and slow the aging process.
Practitioners of natural medicine believe that the accumulation of toxins in the body is a major cause of disease, and that a growing burden of toxins ingested into the body from the air, water and food contributes to the growing prevalence of chronic and degenerative diseases. Conditions or processes attributed to build-up of toxins include alopecia, anaemia, asthma, ataxia, bone disease, bronchitis, cancer, cognitive impairment, coronary artery disease, cyanosis, dental caries, dermatitis, emphysema, eye irritation, fever, fibrosis of lungs, gastroenteritis, hypertension, headaches, kidney disease, leukemia, liver disease, melanosis, mesothelioma, myalgia, nasal irritation, premature aging, and visual reduction.
Four main types of toxins are addressed by detoxification regimes:
- Heavy or Toxic metals, including lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, nickel and aluminum.
- Chemical toxins, including toxic chemicals, solvents, cleaning materials, formaldehyde, toluene, benzene, drugs, alcohol, pesticides, herbicides, and food additives.
- Microbial compounds, including endotoxins, exotoxins, toxic amines, toxic derivatives of bile, and various carcinogenic substances.
- Breakdown products of protein metabolism, including ammonia and urea, most of which are eliminated by the kidneys.
Incomplete digestion is considered a major factor in a build-up of toxins in the body. Some traditions of natural medicine (e.g., naturopathy, Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, macrobiotics) recommend foods that are easily digested and less likely to leave behind undigested material that can contribute to the build-up of toxins in the colon.
Is it helpful to supplement to support detox?
Detoxification is an essential process that helps eliminate toxins from the body and promotes overall health and well-being. We offer a range of natural detox supplements that can help support your body's detoxification pathways and aid in the elimination of harmful substances.
One of the key issues that people face when it comes to detoxification is the build-up of toxins in the body. Toxins can accumulate in the liver, colon, and other organs, which can lead to a range of health problems. Our natural detox supplements are designed to help open up detox pathways and support the elimination of toxins from the body.
We believe in providing our customers with high-quality, natural supplements that are safe and effective. All of our detox supplements are made from natural ingredients and are free from harmful chemicals and additives.
References
- Murray, M. Dr. Murray’s Total Body Tune-Up. 2000.
- Pizzorno, J. and Murray, M. Textbook of Natural Medicine Churchill Livingston. 1999;2nd edition
- Jonas, W. and Levin, J. Essentials of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 1999.
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