Body Toxicity

The term “toxicity” is a broad, but strong implication of how toxins can affect our bodies. There are numerous ways that chemical ingredients can affect our health. Complaints like headaches, sinus allergies, aches and pain can be the result of toxins that affect us.

Normally, your body has mechanisms to handle a certain number of chemical assaults on your body. Your skin, immune system and digestive tract have numerous factors to counteract the effects. If the toxins get by them, there's a next level of protection, even down to the cell and deeper, the genetics of the chromosomes.

If your body is unable to handle the offending ingredients, then your body will protect you by fever, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. once past those physiologic mechanisms, the next protection is to store those toxins in your fat. This is often overlooked in weight-loss programs.

There are typically three types of toxins that I consider in practice: food, lifestyle, and environmental.

            Food Toxins: Often controversial, there is lots of chemicals in our food stuff. Preservatives, additives and alterations to foods, especially processed foods is easy to agree on. More controversial are the GMO (genetically modified) foods that we don't even know about. There are foods that we don't consider as modified, because they're so common place in our diets- milk, condiments, sweetners,etc.  Recently, an identification of chemical (genetic) modifications to our grains, produce and meat sources.

            Lifestyle Toxins: Toxins from our habits and behaviors have been regulated by the government. Think of smoking, drinking, drugs and medications. However, there are numerous other choices that result in toxicity to our body. Hobbies that require the use of chemicals and metals, hygiene products and services, even certain healthy activities and exercise (for example, swimming in chlorine) activate the body's protection mechanisms.

            Environmental Toxins: From the air we breathe to things we touch, expose our body system to toxins. There are numerous studies which have been conducted on the dangers of  the environment. Even the EPA, USDA and other government organizations try to help protect us, ther are still a number of exposures that are beyond their reach. Old buildings, old pipes, antiquated sewer systems contribute. Technological advances have also created challenges. Electronic devices must also be considered.

People react differently to different agents. Due to prior exposure, there may be a reduced or elevated response. Other health challenges may make an individual more or less susceptible to the effects.

How do I know which toxins affect me?

Most people have typical sensitivity reactions but they just don't pay that much attention to them. Bad air or perfume causes a sneeze or headache- call that a toxicity response. Sometimes it is more suttle, such as achy joints or persistent health issues.

These are considerations that can be evaluated using the Nutrition Response Testing methods in our practice. We can determine if the sensitivities are chemical or metal toxicities and provide the nutrients for your body to improve its response. The products help repair old damage, protect against further damage, while helping the body handle current effects.

Other methods?

Certain products like chlorella, greens (usually barley), algeas, and spirulina can help the body manage toxins at a certain level. Certain OTC cleanse products may help, but care must be given that the detoxification cycle of the liver get completed. However, sometimes an evaluation and program are needed to remove the long-standing effects. Nutrition Response Testing or Isagenix Nutritional Cleanse may be beneficial.