by Dr. Raj RakhraIn our polluted world toxic substances are everywhere, in the air we breath, our food, the water we drink, even in our bodies, the bacteria in the digestive tract produce toxic substances. The health of an individual is largely determined by the ability of the body to detoxify itself.
With the growth of industrialization people are exposed to chemicals, with much more concentration than our previous generation. In some large cities the smog concentration is much higher than the acceptable standards. Thousands of chemicals are added to the food supply as preservatives, solvents, processing purposes and storage are used which can remain in the human body for a long period of time and cause many kind of health disorders. Many other products such as gasoline, paint, household cleaners, pesticides all are potential risk factors. Lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, nickel and aluminum, these metals tend to accumulate within the brain, kidneys and immune system, where they can severely disrupt normal functions. A typical person has more lead and other heavy metals accumulate in their body than is compatible with health.Common sources of heavy metals include solder in tin cans, pesticide sprays, cooking utensils, cadmium from cigarette smoke, mercury from dental fillings, contaminated fish, cosmetics, aluminum from antacids, cook ware and the list goes on.
Early signs of heavy metals toxicity are not very clear and may be taken for symptoms of various other ailments. These symptoms may show as headaches, fatigue, muscle pains, indigestion, tremors, constipation, anemia, dizziness, poor concentration, poor coordination, and childhood learning disability. Hyperactivity and other disorders including criminal behavior, have shown to have a strong relationship with heavy metal toxicity. The neurological symptoms may be quite pronounced even in mild heavy metal toxicity. If the toxicity increases so does the severity of the symptoms.
How do you know when you need detoxification? Most of the above symptoms may guide you or your experienced health care provider to do some kind of detoxification. Your Naturopathic physician after careful evaluation may need to order a series of lab tests. For heavy metal toxicity hair analysis, urine, or blood tests and stool samples may be obtained through a competent laboratory. Fatty tissues may also be measured for suspected chemicals. Such tests provide details on the type of toxic build-up and which detoxification regime is required. Toxins produced include endotoxins, exotoxins, and toxic amines, various carcinogenic substances. Gut derived microbial toxins have been implicated in many disorders including ulcerative colitis, thyroid diseases, lupus, pancreatitis, allergy, asthma and immune disorders. Antibodies produced by these microorganisms against microbial antigens can react with the body's own tissues and therefore cause autoimmune disorders, which include rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and autoimmune thyroiditis.
To minimize the absorption of the toxic substances, it is recommended that diet should be rich in fiber, particularly water soluble fiber such as those found in many vegetables, pectin and oat bran. Fiber has the ability to bind with toxins within the gut and promote their secretion. The immune system and the liver are responsible for dealing with these toxins that are absorbed through the gut. Kidneys are responsible for the elimination of waste byproducts of protein breakdown. There are many benefits of detoxification through treatments as well as juice and water fasting periodically to clear wastes and to revitalize the body's natural functions and healing capabilities. The cleaning or detoxification will restore optimum function and vitality. Every one has a specific level of tolerance that cannot be exceeded if good health is to be maintained. If the body cannot adapt and be able to eliminate or reduce this toxic level, the system becomes overloaded. Ultimately the body's defense mechanism malfunction and symptoms will appear.
Several methods of detoxification are currently being used. Some methods of detoxification may not be suitable for some individuals. So it is important to consult a qualified Naturopathic Doctor before going for any form of detoxification. Some of the methods used are: Fasting, Colon Hydrotherapy, Vitamin C Therapy and Chelation Therapy, Detoxifying baths and Massage, many herbs, vitamins and minerals are also worth noting. Panch karma, a specific ancient Ayurvedic treatment programme used by the Ayurvedic doctor is very effective and a wonderful experience.