Detoxification
After avoiding or eliminating sources of exposure, and supplementing the body with essential nutrients, the last step in the treatment of toxicity is detoxification. Detoxification is achieved by various methods depending on the toxin to be eliminated. Naturopathic doctors at MCNE will employ specific therapeutic approaches aimed at removing observed toxic accumulation validated by toxic profile assessments. In general, detoxification requires adequate functioning of the organs of elimination: the skin, the liver, the kidneys, the lungs, and the bowels.
Detoxification through the Skin
Raising body temperature and metabolism increases the detoxification of toxins via the skin through sweating. Exercise and sauna therapy are two effective ways to achieve detoxification through the skin. Some of the physiological effects include increasing circulation, increasing metabolic rate which increases fat breakdown, as well as increasing oxygen consumption. Many compounds released in sweat include sodium, chloride, magnesium, potassium, copper, zinc, cadmium, antimony, lead, mercury, nickel, some medications, and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls).
Detoxification through the Lungs
Every cell in our body requires oxygen delivered by our lungs for energy to grow, repair and heal. The surface area of our lungs (ranging from 300-1000 ft2 at rest to deep breath) and exposure to air is greater than any other body part including our skin. Because of the immense surface area, the lungs are susceptible to damage by inhaled toxins. The lungs have several mechanisms to protect itself from damage. Fine hair-like cells filter out any particle and sweep them up to the throat where they are either coughed out or swallowed. Smaller particles that reach the alveoli are dealt with by specialized cells that destroy them. Many toxins paralyze these defence mechanisms and lowers the capacity of the lungs to eliminate and detoxify. Exercise and saunas dilate the bronchi and increase the oxygen delivery to the tissues.
Detoxification through the Liver
The liver has an extremely important role in our body. It is our main organ of biotransformation and detoxification. It protects the body from toxins by making them more water soluble so that they can be excreted through the urine.
The liver is involved in metabolizing fats, carbohydrates and proteins. The liver also stores glycogen and other important nutrients such as vitamins A and D, synthesizes proteins, and maintains blood sugar levels. It is responsible for producing and excreting bile, excreting bilirubin, cholesterol, drugs and hormones. Bile acids are important in the breakdown of fats and are delivered to the small intestine during digestion. About 95% of these bile acids are recycled through enterohepatic circulation.
The efficiency of the liver allows for these compounds to be reused about 20 times. Because the body has an amazing capacity to conserve, it allows for the recycling of toxins as well. Toxins that are made water-soluble are eliminated through the urine, while the others are excreted through the bowels. It is extremely important to protect the liver and support detoxification. Botanicals such as milk thistle, and dandelion, as well as nutraceuticals such as glycine, taurine, and glutathione have been shown to aid in this process.
Detoxification through the Kidneys
The kidneys have two main functions: secretion of hormones, and regulation of pH and water. The kidneys reabsorb water, amino acids, glucose and other small molecules, and secrete waste and water-soluble toxins through the urine.
Detoxification through the Bowels
The most important route of elimination is through the bowels. It is imperative that the bowels are moving properly BEFORE any detoxification program begins. Because of the intimate link between the liver and the intestines, through enterohepatic circulation, initiating a detox regime will do much more harm if there is irregularity or inconsistency in bowel movements. Supplementation with a fibre, along with other binding agents will help to remove toxins through the bowels and reduce the recycling of toxins.