Your body produces toxins during normal body functions. It is also exposed to pollutants, or toxicants, in the air, drinking water, and food. In addition, hormone metabolites or imbalances can be considered toxic waste products if they are not excreted appropriately. In Functional Medicine, detoxification or “detox” refers to the body’s process of making toxins, toxicants and hormones less harmful. This process is also referred to as “metabolic detoxification.” 

How the body eliminates toxins plays an important role in proper bodily functioning. Studies on how drugs are broken down and cleared from the body have helped us to understand the detox processes. There are well-defined pathways in the body that are responsible for changing toxicants into chemical compounds that are easier for the body to eliminate. This happens primarily through the urine, via making the toxicant water-soluble, or stools, via excretion with bile. 

In today’s society, toxins are more present in our bodies than ever. The constant exposure is resulting in an ever-increasing body burden, or toxic load, of chemicals. One of the most common exposures is to toxic farm chemicals: pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Other sources of toxicants include materials used in new construction, carpet chemicals, paint, household cleaners, mixed metals used in dental repairs, and even personal hygiene products. Air pollutants are found in regional or work industrial areas, primary or second-hand smoke exposure, and auto exhaust. On a daily basis, your liver, kidneys, large intestine, lymphatic system, and sweat glands work to reduce the body burden, or buildup, of these environmental contaminants. 

Toxic symptoms may occur when you reach your personal limit of accumulated toxins and are not able to clear them quickly or efficiently enough. Researchers are recognizing the following symptoms related to the buildup of toxins: 

• Obesity 

• Type 2 diabetes 

• Metabolic syndrome 

• Cancer 

• Fatigue 

• Infertility 

• Allergies 

• Behavior and mood disorders 

• Neurological conditions such as tremors, headaches, and cognitive difficulties 

• Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Diseases 

The goal of a clinically-directed metabolic detox protocol is to provide nutritional support for the pathways involved in the processing and elimination of toxins. A detox program results in improved symptoms and an increased sense of wellbeing for most individuals. Many who participate in a personalized detox program describe improvement in pain and fatigue levels, enhanced cognitive function and moods, more effective and satisfying sleep cycles, and weight loss. 

Scheduling:

Detoxification Specialists:

• Dr. Hilla Asadi

• Dr. Steven LaBrecque

References: 

1. Institute for Functional Medicine

2. Sears, M.E., Genuis, S.J. Environmental determinants of chronic disease and medical approaches: Recognition, avoidance, supportive therapy, and detoxification. J Environ Public Health. 2012; 356798.