IMPORTANT BODY PARTS FOR DETOXIFICATION
The SKIN is our largest cleansing organ. It can eliminate more cellular waste than the colon and kidneys combined.
Our RESPIRATORY TRACT which includes the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea and lungs also plays a role. Our lungs expel the metabolic waste created by taking in oxygen. Mucous is created to protect the respiratory tract from harmful inhalants.
The LYMPHATIC SYSTEM transports nutrients to the cells but also exports toxins. It grabs particles too large to enter the bloodstream and then those particles get attacked by immune cells in the lymph nodes. The lymph system has to be stimulated unlike our blood, which gets pumped. Ways to stimulate the lymph system are skin brushing, massage, and exercise. Water consumption is critical for lymph flow.
The GI TRACT or gastrointestinal tract includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine and rectum. The colon is part of the large intestine. Other glandular organs such as the salivary glands, liver, gallbladder and pancreas all impact the GI tract. Emotions also greatly affect the ability to digest food.
Proper levels of friendly bacteria (or Probiotics) are critical for a healthy colon because they help decrease the growth of bad bacteria, yeast, fungus, and parasites. From the stomach partially digested foods enter the small intestine. Fatty acids, simple sugars and amino acids cross the intestinal wall to enter the blood and lymph system once they are broken down by enzymes that came from the pancreas. So, without enzymes or friendly bacteria these functions wouldn’t occur properly. Ironically antibiotics kill off the good guys too! Therefore, it is important to replace normal intestinal bacteria by taking a probiotic supplement during and after taking antibiotics.
A lack of beneficial bacteria often results in poor intestinal and immune system health, contributing to a wide range of symptoms and illnesses. The following symptoms can occur from a lack of probiotics:
Gas, Bloating and Indigestion
Diarrhea and/or Constipation
Bad Breath and Body Odor
Candida Yeast Infections
Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia
Parasites
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Skin problems such as Acne, Eczema and Psoriasis
Delayed development in children
High Cholesterol Levels
Frequent Colds and Flu
The LIVER has over 1 1/2 quarts of blood flowing through it per minute. It uses over 12% of our total energy supply. The body can survive without a colon or stomach but not without a liver, the body’s primary filter and detoxification site for the blood. The liver also has special cells which filter and destroy foreign bacteria, fungus, viruses, mycoplasmas and cancerous cells. If the bowel is unsuccessful at eliminating harmful substances, they are re-absorbed into the blood. The toxins are then sent to the liver, putting a huge burden on the liver. The liver has many other jobs to perform such as:
1. Carbohydrate, vitamin and mineral storage
2. Fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism
3. Hormone and foreign chemical metabolism
4. Synthesizing blood proteins
5. Assimilation and storage of fat soluble vitamins
6. Bile formation
As you can see, adding extra work to the liver is not a good idea. Toxins in our body can accumulate in the subcutaneous fat layer under our skin and in the liver. Since the liver is our body’s major waste disposal system it is important to enhance liver function. We can do this by detoxification.
The KIDNEYS filter the blood and drain wastes, mostly from protein digestion. They get 25% of the body’s total blood volume which gives them a high exposure to chemicals in the blood. The kidneys also help maintain pH, and mineral balances.
By detoxification of the body, we can optimize the well being of our healthy cells including our immune system. Everyone has some levels of mutated cells produced daily; however our immune system if healthy keeps these abnormal cells in check.
You can cut down on toxins by:
1. Eating healthy (avoiding artificial sweeteners, caffeine, packaged foods loaded with preservatives).
2. Drinking plenty of pure water to flush out toxins (add lemon to cleanse the liver)
3. Dealing with unresolved emotional issues
4. Adding enzymes, probiotics, essential fatty acids, phytochemicals, and fiber to your diet
5. Chewing food properly
6. Getting rid of stress (one of the most overlooked sources of toxins)
7. Body brushing to unclog pores and to stimulate the lymph system
8. Avoid polluted environments such as rooms with poor ventilation, or being around toxic fumes
9. Don’t use toxic cleaning products or toxic personal hygiene products
10. Detox baths such as Epsom salts, baking soda, baking soda and sea salt, or ginger root baths
11. Having proper elimination
12. Exercise
13. Deep breathing
14. Doing a Liver/Gallbladder flush
Be aware that when you make these types of changes you can overload the detox pathways and it may not feel so good. This is commonly referred to as a “healing crisis”. Usually it feels like the flu. The key word here is “healing”. When you view this as a problem rather than the “result” of a pre-existing problem you are misunderstanding your body. These are actually steps to the road to better health. The goal is to cleanse quickly enough to see results, but not too quickly, as to overload the detox pathways.
Fiber has been recognized for its benefits as an intestinal cleanser.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) are called essential because your body does not manufacture them. They must come from your diet. Most people are deficient in these important detox agents. Without the right oils the body cannot make waterproof membranes for its cells to keep the toxins out. Research with essential fatty acid supplementation has shown promise in a number of areas including:
cardiovascular health
diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis
skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis
brain function, infant development
immune function, cancer prevention
hormonal imbalances
If you found this article informational please pass it on to someone you care about.
Cheers to great health!
Wendy