Applied Nutrition Canada

by Michele Benoit, RNCP 

 

The concepts of internal cleansing and detoxification have been around for a long time and although not as common in western society, using cleansing and healing programs have been employed for centuries in many cultures around the world.  In modern times, as society is increasingly exposed to toxic compounds in the air, water and food, it has become apparent that our ability to detoxify substances to which we are exposed is of critical importance to our overall health.

 

While the body is designed to be efficient at keeping us healthy, it becomes increasingly more difficult for the body to function at an optimal health level if it is clogged with accumulated toxins, or, it is in a state of nutritional bankruptcy.  For most of us this is true because we are continually bombarded with toxins and chemicals from the food we eat; the air we breathe; the water we drink; the pesticides and insecticides we are exposed to; the hormones, steroids and antibiotics we ingest from meat and dairy; as well as through the use of household cleaners, cosmetics and toiletries.  As a result, our bodies are crying out for the nutrients they need and show us our imbalances through the daily health struggles we face and by our unsuccessful attempts to make change or to reach our health goals.

 

So what exactly is a toxin?  A toxin can be described as any compound that has a detrimental effect on the body's cell function or structure.  Basically, it is any substance that creates harmful or irritating effects in the body that can lead to compromised health.  Unfortunately, we are exposed to toxic substances everywhere - even our own body functions and the bacteria in our intestines produce them!  While some can cause symptoms with minimal effects, some can be fatal.

 

Either way, toxins do damage the body in a cumulative and insidious way.  Once the body is in a state of toxic overload, metabolites (products of metabolism) accumulate and become progressively more sensitive to other chemicals they are exposed to in the body - even those which are otherwise not toxic.  This can seriously affect our normal metabolic processes.  As we consistently give our bodies an ever-increasing amount of new chemicals; more drugs; more sugar; more refined foods and abuse our bodies daily with stimulants and sedatives while increasing our exposure to many newer and stronger chemicals; to air and water pollution; to radiation and to nuclear power, it is not surprising that our bodies need a little help!  The incidence of many conditions and diseases that are on the rise such as cancer, cardiovascular disease , arthritis, allergies, obesity, skin problems, headaches, fatigure, generalized aches and pains, coughs, gastrointestinal problems and immune weakness to only name a few can often be linked with toxicity to some degree. 

 

Toxicity occurs on two basic levels: externally and internally.  We can acquire toxins externally from our environment by breathing them in, by ingesting them and through physical contact with them.  With regular and repeated exposure to toxins, our bodies often take in more than can be eliminated.  Internally, our bodies produce toxins through normal everyday functions such as biochemical, cellular, and body activities that produce substances that the body needs to get rid of.  When these toxic substances are not efficiently discarded by the body, they can cause irritation and/or inflammation of our cells and tissues which can lead to impaired functions on a cellular, organ and whole-body level.  Efficient and effective elimination of these toxins is essential to good health and although a normal-functioning body is designed to handle certain levels of toxic burden, excesses, toxic or improper elimination of toxins can become a concern. 

 

The body deals with toxic build-up through the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract, the urinary tract, the skin and the lymphatic system and handles the toxins by either neutralizing, transforming or eliminating them from the body.  Of course, if the body is working well, with strong immune and eliminative functions, it can handle its everyday exposure to these potentially detrimental substances.  When the body is even slighly out of balance, toxic accumulation can begin the process to compromised health which may take a long time to manifest as symptoms. 

 

Detoxification is a relative term.  Any attempt to support toxic elimination in the body will help us to detoxify.  For instance, increasing daily water intake or increasing daily consumption of fruits and vegetables will help to eliminate toxins from the body.  One of the best ways to help the body to detoxify and reduce its overload of toxins is through a whole body cleansing program.  By addressing the issue of toxic build-up while supporting the body nutritionally with high quality nutrients, not only will you help the body to rid itself of impurities, you will allow it to rejuvenate at the same time.  Through a balanced cleansing and healing program, it is possible to clear and filter toxins and wastes and allow your body to work at enhancing its basic functions; ultimately leading to the day-to-day prevention of toxic build-up and overall improved health and wellbeing.  Many cleansing programs are safe, easy-to-follow and cost effective - working with a registered practitioner can help to guide you in the direction of your health needs.