By Richard Malik, ND
As published in the Lakeville Journal, Millerton News, & Winsted Journal
27 July 2006

Most of my patients have heard of numerous cleanses or detoxification programs but have a difficult time distinguishing between them, understanding their different approaches, and knowing what is most important in a detox protocol. This month’s article will help you understand detox basics and make educated decisions when doing a detox so that it is both safe and effective.

First of all, detoxification is the body’s natural process of ridding itself of toxic chemicals that occur in the food we eat, the pollution in our air and water, and the commercial products we often use on a daily basis. Toxins are everywhere – even our own bodies’ produce toxins during normal metabolic processes.

Some folks have a toxin load that exceeds their detoxification system’s capacity. This may be due to high exposure, reduced functioning of one or more detoxification pathways, or a combination of the two. The manifestations of toxic overload are diverse. Common complaints include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in sensation, and allergies. Toxins can trigger auto-immune diseases like lupus, multiple sclerosis, and some thyroid problems according to some experts. Also, it’s hard to forget that many toxic chemicals cause cancer.

The single most important aspect of detoxification is avoidance of (or at least decreasing exposure to) toxic substances. Any detoxification program will have limited results if a person’s exposure to these toxins remains high. So, before starting any program it is necessary to take an inventory of your exposures which may include cleaning products, bleach, solvents, pesticides, alcohol, and drugs (do not discontinue prescription medications without consulting your doctor).

In addition to lowering your exposure, eating the right foods will do wonders for a cleanse. The dietary basics include plenty of varied vegetables, whole grains, and fruits. These provide fiber, which helps the liver detoxify the blood more efficiently, and nutrients that support detoxification pathways. Plenty of clean water is essential to remove chemicals from the body through the kidneys.

To encourage detoxification through the skin it is important to perspire. The summer is a great time for cleansing and detoxification. The heat and increased activity associated with the season are supportive of cleansing. Exercising several days a week and using a sauna help to get toxins out of the body through the skin. These activities help move toxins out of muscle and fat and they enhance the detoxification capacity of the liver and kidney. Shower soon after exercising or doing a sauna to wash away the excreted toxins.

Nutritional and herbal supplements can support detoxification as well. I consider my patient’s complaints, medical history, physical examination findings, laboratory test results, and functional tests to select the supplements that will be most effective for each individual.

Detoxification is an energy and nutrient intensive process that can convert chemicals into damaging oxidants prior to their final elimination from the body. For these reasons, I make sure that patients have adequate nutrient intake and are getting plenty of antioxidants. Vitamins B2 and B3 and magnesium are important players in the body’s production of energy. Antioxidants include Vitamins C, A, and E; selenium; zinc; alpha-lipoic acid; and glutathione. Proteins are involved as well – especially glycine, taurine and glutamine. They can attach to chemicals in the liver and help them leave the body. Vitamin B12 supports the same action.

As you can probably tell, doing a detoxification can be a simple or very complicated process. Most people do just fine by simply avoiding toxins, eating healthful foods, exercising, and using a sauna. Some need more support than that.

Some products on the market contain irritating laxative herbs like cascara and senna. These are helpful in dealing with some cases of constipation but are unnecessary in most detoxes and can be harmful when used inappropriately. In most situations, I recommend avoiding these herbs when detoxing.

For best results, follow your detoxification program for 2-3 weeks. It’s not uncommon to feel worse the first few days of a detox due the release of toxins stored in body tissues (especially fat). Good luck and enjoy your good health.