Living organisms are exposed to increasing levels of toxin exposure in a world that continues to become more polluted. It is estimated that several thousand new (novel) chemicals are introduced into the environment every year adding to the total toxin load. These toxins are found in the air we breathe and the food and water we consume. They gain access through the lining of our respiratory and digestive systems and through the skin. There have been improvements to reduce environmental levels of specific toxins such as lead, however it is the TOTAL TOXIC BURDEN that is the major concern. Our body’s have specific detox mechanisms to eliminate toxins. For many people these mechanisms can become overwhelmed from the sheet level of toxin exposure coupled with poor resourcing of detox pathways due to specific nutrient deficiencies. The end result is a net toxin retention.
Occupational groups may have a high exposure to specific toxins found in their industry (e.g. Crop farmers and pesticides). It is common to see people in at risk occupations taking little regard for protective measures when using toxic chemicals. This is in part because they observe no or little immediate effect from the exposure. However accumulated exposure especially where the detox mechanisms are compromised can result in progressive chronic illness.
Heavy metals (e.g. Hg, Cd, Pb), pesticides (e.g. Organo Phosphates and Polychlorinated Biphenols), Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (e.g. Chargrilled meat), Formaldehyde (new carpets), Solvents (paint, wood polish), Plastics (Bisphenol-A), personal care products, household chemicals, and pharmaceuticals all add to the TOTAL TOXIC BURDEN. The end result of increased total toxic body burden is OXIDATIVE DAMAGE as these toxins are pro-oxidant increasing Free Radical levels that cause damage to DNA, mitochondria and cell membranes. The organs most affected by free radicals are those with high metabolic activity such as the brain, adrenal and thyroid glands.
Measurement of the toxic loads is achieved by means of Blood Tests, Hair Tissue and Provocated 24 Hour Urinary analyses s. Testing is also available to measure the efficiency of the specific detox pathways in the liver. Armed with the knowledge of the key nutrients required to support specific liver detox and elimination pathways, an effective detoxification programme can be designed.
At QIM major improvement in chronic health problems are commonly seen when targeted detox programmes are utilised to remove specific toxins that have been detected at high levels. This can be a complicated process as there is not a “one size fits all” detox protocol. A protocol is designed to target the specific toxins identified. Before any specific detox program is started, it is crucial to ensure healthy digestive function (digestion and absorption of nutrients). This requires healthy stomach, pancreas and gall bladder function, healthy gut lining (absence of leaky gut), and optimisation of the bacterial flora in the large bowel. Specific detox protocols may need to be modified with certain illnesses and medications. Careful monitoring is essential. Health improvements are often dramatic.