What is Metabolic Detoxification?

Metabolic detoxification refers to our body’s ability to package up harmful substances in our biological system and eliminate them.    Examples of toxicants that we may be exposed to from the environment include pesticides, herbicides, food additives, plastics, heavy metals and cigarette smoke.  I also feel that the Standard American Diet which often has high sugar, high calorie foods that are nutrient poor also contributes to the total toxic burden.

Symptoms can occur when our system is overwhelmed by the toxic load.  Genetically, some people are better detoxifiers than others.  There is also variation in environmental exposures throughout a lifetime.  Where you grew up, the food you eat, the products you use in the home and personal products used are all factors that contribute to the total body toxic burden.  Additionally, metabolic detoxification is biologically expensive.  We “use up” certain vitamins and minerals in the process and how good we are at getting those nutrients into our body influences elimination capability.  Think of this like an equation:

Total Body Toxic Burden =   Toxin Exposure   –  Toxin Elimination

Common signs and symptoms are detoxification system needs support include fatigue, anxiety, general muscle and joint achiness, decreased concentration and headaches.   A high toxic burden is also felt to be associated with many of the chronic diseases we are afflicted with today such as cardiovascular disease, cancers, diabetes, autoimmune conditions and even obesity 

Our body can eliminate toxic chemicals.  Our liver takes these incoming toxins found in our food and environment and neutralizes them through a series of biochemical reactions.  When the total toxic load exceeds the liver’s capability to neutralize and eliminate these chemicals a buildup can occur.  The liver needs vitamins and antioxidants to execute this process.  A diet that is nutrient poor and high in chemicals can lead to an imbalance of the detoxification system.

The first step in metabolic detoxification is to limit the incoming exposure while supporting the liver’s ability to eliminate any chemicals that have built up over time.

Reducing toxin exposure means:

• Trying to buy organic produce when possible, especially those that are known to retain chemicals used in the farming process.
• Minimize the ingestion of large fish that contain possible mercury contamination (such as swordfish and tuna).
• Eliminate processed foods.
• Use natural cleaning products and avoid spraying insecticides and herbicides in and around your home.
• Use low toxin makeup and skin creams.
• Avoid aluminum containing antiperspirants.
• Drink filtered water. Avoid water in plastic bottles.  Chemicals from the plastics can often leach into the water.
• Do not microwave in plastic containers. Use glass or stainless steel containers when possible.

Helping your body eliminate toxins means:

• Eating whole foods. with vegetables in a rainbow of colors that are full of the vitamins and antioxidants required for detoxification.
• Using the supplements which contain the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support metabolic detoxification.
• Drink plenty of filtered water.
• Moderate exercise that works up a sweat.
• Adequate sleep.
• Manage your everyday stressors. Your nervous system needs to be in a more relaxed state for efficient detoxification. 

Consistency with a clean lifestyle overtime will help reduce the total body toxic burden.  It is also good periodically to “clean house” so to speak and spend time working on giving your body what it needs for efficient detoxification and reduce incoming toxins at the same time.  It is important to know that you should not feel poorly during concentrated detoxification efforts.  If you do, that is a signal that you are releasing toxins faster than your body’s current ability to eliminate them.  For this reason, it is wise to be monitored medically while undergoing metabolic detoxification. 

At my practice, I bring what my patient needs at that given moment using an eclectic mix of conventional medicine, functional medicine, integrative and osteopathic treatments. Contact us to learn more about our practice.