“Somewhat independent of people’s choices, the things which in the past have been normally considered healthy, or at least neutral, are now becoming significant sources of toxins for people”. Dr.Pizzorno, The Institute of functional medicine.
Toxins are usually considered naturally occurring toxic substances, while toxicants are man-made. Many people use “toxins” to refer to both toxins and toxicants. With the new advanced technologies developing every day in the world, together with it the amount of toxins is increasing as well. Everyone in this world is exposed to toxins whether it is from the food or their lifestyle choices.
We should be aware if we are exposed to toxins and if we have heavy metals in our bodies. The reason why we should be aware is that having toxins or heavy metals in the body can lead to many chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and many other autoimmune illnesses.
The most common heavy metals and toxicants that are found in the human body are arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium, PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls), and organophosphates. Together with checking the levels, we should also consider checking the nutritional status, Genetic susceptibility to nutritional deficiencies, and environmental exposure. The reason that environmental exposure and lifestyle choices are one of the most important causes of heavy metals and toxicants overload is that it starts from the food, the pollution in the house and outside the house, water pollution, air pollution, and chemical exposure that is a part of everything we use in our daily lives.
There are many ways to measure the heavy metals, toxins, and toxicant levels in the body. From taking blood samples, urine samples, hair and nail samples, and fat biopsies. The doctor will decide what is the best way to measure levels in each individual patient. After a thorough consultation with the doctor and a full lab workup. The doctor then will explain what the possible root cause of the toxicity could be, depending on each patient’s history and lifestyle. After identifying the root cause, then we must stop the exposure and detoxify. Starting with consuming a big amount of fiber daily that will promote detoxification. Together with using Vitamin C and Glutathione to decrease the load on the liver and promote detoxification more sufficiently.
Another thing to consider is to keep the body in an alkaline state. When the body is in an acidic state it is more prone to disease and makes the kidneys work harder. By eating more alkaline food, the body feels lighter and can function better. Once the body function better in every aspect, the toxins will also accumulate less which will lead to less risk for heavy metal toxicity. In the end, the more we love our body, the more it will love us back. Consistency is the key.
Reference: The Institute of Functional Medicine, Sciencedirect, PubMed
