Symptoms of Toxic Overload
by Dr. David Wikenheiser
Toxins
are substances that will interrupt or completely block the "
normal
metabolic functions
" of the body.
Metabolic functions include moving
nutrients into our cells, processing and eliminating wastes, producing
energy, making repairs, and growing replacement cells,
Detoxification is
the
processing and elimination of toxins from the body, and it is an
essential part of regaining and maintaining good health.
Food provides the body with nutrients, which are the building blocks for health. Nutrients are released from food through digestion. Poorly digested foods will not only limit the amount of nutrients available to be absorbed, but it will increase the toxic burden on the body. Undigested foods will not merely pass unchanged out of the body but will ferment and produce gases and other toxic byproducts, which will be reabsorbed by the body. These digestion originating endogenous toxins, along with exogenous toxins originating outside of the body, will burden and limit normal bodily functions.
Toxic substances include:
Heavy metals, such as mercury and lead;
solvents, such as benzene; plastics, such as styrene; hormones and
chemicals acting as hormones; and, free radical compounds.
Free radicals
are the number one class of toxins.
A free radical is an unbalanced chemical structure that will pull
electrons from other structures, damaging them in the process. Free radicals may originate from poor digestion, uncontrolled emotional stress, and pollution from the world around us. Oxygen has the ability to pull electrons off of other chemical structures, which is necessary for our efficient cellular energy production and the operation of our immune system. While oxygen is essential for life, if uncontrolled it will create toxic free radicals and increase our risk of developing problems.
Laboratory tests are useful to screen for toxins in general,
and to measure levels of specific toxins. Before a doctor will order laboratory tests they will take a history to determine which tests are the most appropriate.
The neurological, or nerve-related issues associated with a toxic load
include: tingling hands and feet, and alterations in mood, such as
anxiety, aggression, and depression.
The immunological or immune system issues associated with a toxic load
may include: a downregulation of white blood cells, resulting in
frequent or unreasonably severe infections; an up-regulation of the
immunoglobulin proteins, resulting in frequent and severe allergic
reactions.
The endocrine, or hormonal issues associated with a toxic load include:
pancreatic dysfunction leading to poor digestion and poor blood sugar
regulation, leading to weight gain; adrenal burnout, leading to
unreasonable coffee consumption, irritability, and the inability to
relax or handle stress; PIVIS and premature menopause in women, and
andropause in men; thyroid dysfunction and weight gain, constipation,
dry skin, hair loss, fatigue, and sleeping long hours only to wake
unrested. Virtually every person I know has at least one of these
symptoms of toxic load.
Managing a toxic burden will take several steps: one, avoid further
exposures; two, support the processing of toxic substances; and three,
support the removal of toxic substances from the body by way of the
routes of elimination. Avoiding further toxic exposures includes eating
organic foods, using natural non-toxic cleaners in our homes, spending
less time per day in heavy traffic, removing mercury amalgam dental
restorations, and improving digestion.
Poor digestion will lead to the fermentation of undigested foods. This
fermentation will produce digestive tract gas and bloating, as well as
toxic and re-absorbable by-products such as phenyl compounds, indican,
scatol, and cadaveral. Processing toxins will be supported by adequate
intake of antioxidant compounds to quench free radicals, and the
adequate intake of nutrient supplements and herbal formulas to support
the liver in its role of cleaning and processing toxins from the blood.
Elimination of these processed toxins from the body is supported by the intake of dietary fiber, adequate water intake, and adequate exercise.
Adequate dietary fiber will result in at least one normal bowel movement per day. A normal bowel movement is the size and consistency of a large peeled banana. Adequate water intake may be calculated by dividing your body weight in pounds, by two, to give you the number of ounces per day. For example, a person who weighs one hundred and fifty pounds will ideally drink a minimum of seventy-five ounces of suitable fluids per day. Suitable fluids include herbal teas, fruit and vegetable juices,
and water. Removing waste gases from the blood, by adequately stimulating the lungs, requires a minimum of thirty minutes per day of brisk exercise such as walking. Antioxidants to control free radicals include substances such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and the Oligomeric
Proanthocyanidins (ideally, Jack Masquelier's patented OPCs, as found in
Flora's Grapeseed Extract).
The traditional herbal tea formula is known as Flor Essence Tea, which has
been used for one hundred years in wonderful support of challenging
health issues are now recognized as a gentle yet effective
detoxification formula. FlorEssence has been shown to: support the
digestive tract, which will reduce fermentation and autotoxicity;
support the liver, which will more efficiently remove and process toxins
from the blood; and it is a powerful antioxidant, having been measured
to be roughly fourteen times stronger than Vitamin C. A simple and
an efficient way to detoxify and start to deal with the symptoms of the toxic load is to add Flor Essence to your daily routine.
- FlorEssence Tea offers a complete cleanse
of the whole body including deep tissue, liver, lungs, kidneys colon,
pancreas, skin, blood, and lymphatics.
- The 8 herbs in FlorEssence Tea work synergistically as a team which enhances the overall effectiveness of the formula.
- Research supports the numerous components
of the premium quality herbs which contain trace elements, minerals,
phytoestrogens, antioxidants and other active substances.
- FlorEssence Tea drastically reduces
accumulated levels of toxic material which may cause irritation,
inflammation, ulceration, swelling and premature degeneration of the
cells.
- FlorEssence Tea purifies the blood,
improves digestion, reduces free radical damage, strengthens organs and
increases energy levels.
- FlorEssence Tea is gentle, safe and simple to use.
Dr. Wikenheiser is a licensed Naturopathic Physician in a general
family practice in Vancouver, British Columbia. He completed his
Bachelor of Science degree (B.Sc.) through the University of the State
of New York, and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) at the
National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon with an
"Honors in Research.” Dr. Wikenheiser is a member of the B.C.
Naturopathic Association, the College of Naturopathic Physicians of
B.C., and the Canadian Naturopathic Association. He is Board Certified
in Ozone Therapy and Acupuncture.
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