Detoxification-do we really need it?

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), billions of pounds of chemicals are released into our water systems, ground and air, threatening our health and natural resources.  Over 400 pesticides and herbicides are used on food crops and several thousand food additives are added to our food supply.  Extensive research shows that it is not the question of “if we’re carrying the toxins in our bodies” but rather, “how much and to what extent” these effect our health. 

Naturally, our body is able to rid these harmful toxins through “detoxification process”.  Unfortunately, many of our bodies are compromised in this process due to our poor diet and life-style choices that we make.  These increase the toxin build up and decrease the natural process of detoxification.  An integral part of this detoxification process is highly nutritious food sources. 

So how does detoxification work in our bodies?

Detoxification involves three different phases. Water soluble substances, which are substances that are easily dissolved in water, can be effectively excreted from our body. Toxin compunds, however, are typically stored as fatty molecules and, therefore, do not mix well in water.  The detoxification process transforms these toxic, fat-soluble substances into harmless, water-soluble molecules which can then be excreted out of our body. The three phases of detoxification include:

• Liver Function Phase I: fat-soluble toxins are transformed into intermediate compounds which can be more reactive, but bind more easily to non-toxic, water-soluble molecules in Phase II

• Liver Function Phase II: the formation between the reactive intermediates and water-soluble molecules make the entire compound harmless and ready for excretion out of the body; without enough supportive Phase II substances, the reactive intermediates can attack healthy tissues and may cause damage

• Excretion: neutralized toxins, now made water-soluble, are removed from the body in urine via the kidneys or in bile/feces through the intestines

Studies have shown that the overall detox process is heavily-nutrient dependent, whereby key steps are fueled by vitamins, minerals, and other major food components. A few of the key nutrients include zinc, probiotics, vitamins A, B-3, B-6, b-12, amino acids, and many others. Without optimal detoxification, our bodies will not efficiently remove harmful toxins. Our kidneys play a major role during the final step of detoxification by excreting transformed toxic compounds in urine. An alkaline pH level may be an important consideration for proper kidney function. Therefore, a focused, high-impact, low-allergy-potential nutritional support program to promote an alkaline pH level and improve detoxification capacity can be very helpful.

At TKI, we offer a "10 day Express Detox Program" which includes a consult with one of our practitioners for toxicity assessment, diet and exercise recommendation, the beverage, and supplements to help enhance the process. The beverage, which is a medical food, includes some of the above listed nutrients required for a complete detox process. The program also includes a probiotic supplement and a separate anti-oxidant supplement that provides essential nutrients as well.

Please visit our website or call 312.260.9000 for more details.

To start your year of right, we are offering 30% off of the entire package price until 2/29/2012. 

Caroline Jung, L.Ac, MSOM