Chiropractic and Detoxification for Healing

 

In today’s modern world, we have more pollution and stress in our lives.  Your body systems can become overburdened and strained from the by products and toxins of pollution. And this can lead to health problems. Moreover, illnesses such as fibromyalgia, migraine, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel, and even arthritis can be better managed with detoxification.

Some examples of toxins are:

–Anti-nutrients are natural or synthetic compounds that interfere with the absorption of nutrients. For instance it could be high-fructose corn syrup, trans-fats, excess caffeine/alcohol, and processed foods.

–Internal (inside your body) metabolic toxins:  nitrogen, carbon dioxide, free radicals, stool and urea (substance formed by the breakdown of protein in the liver and the kidneys filter urea).

–Medications (conventional drugs) used improperly, inappropriately, or too often.

–Heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, tin, and aluminum.

–Chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, cleaning products, solvents, and glues.

–Allergens such as certain food, mold, dust, pollen, and chemicals.

–Infectious organisms such as bacteria, viruses, yeast, and parasites.

Furthermore, there are social, emotional, and spiritual situations that affect your well being as well:

–Stress, such as lack of personal time, too much work, excessive worry, and too little rest.

–Unhealthy mental states, such as addictions and overeating

–Over stimulation from advertisements, radio, computers, television, smart phones.

–Lack of spiritual connection, a loss of purpose or the lack of social/community.

–Nature deprivation, being disconnected from natural environments.

 

So What is Detoxification (Elimination)?

Detoxification is the process of removing toxic substances or qualities. You can do this by enhancing the eliminative body functions.  Elimination is important in order to remove the physiologic stress of accumulated metabolic waste products and environmental irritants.  Organs of detoxification include the colon, liver, kidney, skin and lungs.

 Colon (large intestine)

The colon processes food, with the help of healthy bacteria, that was not digested by the small intestine. You can improve digestion to decrease delivery of undigested food to the colon by increasing dietary fiber.  This will increase the speed of time for passage of food.  Additionally, restoring the normal flora with acidophilic cultures (e.g. probiotics) will help.

Liver

The liver is responsible for an array of functions that help support metabolism, immunity, digestion, detoxification, and vitamin storage among other functions.  To help the liver, you should have a diet low in fat, refined sugar and highly processed foods, minimal intake of alcohol, drugs, food additives and chemicals.  Furthermore, to have optimal function, you should take all the essential vitamins and minerals. Also, lipotropics (combination of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that help metabolize fat in the body) should be considered.

Kidneys

The kidneys are a pair of organs in the abdomen. It removes waste and extra water from the blood (as urine) and help keep chemicals (such as sodium, potassium, and calcium) balanced in the body. The kidneys also make hormones that help control blood pressure and stimulate bone marrow to make red blood cells.  You can help your kidneys with a diet low in salt and moderate in protein as well as a minimal intake of drugs, food additives and chemicals.  Drink 2 (8 glasses)  quarts of plain water per day to maintain normal specific gravity (your kidneys’ ability to balance water content and excrete waste).

Skin

Your skin protects your body from germs and regulates body temperature. One of the most effective ways to detox your body naturally is through perspiring. When sweating, your body is flushing out toxins.  By maintaining freely open skin pores with regular washing with mild abrasive rubs you are detoxing. So exercise regularly as tolerated to perspire.  And steam baths or suanas are also excellent ways to detox.

Lungs

Your lungs are part of the respiratory system, a group of organs and tissues that work together to help you breathe.  It transports oxygen and removes extra carbon dioxide.  You can increase the exchange of volatile substances with regular aerobic exercise to tolerance.  Yoga and deep breathing exercises also help.

Mind Body Connection

The mind-body connection is important. Stress is probably the most significant toxin confronting you on a daily and long-term basis. Illnesses such as fibromyalgia, migraine, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel and others can affect you more when you are stressed.

Therefore, your mind needs to detox. Here are some suggestions:  journaling, spend more time in nature and with positive people and family, meditate, take a day off if you are working too much.  Read books on being a grounded, happy and peaceful person.