Today the question is not “Are you toxic?”, but “How toxic are you?” Toxicity is quickly becoming a growing concern as more and more chemicals and toxins are used in products that increase the “convenience factor” of our daily lives. So, how do you know that you are harboring toxins in your body? Because toxins are an unavoidable part of modern life, you can be sure that you have toxins in you right now!
Common sources of biotoxin exposure include:
- Eating fast food or choosing highly processed foods from the grocery store
- Living in the city exposes you to numerous environmental toxins that you might avoid if you lived in the country.
- If you take medications or recreational drugs you are exposing your internal organs to a range of toxins that they may not be able to handle.
- Beauty remedies such as moisturizers, chemical peels, hair dyes and make-up can wreak havoc on your body by introducing excessive levels of toxins.
Toxins can be introduced to our bodies both externally and internally. We inhale toxins from cigarettes, air pollution, mold spores from water-damaged buildings, and from many other sources around us. We ingest toxins in our food, in our water, in recreational and prescription drugs. We inject toxins through vaccinations, and cosmetic changes such as piercing and tattoos. We absorb toxins from the clothes we wear, from spray-on pesticides and herbicides, from beauty products, and from paints and glues. We expose ourselves to radiation from medical x-rays, the residual radiation from power plants and lines, cell phones and other radio-wave technology, and even from our microwave ovens. In addition some toxins are internally formed,such as that from improperly digested food, from dehydration and poor nutrition, and even from toxic thought patterns and self-abusive emotional
cycles. Toxins affect our bodies in a variety of ways. Since many of the symptoms of toxicity are mild or irritating, they may be dismissed as due to an “off” day. However, toxic symptoms persist, making us feel drained, and generally unwell.
Symptoms of Biotoxin Exposure
Exposure to biotoxins can manifest in various ways, depending on the type and level of exposure. Common symptoms include:
- Aching muscles and joints
- Bloating and/or constipation,
- Congestion
- Excess weight
- Food sensitivities
- Headaches
- Increased allergic reactions
- Lack of energy
- Moodiness, mood swings
- Poor memory or concentration
- Skin conditions like acne
Long-term exposure may result in slowly progressing physical, muscular, and neurological degenerative processes that mimic Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis. Allergies are not uncommon and repeated long-term contact with some metals or their compounds may even cause cancer.
Our Integrative Approach
Detoxifying the body from biotoxins involves several steps designed to identify, remove, and support recovery from toxin exposure. Here’s an overview of the process:
1. Assessment and Diagnosis
- Comprehensive medical history and symptom evaluation
- Laboratory tests to identify specific biotoxins and their levels in the body. At CNIM we test the following:
- Mycotoxins
- Pesticides, PCB, and solvents
- Lyme disease
- Heavy Metals
- Environmental assessments to identify sources of exposure
2. Elimination of Exposure
- Addressing and removing sources of biotoxins (e.g., mold remediation in buildings, amalgam removal)
- Avoiding contaminated food and water sources
- Implementing lifestyle changes to reduce exposure risks
3. Detoxification
- Binders: Natural substances like activated charcoal, chlorella, and bentonite clay that bind to toxins and help eliminate them from the body.
- Nutritional Support: Ensuring adequate intake of vitamins and minerals that support detoxification pathways, such as vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc.
- Hydration:Maintaining proper hydration to support kidney function and toxin elimination.
- Sweating:Encouraging sweating through exercise or sauna therapy to facilitate toxin release through the skin.
4. Supportive Therapies
- Liver Support: Using herbs like milk thistle and supplements like N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to support liver function.
- Gut Health: Probiotics and prebiotics to support a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a critical role in detoxification.
- Immune Support: Strengthening the immune system with immune-boosting herbs and nutrients.
- IV Therapy:Chelation, Ozone, and/or Glutathione IV therapy to assist with detoxing the body of toxins
5. Ongoing Monitoring and Support
- Regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed
- Long-term strategies to maintain a toxin-free environment and prevent re-exposure
