"The simple truth is that we live in a sea of toxins and it is destroying our bodies and brains." - Dr. Hyman
Introduction | Weight Control | Energy Levels | Skin Health | Pain | Mental Health | Intestinal Health | Fertility | Final Thoughts | References | Disclaimer
Introduction
Detoxification is a process that helps our body expel toxic and unhealthy substances. Successful completion of this procedure depends on the overall condition and efficiency of our internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, and intestines. Our body can activate the detoxification pathways automatically [e.g., during sleep]. However, it might be necessary for many of us to know how to induce these mechanisms [under the supervision of a trained professional] when we feel we need a detox. Detoxification comes with a wide variety of health benefits, ranging from disease prevention to the improvement of existing health ailments such as improved weight control, pains and aches, skin issues, digestive issues, infertility, and more.
Detoxification and weight control
The process of detoxification has been linked to many health benefits. Adhering to a detox diet can help you control your weight, which is one of them. Not only do such diets cleanse the body of toxins, but they also allow us to better manage our body's fat stores.
A randomized clinical trial conducted by Jung et al.[1] looked at the weight loss outcomes of a four-week-long Wellnessup detoxification protocol [WD] on obese women. They measured such parameters as weight, body mass index [BMI], body fat mass, fat-free mass, hip, and waist circumference, and compared the results from before the study [baseline] and after 4 weeks. The researchers observed that the WD participants experienced a significant decrease in weight [p-value = 0.013], fat-free mass [p-value = 0.002], and waist circumference [p-value = 0.0067], which led them to conclude that WD is effective in reducing body fat.
Another study carried out by Morrisson and Iannucci[2] followed 31 participants over 4 weeks and observed the weight loss outcomes after the administration of a low-calorie detox diet. The researchers measured the weight of the subjects before and after the intervention. They concluded that, on average, the participants in this study lost 8.9 lbs [4 kg] of body weight and reduced their BMI by 1.4.
Detox helps boost energy levels
Heavy metal contamination can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome. Toxins such as aluminum, lead, mercury, thallium, and arsenic impair our cellular power banks, called mitochondria. They disrupt and inhibit ATP [adenosine triphosphate] production, which provides our bodies with energy. Successful detoxification from these metals will increase our energy levels and restore balance.
According to an article authored by Jaishankar et al.[3] the systemic toxicity induced by excess heavy metal accumulation such as lead and mercury is linked with fatigue and low energy levels. The elimination of these toxins from the body will result in increased energy production and improved overall vitality.
Another review of the literature on the impact of toxins on the human body was carried out by Zolkipli-Cunningham and Falk[4]. The researchers looked at mitochondrial functions and how exposure to environmental pollutants affects them. The reviewers found that mitochondrial dysfunction is linked with an excess toxin presence. Many of them inhibit ATP production, disrupt mitochondrial metabolism, disrupt cell signaling, and many more.
Decreased toxin levels promote skin health
Scientists have found links indicating that there exists a liver-skin axis, which implicates the impact of liver health on the health of human skin[6]. Therefore, detoxifying the liver may be a key component in treating acute and chronic dermatitis.
A study conducted by Kim and Nam[5] looked at the impact of such detoxification methods as fasting and fluid therapy on atopic dermatitis [AD]. The researchers assessed the extent and severity of AD [SCORAD] and asked the participants to self-assess the accompanying itching and scratching, both at the beginning of the study as well as after the intervention. The results of their investigation revealed a significant decrease in the intensity [11.86 ± 1.95 to 5.57 ± 2.07] and extent [45.14 ± 29.32 to 34.14 ± 25.77] of AD. Additionally, the self-assessed itching and scratching diminished as well [8.00 ± 1.16 to 2.57 ± 0.98], providing evidence that fasting and fluid therapy improve this skin condition.
A case report made by Zeng et al.[6] described the effects of a herbal medicine called Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, which is well-known in traditional Chinese medicine, on eczema in an 11-year-old patient. This liver detoxifying complex helped cleanse the liver from the accumulation of toxic elements and resulted in the complete withdrawal of dermatitis symptoms, including rash, itching, and scratching.
Detoxification improves pain
Chronic pain is associated with many health conditions, and it is most commonly treated with a variety of drugs. Some studies, however, have shown that the detoxification process combined with other therapeutic methods may bring pain relief to those suffering from this chronic ailment.
A study designed by Bonakdar et al.[7] investigated how various therapeutic lifestyle changes impact pain sensation in obese participants. The researchers measured various obesity-contributing factors, such as metabolic, lipid, and cardiovascular parameters, as well as carried out detoxification panels. The results revealed an overall decrease in pain sensation in the subjects who underwent this 12-week protocol. Many of the detoxification parameters, which were elevated at the beginning of the study, returned to a normal range; one of them, uroporphyrin, lowered significantly, and many remained in the same normal range as at baseline.
Another study conducted by Taylor et al.[8] inspected the outcomes of a protocol consisting of detoxification, relaxation techniques, and supportive therapy in patients suffering from chronic pain. The researchers concluded that this protocol has brought pain relief to the subjects, who reported a significant reduction in pain both posthospital and after a 6-month follow-up period. Additionally, the participants reported an improvement in mood and activity levels.
Mental health and excess toxicity
Our blood-brain barrier [BBB] is a mechanism that filters and prevents harmful substances from entering the brain. However, there are particles [e.g., heavy metals] that can cross that barrier and accumulate in the tissues of the brain. Maintaining proper mental health requires reduced exposure to environmental pollutants and successful detoxification to help prevent the occurrence of neurodegenerative health conditions.
A review of research carried out by Campdelacreu[9] looked at the impact of various environmental factors, including heavy metal exposure and pesticides, on the development of Parkinson's [PD] and Alzheimer's [AD] diseases. Campdelacreu found links suggesting that elevated accumulations of manganese, lead, copper, zinc, and iron in the body have been considered contributing factors to the development of PD. Alzheimer's disease, on the other hand, has been associated with aluminum deposits in the tissues. Moreover, the investigation of environmental exposure to pesticides and herbicides in some studies revealed a connection between these substances and the occurrence of AD and PD.
Another review conducted by Schmidt[10] focused on how air quality and air pollution [primarily PM25 and VOCs] influence our brain and cognitive abilities. The author found evidence indicating that air pollutants can reduce cognitive functions affecting work and academic performance, contribute to autism spectrum disorder, lower IQ scores, and cause inflammation.
Toxic elements impact intestinal health
The human gut microbiome is characterized by a huge diversity of microbes that work together to build our overall health. Any external or internal influences that affect this homeostasis may result in different health outcomes and potentially lead to the development of a variety of health conditions.
A review of science conducted by Giambo et al.[11] examined the influence of toxin exposure on gut flora. Their work centered around such environmental toxins as herbicides [including glyphosate], organophosphate pesticides [OPPs], organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), insecticides, and fungicides. According to the authors, these harmful substances interfere with our intestinal microbiome's normal functioning and obstruct some metabolic processes. Secondly, it has been observed that pesticide toxicity promotes the growth of bacteria that are involved in detoxifying these harmful chemicals.
Another group of researchers[12] designed an experiment aiming at establishing the impact of cadmium [Cd] and arsenic [As] exposure on the gut microbiome of lab mice. The researchers came to the conclusion that Cd changed the gut flora of the rodents by reducing its diversity by a large amount. This also reduced the diversity of microbes in the gut, but this change was not statistically significant. Additionally, they found that both Cd and As impacted metabolites such as amino acids and bile acids.
Toxic load and fertility
Infertility has become a fairly common phenomenon in today's society, and according to the available research, environmental pollutants play a role in the impairment of human reproductive functions. The accumulation of heavy metals, endocrine disruptors, and pesticides influences the reproductive potential of both women and men.
In a science review carried out by Krzastek et al.[13], the researchers focused on the impact of environmental toxins on male fertility. They examined the data on such environmental pollutants as pesticides and herbicides, plastic compounds, endocrine disruptors, and heavy metals. The published review showed that there are already connections between these contaminants and abnormalities in semen, such as lower sperm counts, motility, density, and viability. Additionally, many of the common environmental pollutants have been found to cause damage to human DNA.
Another review of current research conducted by Karwacka et al.[14] analyzed the data on the impact of endocrine disruptors [such as phthalates, parabens, triclosan, bisphenol A (BPA), organochlorine (PCBs), and perfluorinated (PFCs) compounds] on female fertility. The reviewers found evidence connecting these compounds with a reduced fertilization rate, implantation, quality of the embryo, estrogen levels, pregnancy rate, and live births.
Final Thoughts
The abundance of toxic elements in our immediate environment is overwhelming. We must become aware of the substances we come into direct contact with and their effects on our health. Toxicity in our system disrupts many of its crucial functions, including intestinal activity, brain functioning, and fertility, causing pain and problems controlling our weight. Detoxifying our environment begins with improving our lifestyles and reducing our exposure to pollutants. Our bodies are equipped with mechanisms that enable them to expel toxic elements from the system, and our conscious participation can help induce these processes when needed. However, such actions should be performed under the supervision of a trained medical professional since they have a complex nature.
References
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