More than 1 billion pounds of pesticides are used each year in the United States. Those chemicals get into our bodies through our food, air and water. We are aware of heavy metals in fish, paints, and building products and carcinogenic chemicals in cleaning products, beauty products and plastics.

Last year, it was even reported that in 24 major cities, the water supply was contaminated with measurable levels of pharmaceutical medications. For some of these toxins, we know there are harmful effects, such as with mercury in fish. With others, we can use our common sense to make assumptions that these unnatural chemicals may have detrimental effects in our bodies when they build up to high levels. So, it is vital that we think about cleaning our bodies and eliminating toxins on a regular basis.

Thankfully, we are born with the innate ability to detoxify. Our liver, kidneys, lungs, skin and digestive tract are constantly detoxifying and eliminating these toxins that may be harmful.

I recommend patients assist their bodies in the detoxification process by doing a cleanse program at least once per year. To put it simply, the purpose of a cleanse program is to assist your body in its own natural detoxification by decreasing the toxins you take in and increasing the toxins you process out.

Best practice when thinking about a cleanse. 

• Determine the sources of the toxins and educating on avoidance.
• Choose a detoxification program based on your individual exposures and body burden. This involves supporting all organs of detoxification: the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, bowels, lungs and skin. By supporting the body’s natural two-phase detoxification process, toxins can safely and effectively be removed from the body.
• Remember that detoxification is more than a one-time affair. It is a lifestyle change, which allows your body to clear out the current toxins and prevent the build-up of additional ones. 
• Consider options to keep the body supported with a range of treatments from IV therapies, natural chelating agents and antioxidants to minimize the toxic impact of mobilizing the mercury.

Seek medical advice to ensure treatment regimens are tailored to your individual’s medical condition and the circumstance of exposure. At our OC Whole Family Wellness clinic we consider complete history, including occupation, hobbies, recreational activities, and environmental exposures as these are all critical in diagnosing heavy metal and other toxicity.