Detoxification Programmes

Detoxification Programmes Available

Como Natural Medicine offers three programmes of varying duration and intensity to suit your needs and requirements:

Detoxification

Try as we might we cannot escape exposure to chemical toxins. Since the end of the 2nd world war we have witnessed an explosion of synthetic chemicals in our environment and lax environmental laws mean that only a very small number of these "xenobiotics" (meaning foreign to the body) have been tested. This is especially true for those chemicals that have been in use for many years, as a grandfather clause allows these chemicals to be used without investigation. Many of these untested substances end up in our environment and thus find their way into our bodies. Future generations will look back with contempt at the indiscriminate way we have polluted our world.

Heavy Metals

Toxic heavy metals are a menacing problem for the world today. Lead, Cadmium Arsenic, Mercury & Aluminium have dispersed in horrifying quantities. Heavy metals are not bio- degradable and thus accumulate in our environment and our bodies. These metals are extraordinarily toxic even in small doses. For example a measurable deficit in the learning ability of a child can occur from contact with as lttle as a 2 milligram leaded paint chip! (Two milligrams is less than the weight of a sesame seed.) With Mercury it takes less than 2 milligrams before a measurably toxic effect is noted on human brain cells. Unfortunately, heavy metals accumulate so insidiously they are rarely identified as contributing to illness and little attention amongst the orthodox medical fraternity, is given to the affects of toxins on our health; despite mounting research suggestive of chronic low level involvement in many health problems and disease. Toxic heavy metals come from many sources:

According to the Committee on Mercury assembled by the World Health Organization, mercury vapour from dental amalgams is the primary source of mercury contamination in most humans. Research at the University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine and other prominent medical schools have demonstrated that mercury vapour continuously escapes from dental amalgams and 80% of this vapour is immediately absorbed. Once in the blood mercury vapour enters into cells almost immediately. Organs such as the brain, liver and endocrine glands preferentially accumulate mercury and are mostly affected by this poison. Due to its chemical makeup Mercury once inside the cell, remains within the cell, it cannot escape, without specific treatment! Because of this many people whose organs are loaded with Mercury, on routine examination of urine and blood, have been falsely assured they are free of this toxin.

Pesticides

Most agricultural practises employ insecticides, fungicides and herbicides to increase productivity yet at this point little is known about the long term toxicity of these practices. One group of insecticides, the Organophosphates were developed by the Nazi's in Germany in preparation for war, as neuro toxins. These modified chemicals are now diluted and sprayed on most of our fruit and vegetables. Many other dangerous pesticides remain in common use mainly because of industry influence over government regulations, Even banned substances such as DDT (Organochlorines) and its close relatives are highly persistent and persevere for many decades in the soils on which they were sprayed.The repercussion of this lax approach to poisons has had a dramatic effect on health all over the world.

In addition, modern food processing delivers additional poisons into our bodies. Preservatives, Colourings, Flavours and Flavour Enhancers are but a few and in most cases the long term effects are unknown.

Water quality the world over is abysmally poor. Reasonably good quality water is available in very few places in the world today. Arsenic, pesticides, antibiotics and hormones are a few of the contaminants found in many tap waters at levels high enough to cause biological effects. Fluoridation also adds significantly to the potential toxicity of drinking water and recent research demonstrates that it also increases the absorption of Aluminium.

Our World of Plastics

Plastics have become the defining symbol of our modern world. Plastics are used in a myriad of products from food containers to car manufacturing. One of the most concerning is Bisphenol A. This chemical is one of the most potent synthetic oestrogens ever discovered and research is implicating this chemical in many health disorders. Bisphenol A is used as a plastic coating for childrens teeth to prevent cavities, as a sealant in metal cans to prevent contact with the foodstuff, as the plastic used in food containers, refrigerator shelving, baby bottles, juice, milk and water bottles. Bisphenol A is not stable, it leaches out and is absorbed readily by the body. The resulting hormonal disruption has enormous implications with the most likely results being hormone sensitive cancers, early onset puberty and numerous other gynaecological disorders. Other types of toxic plastics are the Polybrominated Diphenated Ethers (PBDE's). These chemicals are added to thousands of plastic products to reduce its flammability. PBDE's are persistent organo pollutants chemically similar to PCB's and dioxins. These are also hormone disrupters. And there are more. The more commonly known Dioxins are produced from metal smelting, waste incineration and PVC plastic production. Dioxins are yet another eostrogenic hormone disrupter, which has been implicated with endometriosis, a common cause of infertility and pelvic pain in women.

Poisons from Within

Toxins not only come from our environment, they also come from within!!! Our body has an amazing detoxification capacity. But when this system works inefficiently or when internally generated toxins are produced in excess, then significant harm can result. Certain nutrients play a vital role in the detoxification process. Without these, waste materials remain within the body and damage tissues. Each and every cell in the process of generating energy releases free radicals (unstable molecules) which if not effectively and rapidly neutralized by antioxidants accelerate ageing and disease. Toxins are also continuously being produced from microbial activity in the digestive tract. Ammonia, Hydrogen sulphate, Cadaverine, Butane, and Putrescine are just a few. Most of these are quickly neutralized by the Liver. However, if the normal flora of the gut is disturbed, or if liver function is compromised, serious health problems can occur.

Many individuals who live with chronic poor health suffer with Endotoxemia or Leaky Gut Syndrome'. This occurs when the intestinal lining becomes inflamed or damaged and tiny gaps begin to occur, allowing food fragments and microbes to readily enter the blood and lymph systems.

What Is Toxic?

One of the greatest difficulties facing researchers is in determining the dosage at which a chemical becomes toxic to the human organism. What makes matters even more difficult is the multitude of chemicals we are exposed to over a very long period of time. What appears to be a safe level of xenobiotics over a short period may cause significant problems in the long term. Furthermore, the adverse effects of toxic agents can be greatly amplified when a variety of agents are present at the same time. Because we are all exposed to a multitude of chemicals, it is certain that we all experience some degree of toxic stress.

What Do These Toxins Do?

Except in very rare cases of acute poisoning, most xenobiotics exert their effects subtly and with few specific symptoms. Toxins work in a variety of ways to disrupt the normal biochemical processes and directly increase free radical activity throughout the body.. Many pollutants confuse the body's delicate hormonal communication system, some disrupt oestrogen pathways, others the thyroid function or the vitally important pituitary gland. Toxic agents can also damage cellular genetic information leading to cellular mutation and eventually cancer. Toxic metals, in particular, act as free radical catalysts (speed up the free radical action). Most importantly toxins can directly alter/damage the structure and function of the brain and immune system. Consequently it comes as no surprise that we are seeing an increase in the incidence of brain and immune disorders in the community.

Numerous physicians and researchers today are convinced that an inordinate number of health problems are a result of, or are contributed to, elevated levels of toxins in our bodies. It is also suspected that the modern afflictions of Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalagia are directly linked to Xenobiotics in susceptible individuals.

The Liver's Role in Detoxification

When a toxin enters the body it is immediately sent to the liver, the primary organ for processing and eliminating waste molecules. Most toxins, whether xenobiotic or a toxin produced within the body (Endobiotic), undergo a process that renders the molecule less toxic and more easily eliminated. Once the molecule is processed it is then sent to the kidneys to be eliminated via the urine, or is returned to the intestine for elimination via the bowels. However the efficiency of liver detoxification is affected by several factors including lifestyle For example sedentary living results in sluggish liver function where as a regular exercise regime increases the liver's size and efficiency. Excessive alcohol, junk foods or overeating can all place the liver under great stress. Individuals suffering from leaky gut syndrome or sluggish bowel will also place a greater load on the liver, thereby reducing its ability to eliminate toxins.

The Kidney's Role in Detoxification

The kidneys play a vital role in the elimination of both external and internally derived toxins. Supporting the removal of these substances by supplying the body with an adequate quantity of quality water is absolutely essential. It is amazing how many people go through life in a constant state of dehydration. Obtaining a good source of water and remaining vigilant to stay well hydrated throughout the day can significantly reduce toxic stress.

Detoxification is the process of removing accumulated toxins and wastes from the body. These toxins can come from a variety of sources:

We are all exposed to toxins as a consequence of living in our modern world. Even low levels of exposure to the many chemical toxins that pollute our environment can result in a build up of toxins over a period of time.

At Como Natural Medicine, we aim to restore homeostasis. Our goal is to draw out toxins and waste products from the tissues and storage spaces and facilitate their removal from the body. Essentially, it is time to clean out your junk room!

This, combined with a thorough evaluation using the most current research techniques and equipment and an individually tailored program of rehydration, diet and lifestyle advice, natural medicines and education will have you feeling better than you have felt for ages.