The Body’s Brilliant Recycling Project


By Holly J. Niles, MS, CNS, LDN


a restrictive diet that may include shakes or juices for a set time to support the body’s detoxifi cation. It makes it seem that detox is a short-term event and that without that focused cleanse the body isn’t really detoxing. The beautiful thing is that detoxifi cation is happen- ing every moment in our bodies with a brilliantly designed system. However, there are ways to help the body detox more effi ciently as well as steps to reduce our intake and exposure to toxins. These combined tools help support the body’s well designed system.


W Let’s take a deeper look at this process of detoxifi cation:


WHAT is a toxin? The Merriam-Webster toxin defi nition states: “A toxin is a poi- sonous substance that is a specifi c product of the metabolic activi- ties of a living organism and is usually very unstable, notably toxic when introduced into the tissues, and typically capable of inducing antibody formation.”


Simply put, toxins are harmful substances. They come to us through our food, water, and air supply and most of us are exposed to some if not all of them on a regular basis. They come in many forms and can represent a burden for the body. Body burden can come from both internal actions and also from environmental toxins including pesticides/herbicides for crops and gardens, chemical sol- vents like cleaners and household products, xenobiotics like drugs, and industrial chemicals of all types.


How do they fi nd their way into our daily life? Internal Toxins: We naturally produce internal toxins simply


by being alive. Natural toxins are made by rebuilding tissues and replacing worn out cells. This happens continuously so we naturally create a fair amount of waste that needs to be recycled. Our bodies have automatic ways to eliminate natural toxins and prevent build up.


External Toxins: External toxins are the toxins outside of our bodies that can be ingested or absorbed. We often think of food as a main source but many everyday products and lifestyle choices are signifi cant sources of toxins. External toxins can be found in every- thing from your daily deodorant, shampoo and even drinking water.


28 Natural Nutmeg - March 2017


e hear a lot about “detox” but many of us don’t really stop to think about what that means in our body. Most often we hear about detox cleanses where people follow


Here are some examples:


1. Food Sources: • Pesticides found in plant foods like fruits and vegetables • Mercury concentrations in large predatory fi sh like tuna and swordfi sh • Preservatives and artifi cial colors and fl avors in processed foods • GMO (genetically modifi ed) foods like soy, corn and even some vegetables


2. Indoor Air Pollutants:


• Dust mites, molds (from leaks or poorly ventilated areas), pet dander


• Asbestos, lead, radon from pipes or building materials • Synthetic consumer products, solvents, cleaners • Formaldehyde (foam insulation, wood and carpet glue, paint preservatives)


3. Products At Home:


• Cleaning supplies and air fresheners • Cosmetics/grooming products • Plastics (food wraps, soda, baby and water bottles) • Detergents and soaps


4. Water: • Solvents • Pesticides/herbicides • Heavy metals


• Hormones and medicines 5. Other Sources:


• Industrial and auto exhaust • Dental restorations • Alcohol and tobacco • Medications: over the counter and prescription


It’s important to begin looking at the ways toxins come into our daily life and fi nd alternatives when possible.


WHERE does detox happen? Detoxifi cation is a process by which the toxic qualities of a poison or toxin are neutralized by the body.


It’s the body’s way of


recycling or processing things to make them less harmful and to re- move waste from the body. This is important for us to stay alive and protected from things that could harm us.


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