Much confusion surrounds the topic of detoxification. The term detoxification simply refers to the elimination of toxic waste products, a process your body carries out naturally. However, in a society of increasing exposure to toxic chemicals, the body’s natural detoxification process can become overwhelmed. Furthermore, the food supply chain has become increasingly depleted of nutritional factors required by the body to carry out detoxification. More than 4 billion tons of industrial chemicals are released yearly in the United States, and over 2.5 billion pounds of pesticides and herbicides are dumped on crops, lawns and forests. Unfortunately, many of these substances cannot be adequately cleared from the body and, subsequently, accumulate in the tissues.
Research studies confirm that everyone has a toxic burden, the question is whether the levels have reached a threshold to cause or contribute to diseases. Common symptoms that can be the result of toxicity include chronic headaches, fatigue, stress intolerance and musculoskeletal pain. The primary organ systems that are impacted by chemical toxicity are the immune system, the nervous system and the endocrine or hormone system. Diseases that have been linked to chemical toxicity include asthma and allergies, chronic infections, fibromyalgia, mood disorders, infertility, menstrual disorders, blood sugar dysregulation and cancer.
To address chemical toxicity, detoxification plans have been developed. Unfortunately, many of these plans are essentially a combination of laxative herbs, which do not result in stored toxic chemicals being cleared from the tissues. On the other hand, medical detoxification programs are performed under the guidance of a physician, who has determined through blood testing that a patient’s clearance mechanisms can support a detoxification program, and that there are no contraindications with medications or health conditions.
The Metagenics Clear Change Metabolic Detoxification Program is the only detoxification plan backed by published clinical research to relieve symptoms and conditions associated with toxicity. This established program has safely benefited tens of thousands of patients for more than 15 years. If you are interested in detoxification, please discuss it with a licensed health care provider trained in medical detoxification, such as a naturopathic physician, to determine whether such a program is indicated and may be beneficial for you. While this type of program is typically safe for most patients, it is contraindicated in specific health conditions or for patients who take certain types of medications. Only a licensed health care provider can determine if medical detoxification is right for you.
Questionnaire: Are you toxic?
Rate the categories below using this scale.
0 = never or almost never have the symptom
1 = occasionally have it, effect is not severe
2 = occasionally have it, effect is severe
3 = frequently have it, effect is not severe
4 = frequently have it, effect is severe
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
___ Diarrhea
___ Constipation
___ Nausea or vomiting
___ Belching, passing gas
___ Bloated feeling
___ Heartburn
___ TOTAL
EARS
___Itchy ears
___ Earaches, ear infection
___ Ringing in ears
___ Hearing loss
___ TOTAL
EMOTIONS
___ Anxiety, fear, nervousness
___ Mood swings
___ Anger, irritability
___ Depression
___ TOTAL
ENERGY / ACTIVITY
___ Fatigue, sluggishness
___ Apathy, lethargy
___ Hyperactivity
___ Restlessness
___ TOTAL
EYES
___ Watery, itchy eyes
___ Swollen, reddened, or sticky eyelids
___ Dark circles under eyes
___ Blurred/tunnel vision
___ TOTAL
HEAD
___ Headaches
___ Faintness
___ Dizziness
___ Insomnia
___ TOTAL
WEIGHT
___ Binge Eating/Drinking
___ Craving certain foods
___ Excessive weight
___ Compulsive eating
___ Water retention
___ Underweight
___ TOTAL
NOSE
___ Stuffy nose
___ Sinus problems
___ Hayfever
___ Sneezing attacks
___ Excess mucus
___ TOTAL
SKIN
___ Acne
___ Hives, rashes, dry skin
___ Hair loss
___ Flushing or hot flashes
___ Excessive sweating
___ TOTAL
JOINTS / MUSCLES
___ Pain or aches in joints
___ Arthritis
___ Stiffness, limited movement
___ Pain, aches in muscles
___ Weakness or tiredness in joints
___ TOTAL
MOUTH / THROAT
___ Chronic coughing
___ Gagging, frequent need to clear throat
___ Sore throat, hoarse
___ Swollen or discolored tongue, gums, or lips
___ Canker sores
___ TOTAL
MIND
___ Poor memory
___ Confusion
___ Poor concentration
___ Poor coordination
___ Difficulty making decisions
___ Stuttering, stammering
___ Slurred speech
___ Learning disabilities
___ TOTAL
HEART
___ Skipped heartbeats
___ Rapid heartbeats
___ Chest pain
___ TOTAL
LUNGS
___ Chest congestion
___ Asthma, bronchitis
___ Shortness of breath
___ Difficulty breathing
___ TOTAL
OTHER
___ Frequent illness
___ Frequent or urgent need to urinate
___ Genital itch, discharge
___ TOTAL
Add up the numbers from each category to arrive at the grand total.
_____GRAND TOTAL
Only a qualified physician can determine whether your symptoms may be the result of chemical toxicity. If you have 3 or more categories with subtotals over 8, and/or your grand total is more than 60, metabolic detoxification program may help you feel better.