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Detoxification is a broad concept that encompasses many different
modalities and substances used in cleansing the body's systems and organs. It is one of the oldest known practices of
health promotion and has roots in some form or another in all ancient cultures.
Detoxification is not commonly used in conventional
Western medicine but is a mainstay of naturopathic medicine and other traditions such as Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and Western
herbal medicine.
Detoxification regimes primarily target heavy metals,
chemical toxins, microbial compounds, and by-products of protein metabolism.
Proponents of detoxification believe the various approaches
can cleanse the body, clear the skin, enhance the senses, help weight loss, improve fertility, improve flexibility, increase
vitamin and mineral absorption, reduce blood fat levels, rejuvenate, rest organs, and slow the aging process.
Practitioners of natural medicine believe that
the accumulation of toxins in the body is a major cause of disease, and that a growing burden of toxins ingested into the
body from the air, water and food contributes to the growing prevalence of chronic and degenerative diseases. Conditions or
processes attributed to build-up of toxins include alopecia, anemia, asthma, ataxia, bone disease, bronchitis, cancer, cognitive
impairment, coronary artery disease, cyanosis, dental caries, dermatitis, emphysema, eye irritation, fever, fibrosis of lungs,
gastroenteritis, hypertension, headaches, kidney disease, leukemia, liver disease, melanosis, mesothelioma, myalgia, nasal
irritation, premature aging, and visual reduction.
Four main types of toxins are addressed by detoxification regimes |  | Heavy
metals, including lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, nickel and aluminum. |  | Chemical
toxins, including toxic chemicals, solvents, cleaning materials, formaldehyde, toluene, benzene, drugs, alcohol,
pesticides, herbicides, and food additives. |  | Microbial
compounds, including endotoxins, exotoxins, toxic amines, toxic derivatives of bile, and various carcinogenic substances. |  | Breakdown
products of protein metabolism, including ammonia and urea, most of which are eliminated by the kidneys. |  | Incomplete digestion
is considered a major factor in a build-up of toxins in the body. Some traditions of natural medicine (e.g., naturopathy,
Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, macrobiotics) recommend foods that are easily digested and less likely to leave behind undigested
material that can contribute to the build-up of toxins in the colon. |
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Source: Natural Standard "2008".
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