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Detox Protocol

What is lifestyle detoxification and why is it important?

Introduction

As an introduction to our purpose in discussing detox therapy as a lifestyle, we start with two sobering quotes that help us understand the importance of detoxification.

First, “For the first time in the history of the world, every human being is now subjected to contact with dangerous chemicals, from the moment of conception until death.” -Rachel Carson “Silent Spring” published 1962

The second, “When the earth is sick and polluted, human health is impossible…To heal ourselves we must heal our planet, and to heal our planet we must heal ourselves.” -Bobby McLeod

Whether you do or do not believe that we and our planet have been and continue to be polluted, true health for all will require more individuals adopting a lifestyle that favors the avoidance of toxins in our food, air, water, and manufacturing. Economics will more likely influence the necessary changes before our governments overcome the influence of self-interest groups. Due to this delay we can and must make choices now to change what we are exposed to. In addition, we have the choice to be now and forever proactive about supporting our body’s natural and inherent pathways of detoxification.

According to the Environmental Working Group, over 200 chemicals are found in the cord blood of newborns, the average woman uses 12 different personal products daily exposing them to 168 chemicals per day, and the average man uses 6 different personal products daily exposing them to 85 chemicals per day. The US ranks 46th in the world for infant mortality due to environmental toxicants.

Toxicants are known to cause cancer, mutate DNA, harm unborn babies, attack the nervous system, inflate immune response, and disrupt hormone responses.

The most common and obvious toxicants include Mercury, Aluminum, Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium, Glyphosate, Dioxins, Polychlorinated biphenyls, BPA/BPS, Phthalates, Perchlorates, Perfluorinated chemicals (PFC/PFAs), Fluoride, and Electrosmog. New additions to this list include breast and mesh implants.

Historically detoxification focused around treatments utilizing juicing, fasting, enemas or colonic therapy, antifungals, anti-parasitics, and chelation therapy. These few areas of detoxification have produced some of the best results with the least amount of side effects. With the knowledge and applications of past decades leading the way, a new shift or paradigm in detoxification is taking hold.

A new paradigm emerging from years of research states that the majority of diseases start in the extracellular matrix(ECM) and it’s adjacent “drain” the lymphatic system. Detoxification now will imply the intention to clean up or purify and reduce toxic loads in the ECM, which is the location we propose most pathology begins.

Alfred Pischinger wrote, “The concept of a cell is strictly speaking only a morphological abstraction. Seen from a biological point of view, a cell cannot be considered by itself without taking its environment(ECM) into account.” A cell is a cell in relation to the other cells with which it resides with equal consideration to the fluid in which they all are bathed. This fluid and surrounding structures of the ECM are how cells maintain a social connection to the whole body. If this fluid space known as the ECM is flooded with toxicants, which muddy the waters and block receptor sites, communication between cells and their relation to the whole body begins to break down, which is the beginning of pathology and the onset of disease.

The ECM has a few names in history which help increase our understanding. Louis Pasteur, the father of modern medicine and the germ theory(which predominates today), described the ECM as the terrain or internal environment in which all cells live and communicate. Although his life focused much on the bug as the cause of disease, later in life he retracted his position by stating “The terrain is everything”. Another way of describing what he meant is the bug may be secondary to the toxic environment within the extracellular matrix. To treat the bug without treating or reducing the toxic burden in the ECM may hamper or block complete eradication of the bug.

Another viewpoint of the ECM has been described as our individual internal ocean. The structure or material that gives this space boundaries, is called connective tissue. All communication between the body and between neighboring cells occurs within the ECM. Both waste products from cellular metabolism reside in the ECM as well as all the hormones, cytokines, peptides, and nutrients. The waste products are to be eliminated through the lymphatic system and return venous flow to the heart for distribution to the organs of detoxification including lungs, liver, kidney, and skin. The hormones, nutrients, and signaling proteins are actively transported into the cell or inserted into a receptor specific to their design to initiate metabolic pathways essential to life.

If our personal ocean is full of toxins, key receptors may be blocked with toxins that produce no action or worse yet a negative reaction inconsistent with life. In addition, if the waters are muddy and full of debris, the result is a reduction in the transport and delivery of vital nutrients. We find a significant decline in signaling, communication, and increased concern for improper communication about invading pathogens.

The fluid portion of the extracellular matrix is derived from the normal transport of blood exiting arteries flowing into capillary beds then back to the venous beds and so on to larger veins. With some fluid not being taken up fully by the veins, a portion of the fluid remains behind to be transported back to the heart through the lymphatic system. This fluid becomes a part of the extracellular matrix, in which many cell types take up space including macrophages, proteoglycans, hyaluronic acid, fibroblasts, and immune cells such as mast cells.

The fluid of the ECM is constantly renewed as it is returned to the heart via the lymphatic system. A secondary role of the lymphatic system is to expose pathogens and toxic invaders to our immune system to incite an immune response. In the presence of significant pathogenic response or load due to toxic abundance, the lymphatic system can become congested leading to further toxic burden and the symptoms that go along with it. Congestion or enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes is a sign of general lymphatic congestion. The lymphatic system has no pump and relies on gravity and mechanical movement to move lymph fluid to the heart, which may be difficult for the chronically ill. We propose the following steps to enhance the movement of toxins from the ECM toward the skin, lungs, kidneys, liver, and intestines for further elimination and purification of the body.

STAGES OF EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX(ECM) DETOXIFICATION

  1. Remove toxic obstacles from the environment and body
  2. Support the organs of elimination including the liver, kidneys, intestines, skin, and lymphatics
  3. Add safe and effective toxin binders and toxic metal chelators
  4. Replenish researched nutrients which support toxin elimination and mitochondrial repair
  5. Repair cellular damage with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Frequency Specific Microcurrent therapy
  6. Heal the brain with Frequency Specific Microcurrent and Neurofeedback therapy

Application of detox strategies for individual toxins and within specific organs leads to a cleaner environment in the organs and eventually down to the fluid that bathes our cells as found in the extracellular matrix. This is our ultimate goal to have a clean, toxin-free extracellular matrix.

1. REMOVE TOXIC OBSTACLES

There exists a proper order for detoxification. To process toxins outside of this defined path produces little or no results at best and to frequently significant side effects without results. Follow the ideas in order to apply as many as possible but allowing patience to support your journey along with a new and ongoing effort to be clean. The most important step to effective detoxification begins with the removal of the constant toxic exposures arising from what we eat, what lives in our intestinal tract and body, and what is present in our environment.

Diet Recommendations

The removal of toxins from what we eat requires only one idea or action and that is to eat only fresh organic unrefined food. Perfection is a goal and not required to see a benefit, but the closer we come to that ideal the better we will feel. Though difficult to follow a perfect diet may sound, a food sensitivity test is a good place to start in removing reactive foods. Otherwise, avoidance of Dairy, Gluten, Eggs, Yeast, and Refined Sugar is frequently productive. These rules generally remove most fast food, refined carbs, and inflammatory foods which contain an abundance of preservatives, dyes, and non-essential chemicals. Currently, popular diets that are supportive to these ideas include juice cleanses, Whole 30 diet, Keto diet, Paleo diet, and of course Autoimmune diets.

Clean the Intestinal Tract of Candida, Parasites, and “bad” Bacteria
The removal of toxic substances in our body begins in the intestinal tract which can house yeast and candida species, overabundant species of “bad” bacteria, numerous viruses, and parasites. A variety of prescription and herbal protocols are applied, combined or one following the other, to reduce the negative impact of these immunosuppressive, toxin-producing living bugs. The second most likely location of toxin-producing bacteria is in the mouth and nasopharynx. Good oral hygiene and the use of natural mouth rinses and nebulized hydrogen peroxide reduce bacterial loads feeding into the stomach and intestinal tract from the mouth, nasopharynx, and sinuses. Removal of silver amalgams and root canals are also recommended to reduce toxic metals and reduce the immune burden of the lethal, but stealthy pockets of bacteria. Close monitoring of various labs to observe the variety of infections that possibly lie dormant is also of long term interest.

Evaluate and Treat Toxic Loads of Mold, Solvents, and Toxic Metals
Clearly the most volatile external toxin to remove is the biotoxin mold. Particularly for those genetically susceptible patients exposed to mold mycotoxins, health can only be achieved in a mold-free environment. Avoidance of exposures to chemicals found within a working environment, pesticides, cleaning chemicals, or products are just the start. Even with our best efforts to reduce environmental exposures, most of the detox work we must do is with toxins we have already accumulated within our own bodies having lived in a toxic world. Besides mold we, of course, are exposed to toxic metals over our lifetime. Treatment or chelation therapy requires a baseline test to evaluate and determine the need and best approaches for therapy. Toxic metals affect memory, immune response to viruses and cancer, and increase the risk of autoimmune diseases and metabolic disorders.

LABS TO EVALUATE TOXIC BURDEN
Our evaluation of a patient’s health begins with a thorough review of labs covered under most insurance plans. In these labs, we can observe inflammation, the first signs of metabolic disorders and autoimmune disease, and evaluate for serious nutrient deficiencies. Following these labs, we can additionally recommend a food sensitivity test with candida antibodies to evaluate food reactions and yeast overgrowth. In addition, evaluation of historical or current mold exposure is also considered. And early on we recommend a toxic metal evaluation for lead, mercury, aluminum, arsenic, and other heavy metals. The food sensitivity test, mycotoxin mold panel, and toxic metal test are out of pocket expenses, but provide a very individualized view of the toxic load and immune reactions in a patient’s body. In the absence of any health symptoms, these tests are not likely as useful, but in the presence of chronic conditions, they provide invaluable information to guide individualized treatment protocols and set the foundation for success.

2. SUPPORT THE ORGANS OF DETOXIFICATION-LIVER, KIDNEYS, LYMPHATICS, and SKIN

As we clean up our diet, intestinal tract, and our environmental exposures, we reduce the burden on the organs of detoxification, but we still need to support each one in catching up from living under the burden of a chronically toxic world. Our variety of genetics requires an individualized plan to support our liver, kidneys, lymphatics, and skin in detoxifying the body. A variety of nutrients, herbs, IV therapies provide specific and needed support as we push the organs of detox to remove toxins from the bones, fat, lymphatics, organs, and brain tissue. The addition of Infrared Sauna therapy, Coffee enemas, Ozone enemas, Colonic hydrotherapy adds additional support that is often key in producing noticeable results. One way to start the cleansing process is to do our jump start Core Restore 7 Day Detox kit with Infrared Sauna therapy.

3. BINDING OF TOXINS and METALS

Significant research and experience has helped us discover the benefit and increased rate of detoxification work with careful use of binders. Binders attach to bile secreted from the liver which carries the fat-soluble toxins including mold toxins. Taken carefully away from food and supplements or prescriptions, binders such as charcoal, zeolite, citrus pectin, chlorella, alcohol, silica, and cholestyramine, provide a concerted effort to reduce the total body burden of recent and past toxic exposures. Detox without the binders will allow a significant amount of processed toxins through the liver to be reabsorbed, repeating the same work and toxic trauma again.

Binding of toxic metals is a little more complex. Testing is required beforehand to measure toxic load and develop an individualized treatment plan. Toxic metals require a chelating agent to remove them from the urine, blood, organs, and body. Chelation can involve bi-monthly IV sessions or oral chelation. We can enhance chelation therapy with transdermal melatonin and foot detox baths. O

4. REPLENISH NUTRIENTS TO SUPPORT ELIMINATION PATHWAYS

A number of nutrients are present within the research to support detoxification pathways in the liver, kidney, intestinal tract, and skin. Some need to be added to a whole food diet in the early stages to enhance healing and repair mechanisms. Our favorite vitamins and nutrients to accomplish these tasks are: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Liposomal glutathione, NAC, and Mitocore multivitamin.

5. REPAIR CELLULAR DAMAGE and REVERSE CELL DANGER RESPONSE

The toxic load within the extracellular fluid matrix bathes all the organs and deprives them of oxygen leading to build of lactic acidosis, mitochondrial damage, slowed metabolism and reduced ability to detoxify. The aid in cellular repair will begin once the toxic load is reduced and essential nutrients and antioxidants are replenished. Often with chronic illness and toxic exposures, other measures need to be taken to regain balance in the body. Sometimes a block to complete healing can be related to the cells’ memory of the toxic agent (emotional and physical) and in its inability to unlock itself from harm.

The theory on Cell Danger Response shines a light on this very issue. Work done by Dr. Naviaux shows us chronic disease is essentially the consequence of the natural healing cycle becoming blocked, specifically by disruptions at the metabolic and cellular levels. “Emerging evidence shows that most chronic illnesses are caused by the biological reaction to an injury, not the initial injury or the agent of the injury. The illness occurs because the body is unable to complete the healing process,” said Naviaux. The Cell Danger Response causes the cell to harden its membranes, cease interaction with neighbors, and withdraw within itself until the danger has passed. The Cell Danger Response can sometimes just get stuck and when this happens the cell becomes dysfunctional preventing completion of the healing cycle and permanently changing the way the cell responds to the world. When this happens, cells behave as if they are still injured or in imminent danger, even though the original cause of the injury or threat has passed.

The two therapies that we believe can heal the mitochondria but also alter the Cell Danger Response are the use of Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). FSM uses specific and directed frequencies to enhance detoxification of specific organs and reduces trauma created from the toxins in the cells throughout the body to facilitate repair. FSM works by increasing the production of the substance ATP in injured tissues. ATP is the major source of energy for all cellular reactions in the body. Because treatment with FSM can increase ATP production by as much as 500% in damaged tissues, this may help with revitalizing the vital organs and nervous systems to function more optimally once again.

The use of Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) Therapy stimulates rejuvenation of the vital organs and nervous systems relating to optimal functioning and energy. The use of specific and directed frequencies enhances detoxification and repair of the specific organs as well as reducing the burden or trauma from toxins on the nerves and cells of the body. This synergistic therapy optimizes the return and function of the various organs and systems of the body for improved energy, mood, sleep, and vagal stress response.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy drives more oxygen in all tissues of the body reviving sluggish cells back to full activity. Energy and detox processes become optimized.

6. HEAL THE BRAIN

The brain may be described as a tender peach. It is prone to injury from blunt trauma clearly. But what about trauma from years of systemic inflammation from infections, toxins, chronic stress, and trauma and now Cell Danger Response. The variety and compounded insults of life affect the electric patterns of the brain leading to cognitive dysfunction and mood disorders. With brain mapping (QEEG) we can decipher Delta, Theta, Alpha, and Beta brain waves and create customized approaches of rewiring the brain for individual optimal functioning. Neurofeedback provides a true restoration of brain functioning with improved stress response, elevated and steady moods, and enhanced memory and cognitive abilities. The applications of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Frequency Specific Microcurrent combined with Neurofeedback therapy provide the most comprehensive approach to restore cognitive function and optimize mood and stress response.

The result of toxicity on the individual or the inability to effectively detox produces disease, fatigue, autoimmune disease, “brain fog”, and premature aging, to list just a few possibilities.

DESIGN YOUR OWN INDIVIDUAL DETOX PLAN

For those who are ill or not optimally well, detoxification is vital to gaining and maintaining great health. The next step in detoxing is combining the best modalities with the most current protocols in an individualized approach based on conditions and goals. We call this your Individual Detox Plan or IDP.

Everyone needs an Individual Detox Plan(IDP) that builds a strong foundation for a lifestyle of ongoing detoxification designed for maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, disease prevention, and optimal functioning and longevity. An IDP can be flexible and applies a variety of modalities that work for you, provide a therapeutic response, and that support your goals. The next step is to become familiar with all the options and create your own IDP.

We hope this is helpful for you and invite you to not get overwhelmed with what you think you’re not doing or don’t know. We welcome you to call us with any questions or concerns you may have about Lyme Disease.