The toxins we live with: Part II
We have living toxins in us. A toxin is any substance that, when in sufficient amounts, can produce harmful effects on us. This includes bacteria, viruses, yeast/fungi and their by-products, and parasites. They can enter your body through the skin, nose, mouth and stomach. A well-functioning immune system can handle these in small amounts, but when levels get overwhelming, or the immune system is compromised, the body suffers.
Bacteria naturally abound in our bodies, inside and out. Pathogenic bacteria can replicate themselves quickly and make us sick. These include E. coli, salmonella and cholera, to name a few. In sufficient amounts, they can cause food poisoning, abdominal cramping, constipation or diarrhea, foul-smelling stools, spastic colon or infection; or even fatigue, moodiness, agitation or decreased attention.
Viruses reproduce rapidly, but your body's defenses can easily handle them if the immune system is strong enough.
Yeast and certain fungi are normally found in the body and themselves aren't considered toxic, but when the numbers become unusually high, combined with their waste by-products, they can be toxic and contribute to many ailments. The by-products (mycotoxins) can cause a variety of gastrointestinal, neurological or respiratory problems.
Candidiasis (yeast overgrowth in the vagina or other mucus membranes) is considered the most common fungal infection worldwide. Yeast/fungi thrive on sugar and carbs in general. Overgrowth is mostly caused by antibiotics, but can also be contributed to by coffee and anything that weakens the mucus membranes of the intestines, vaginal canal or respiratory tract.
Parasites. There are no normal parasites in the human body. They are freeloaders, living on the nutrients meant to nourish you! A weakened defense system allows them to proliferate.
The biggest issues with toxins in any form, is that they cause cell damage and the effects can snowball quickly. Although we have billions of cells, and the body makes more each day, many toxins damage the repair mechanisms and when that tissue is damaged sufficiently, it can result in organ dysfunction and even failure. Most toxins from outside sources cause neurological damage, and it doesn't take much!
One frequently upsetting effect is weight gain. The body protects itself from toxins by storing them into your fat cells. This causes the body to make more fat, and causes it to swell as it tries to de-concentrate it. Basically, your fat becomes a garbage container.
So what do we do about all this? Help the body out. Avoid as many toxins as is reasonably possible, without becoming psychotic about it! It's impossible to live toxin-free. Detoxification programs are designed to help, or force the body to eliminate these toxins. A good "detox" program nourishes the tissues, while assisting the body in eliminating these harmful substances. It's important to do a detox program with a health care professional that is an expert at managing the intricacies of a good cleansing program. If you want to learn about the best detox program that I have found in over 35 years of investigating different programs, call Vital Health, (208) 765-1994.
Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with more than 35 years of experience. She is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d'Alene clinic. Visit Carling's website at www.vitalhealthcda.com to learn more about her, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.