How important are toxins in our body?

In 1904, Nobel Prize-winning microbiologist, Dr Eli Metchnikoff discovered that if the body can’t get rid of a toxin, it recycles the substance back into its physiological processes. That can cause serious difficulties when the toxin interferes with normal bodily functions or is a carcinogen (a cancer-causing substance), both of which are good reasons to minimize toxic exposure and cleanse frequently.  There are seven distinct organs and organ systems are designed to filter and remove toxins from the body.  Together they are called the seven channels of elimination: the liver, lungs, lymphatic system, kidneys, skin, blood and bowel (or colon).

The Liver: is the body’s primary elimination organ. It weighs about 4 pounds and produces 13,000 different chemicals, maintains, 2,000 enzyme systems and filters about 100 gallons of blood daily.  Cleaner lifestyle choices such as choosing organic foods (grown without pesticides), limiting your alcohol intake and avoiding cigarettes are better for promoting healthy liver function.

The Lungs: expel carbon dioxide, a toxic waste product that would threaten your life without constant disposal.  You need air to live (you inhale and exhale about 10,000 liters of air every day), and your lungs provide the blood with life-giving oxygen while simultaneously disposing of toxic material.  Aerobic exercise helps your lungs function more efficiently.

The Skin: is the largest organ of the body; about 15% of your total body weight is skin.  It covers and protects the body while employing mucus and perspiration to shuffle toxins out.  When large numbers of toxins circulate in the blood and are dispersed into the dermal layers, your skin breaks out.  So cleansing and eliminating toxins a, cleanses your skin and helps maintain its healthy structure, reducing the chances of wrinkling and other imperfections.

The Kidneys: clean the blood and help maintain the health of the circulatory system.  Research shows that when your kidneys are not functioning at the peak, you are at greater risk for heart disease, heart failure, stroke and death.  Cranberries and cranberry juice are key dietary elements that help maintain kidney health.

The Lymphatic System : may be the MOST underappreciated system in the body.  However, the flow of lymph (a bodily fluid made up mainly of white blood cells) through organs, tissues, ducts and tubes helps transport harmful toxins to where they can be excreted, and it also assures the delivery of immune cells to the site of infection so that invading pathogens may be destroyed. Regular exercise and Lymphatic Massage with Decongestive Therapy assures the reliable flow of lymph through the body.

Blood: distributes nutrients, gases and hormones throughout the body and carries waste products to the organs in charge of their disposal.  A heart-healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and plenty of high-fiber fruits and vegetables can help keep your circulatory system functioning smoothly.

Bowel (Colon): and liver are often viewed as the TWO MOST important channels of elimination.  The colon function falters, the toxins in these waste products many be reabsorbed through the colon’s walls during a harmful process known as “autointoxication”. Getting plenty of fiber in your diet, as well as daily supplementation with healthy gut bacteria (probiotics), are crucial for optimum colon function.

Regular internal and external cleansing is essential for healthy detoxification.

*Information taken from “Essential Health”