Detoxification (detox for short) is the physiological or medicinal removal of toxic substances from a living organism, including, but not limited to, the human body, which is mainly carried out by the liver. Additionally, it can refer to the period of withdrawal during which an organism returns to homeostasis after long-term use of an addictive substance.In medicine, detoxification can be achieved by decontamination of poison ingestion and the use of antidotes as well as techniques such as dialysis and (in a limited number of cases) chelation therapy.
Types of detoxification
Alcohol detoxification
Alcohol detoxification is a process by which a heavy drinker's system is brought back to normal after being used to having alcohol in the body continually. Serious alcohol addiction results in a downregulation of GABA neurotransmitter receptors. Precipitous withdrawal from long-term alcohol addiction without medical management can cause severe health problems and can be fatal. Alcohol detox is not a treatment for alcoholism. After detoxification, other treatments must be undergone to deal with the underlying addiction that caused the alcohol use.
Drug detoxification
Drug detoxification is used to reduce or relieve withdrawal symptoms while helping the addicted individual adjust to living without drug use; drug detoxification is not meant to treat addiction but rather an early step in long-term treatment. Detoxification may be achieved drug-free or may use medications as an aspect of treatment. Often drug detoxification and treatment will occur in a community program that lasts several months and takes place in a residential rather than medical center.
Metabolic detoxification[edit]
An animal's metabolism can produce harmful substances which it can then make less toxic through reduction, oxidation (collectively known as redox reactions), conjugation and excretion of molecules from cells or tissues.This is called xenobiotic metabolism.Enzymes that are important in detoxification metabolism include cytochrome P450 oxidases,UDP-glucuronosyltransferases and glutathione S-transferases.These processes are particularly well-studied as part of drug metabolism, as they influence the pharmacokinetics of a drug in the body.
Alternative medicine
Certain approaches in alternative medicine claim to remove "toxins" from the body through herbal, electrical or electromagnetic treatments. These toxins are undefined and have no scientific basis,making the validity of such techniques questionable. There is no evidence for toxic accumulation in these cases,as the liver and kidneys automatically detoxify and excrete many toxic materials including metabolic wastes. Under this theory if toxins are too rapidly released without being safely eliminated (such as metabolizing fat that stores toxins) they can damage the body and cause malaise. Therapies include contrast showers, detoxification foot pads, oil pulling, Gerson therapy, snake-stones, body cleansing, Scientology's Purification Rundown, water fasting, and metabolic therapy.
Alfalfa Leaf This perennial herb provides beta-carotene and vitamins C, E, and K. Alfalfa not only helps keep calcium in bones, it helps keep calcium out of the linings of arteries. The properties of alfalfa leaf are helpful in maintaining kidney, liver, and urinary tract health. It is known as an excellent body detoxifier.
Aloe
Vera Aloe vera
juice has natural detoxifying abilities and also improves bowel regularity.
Aloe increases protein absorption as it helps to decrease the amount of
unfriendly bacteria and yeast in the digestive tract.
Apple Apples are a source of both
soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber such as pectin helps to prevent
cholesterol buildup in the lining of blood vessel walls, thus providing
excellent cardiovascular health support. The insoluble fiber in apples provides
bulk in the intestinal tract, holding water to cleanse and move food quickly
through the digestive system. Apples are also a rich source of vitamins A and C
as well as calcium and potassium.
Beets Beet juice has traditionally
been used as a natural health remedy to detox and build the blood. It contains
betaine, a natural substance that helps support optimum liver function. Betaine
has also been found to help support lower homocysteine levels in the blood.
Homocysteine is a substance that is known to damage blood vessels, and elevated
levels can increase the risk of heart disease.
Betaine-HCL Betaine hydrochloride is also
known as hydrochloric acid (HCL) or stomach acid. This plant-based nutrient
helps the body digest food by breaking up fats and proteins. Healthy stomach
acid is needed for a healthy digestive tract. If you have low stomach acid,
even the most nutrient-rich foods cannot be properly digested.
Bladderwrack, Kelp and Other Edible Sea
Vegetables Bladderwrack, kelp and other edible sea vegetables can help prevent
the absorption of dibenzo-p-dioxintype carcinogens in the gastrointestinal
tract. In one study, conducted at the Fukuoka Institute of Health and
Environmental Sciences in Japan, rats were fed toxins and then given a seaweed
chaser. Results showed that the seaweed accelerates toxin excretion, which
reduces the amount of damage toxins can do. Kelp is also a great source of
iodine, an essential mineral for the thyroid gland, which controls our
metabolism.
Cabbage Cabbage, a cruciferous vegetable, is a potent source of vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and other nutrients. The phytonutrient compounds in cabbage signal the body’s genes to increase production of enzymes involved in detoxification, the cleansing process through which our bodies eliminate harmful compounds.
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