Detoxification

Your toxic burden: demands on the detox system

Your body faces a toxic burden from myriad sources, including:

Environmental toxins

• Outdoor pollution
• Indoor pollution
• Carpeting
• Combustion by-products (e.g., carbon monoxide)
• Dust
• Mold and mildew
• Manufactured wood products
• Household cleaning products
• Chemicals in drinking water
• Chemicals in food
• Processed foods
• Colorings, preservatives (BHT, EDTA), additives, and flavorings
• Pesticides
• Food packaging
• Genetically altered foods
• Personal care products
• Heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic)
• Radiation
• Noise pollution

Drugs

• Prescription
• Over-the-counter
• Recreational (including alcohol)
• Stimulants (including caffeine)

Allergies

• Pollens
• Grasses
• Dust mites
• Animal dander
• Mold

Diet

• Trans fats
• Excess sugar and refined products
• Imbalance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
• Food sensitivities and allergies
• Constant dieting

Low-grade infections

• Parasites
• Yeast
• Viral
• Bacterial

Nutritional deficiencies

• Digestive enzymes
• Vitamins and minerals
• Amino acids
• Phytonutrients
• Essential fatty acids

Metabolic imbalances

• Hormonal
• Dysbiosis (gut flora)
• Chronic inflammation
• Poorly functioning organs

Physical

• Injuries
• Repetitive strain
• Tension
• Lack of exercise
• Lack of sleep

Work

• Too many responsibilities
• Long hours and not enough leisure time
• Boring and unfulfilling tasks
• Poor physical and emotional conditions

Psycho-emotional

• Low self-esteem
• No sense of purpose (or meaning)
• Lack of joy or love
• Holding grudges/inability to forgive
• Judging yourself and others
• Feeling helpless
• Being unable to reach out and ask for help
• Worrying a lot or feeling anxious
• Pessimism
• Guilt-ridden
• Fearfulness
• Doubtfulness
• Inability to fully express your emotions

Social

• Loneliness
• Isolation
• Lack of family support
• Divorce or break-up of long-term relationship
• Death of a spouse or other loved one
• Immigration

Spiritual

• Lack of trust in self, others, or the Universe
• Lacking sense of connection to a higher power
• Feeling separated from nature
• Disregarding inner guidance
• Little or no feeling of gratitude
• Lack of kindness and compassion for self and others

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Adapted from Total Renewal: 7 Key Steps to Resilience, Vitality and Long-term Health, © 2003 by Frank Lipman, MD.