The Need to Detox: Dr. Paul Stallone describes how toxins are detrimental to our health and what we can do to prevent or reduce their impact.

Today’s world is full of pollutants. They are found in the food we eat, even organic. They are found in the water we drink and the air we breathe. It’s impossible not to be exposed. Our bodies have a hard time processing and eliminating these toxins, which can accumulate in certain parts of the body. Toxins and pollutants can be anything from heavy metals to thousands of different chemicals. Some may doubt the severity of this situation, but studies show these toxins are proving to be detrimental to our health. For example, some Alzheimer’s studies see a correlation between the disease and aluminum.

Chronic fatigue is an obvious sign our body is under distress. These foreign substances take a huge toll on the body as it’s constantly bombarded with matter it doesn’t recognize biologically. Sleep disturbances are another clue the body is overly excited. Other symptoms include skin issues, digestive problems, headaches, muscle aches and mental confusion.

Detoxifying is essential for the body to purge itself of everything foreign. Sweating is a fundamental method, but the body uses a variety of ways to remove toxins, and this is where additional support is useful. Mild forms of detoxing can include specific diet and exercise, and more advanced therapies are available from a naturopathic physician, the perfect professional to map out a plan. Detoxing can significantly improve health and is appropriate for most everyone, but a physician should oversee the process.

One treatment option offered is chelation therapy. This can be a powerful tool to help release heavy metals. It’s undeniable that metals like lead, aluminum and arsenic can negatively affect health in both the short and long term. Consequences may impact the cardiovascular, immune, skeletal and central nervous system. Chelation therapy binds these metals and flushes them out with the urine.

Other potent detoxing tools are intravenous (IV) therapies and supplementation. There are myriad combinations of IV infusions that aid in detoxification. Nutrients like glutathione may provide liver support; a fatty liver can lead to chronic disease. Phosphatidylcholine is also great for liver function. This nutrient helps the liver create more bile to flush out toxins. Taking care of the liver is extremely important in any detoxing program. Intravenous therapies hydrate and may deliver high levels of nutrients like magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium, selenium and others. Vitamin C is a staple in IV therapy, and large doses are proving to be hugely therapeutic in aiding anything from cancer to a common cold. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and natural antibiotic.

The options for someone wishing to rid themselves of disease-causing toxins are plentiful. There are even kits available that make the process very easy. They direct you what to eat and when, and what complementary products to take. Or if someone wants to be more aggressive, safe suggestions can be made by a naturopathic physician. They can explain the process and what to expect. Anyone dealing with a serious illness should consider a detox program.

Eliminating burdens allows the immune system to fully focus on fighting illness; otherwise, the body can be distracted. Anyone experiencing unrelenting symptoms should consider a detox program, but a physician should be consulted to rule out anything more serious. Most naturopathic physicians will have experience treating chronic illness and detoxing.

Paul Stallone, NMD, founded the Arizona Integrative Medical Center, located at 8144 E. Cactus Rd., Ste. 820, in Scottsdale. He combines natural/alternative/conventional treatments for each patient’s needs. For more information, call 480-214-3922 or visit DrStallone.com.