Where What When

Clean Up Your Act

One winter several years ago, I developed sores all over my tongue, which was very annoying, to say the least, and quite disruptive and uncomfortable when it came to eating.

Of course, I tried all the remedies and nutrients I had at my disposal, but nothing seemed to make a difference. After several months of this frustrating condition, my clinical intuition told me to remove an old amalgam filling in my tooth. After my dentist replaced it with a non-metallic composite material, the sores were 80 percent gone after 24 hours, and 100 percent gone after two days, never to return.

We have all heard about toxic substances, like asbestos, pesticides, or drugs, which have devastating effects on people. We may also be aware of toxins in our air, water, and food – and even dental fillings, in some cases – that can be irritating or cause various symptoms. On the internal level, our bodies produce toxins while performing normal functions, and they need to be eliminated. A toxin is any substance that undermines our health or stresses our biochemistry, creating problems or harmful effects in our bodies.

Since it is nearly impossible to protect ourselves from the bombardment of daily chemicals from our environment, I recommend detoxification diets, nutrition, and lifestyles that remove harmful substances and minimize their effects. When our bodies eliminate toxins, we can get our health back and we acquire renewed energy and vigor. People are then more inspired to proceed with other healthy changes: implementing exercise plans, for example, and beginning good nutritional habits. Any age patient can undergo a detoxification program.

Some of the more common cases I see involve patients with aches and pains in joints and muscles, along with stiffness. A middle-aged lady came in with those complaints, and the first thing I recommended was a dietary change. I started her with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and good oils (olive, walnut, and safflower). Since weight loss was included in her healthcare goals, I had her eliminate all dairy products. I also had her remove all the foods she consumed with refined sugars (corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, etc.) and artificial sweeteners (Splenda, Aspartame, etc.). Sticking to the new changes was not a problem for her, and within two weeks most of her aches and pains were resolved.

Some cases do not respond so quickly. A young man came in complaining of fatigue, headaches, constipation, and erratic appetite. He had recently had blood work, which showed nothing abnormal. I explained to him that the liver does a lot of work ridding the body of chemicals and toxins and then dumps them into the large intestines. Therefore, in addition to dietary changes, which included high fiber foods and avoidance of refined and junk foods, I recommended herbs that are known to clear the liver and colon and help them to work better. I find that combinations of herbs are very effective. Those for the liver include extracts of dandelion root, milk thistle seed, barberry, artichoke leaf, and beet leaf. After being on the liver cleanse for about two to three weeks, he started taking probiotics (acidophilus) for the colon. He also started on a regular exercise program with walking 30 minutes daily and playing basketball three times a week. Within several months of sticking to the program, he was like a new man.

Sometimes, detoxification of the liver can help the hormonal system. A lady in her thirties came in and reported that, after having two children, she had been unable to conceive for about three years. After doing a liver cleanse, switching to a healthy diet, and getting some supportive nutrition, she became pregnant.

I had also encouraged her to take detoxification baths, using 1 cup Epsom salts and 1/4 cup powdered ginger, soaking for 15 to 20 minutes and then gently rubbing her skin with a natural fiber such as a cotton washcloth or loofah sponge for five minutes. These baths can be taken once a week while on a detoxification program, and then monthly after that. Historically, people have used mineral and hot springs for centuries for their therapeutic effects; they help draw out toxins and promote energy and circulation. General precautions for hot salt baths are advised for people with heart problems, vascular conditions (including diabetes), and pregnancy.

Occasionally, detoxification is necessary for the urinary system. One case involved a lady in her fifties who was experiencing recurring urinary tract infections. In addition to the dietary recommendations, she took homeopathic remedies for detoxification of bacteria and fungus/yeast. Then she added omega-3 oil and acidophilus to her plan. The condition cleared up after that.

Don’t forget that negative emotions, psychological baggage, and stress/anxiety/depression can create toxic conditions in the body by causing physiological changes. I often go through emotional release techniques with patients and then find that their nutritional requirements are much less. It’s as if their bodies are working much harder and burning up many more nutrients because of the stress.

One last example of detoxification involves an indirect approach. A newborn baby was not having enough bowel activity at first. I had the nursing mother drink aloe vera juice and take acidophilus daily. It solved the problem right away, not only for the baby but for the mother as well!

Dr. Feldman is a chiropractor in private practice in the Upper Park Heights neighborhood, and can be contacted at 410-764-1964. She treats patients in the areas of emotional stress, clinical nutrition, and musculoskeletal disorders. As this article is written for informational purposes only, one should always seek the advice of an appropriate health care professional before undertaking a new nutritional or dietary program.

©2007 Dr. Chana Feldman

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Article List - February 2007