Dr. Alison Beach, Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Clayton Bostock, Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Faren Brogan, Naturopathic Doctor
Detoxification is an important process our body uses to remove unwanted toxins that build-up from pollutants such as in the air and in our food. A toxin is basically any substance that creates irritating and/or harmful 
effects in the body, undermining our health and stressing our biochemical or organ functions. The focus of detoxification is to clean toxins from the blood, extracellular space, lymphatic system, liver, bowels and kidneys.
There are two main types of toxins including internal and external toxins. External toxins include chemicals ingested as pesticides, drugs, food additives, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, cleaning agents, heavy metals and cigarette smoke to name a few. We acquire these toxins by breathing them in, ingesting them, or through physical contact. Internal toxins are the toxins that our bodies produce through normal everyday functions. Biochemical and cellular activities generate substances that need to be eliminated.
Impaired digestion can also cause the production of toxins. If digestion is impaired, food tends to sit in the intestines for longer than it should. This results in fermentation and putrification which produce excess toxins in the intestines. These toxins build up, enter the blood stream and circulate throughout the body. This decreases the delivery of nutrients and impedes the elimination of toxins from the cells therefore decreasing cellular metabolism.
Due to the fact that we live in such a “polluted” world most of us are exposed to external and internal toxins on a regular basis. Toxin exposure can lead to many symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, skin problems (acne, eczema, psoriasis, hives), hormonal imbalance (PMS, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, heavy bleeding, infertility), digestive disturbance (gas, bloating, heartburn, IBS), allergies, headaches, and asthma to name a few. As a result, detoxification improves health, vitality and rejuvenation. It helps to clear symptoms, treat disease and prevent future problems.
A couple times a year, mainly spring and fall, the body needs a ‘deep clean’. There are many detoxification programs and, while good for some, are not suitable for everyone. In fact, many people can get very sick from detoxification programs if they are too strong for what their body can handle. Thus, it is important to discuss detoxification with a healthcare provider, such as Dr. Beach, Dr. Bostock, or Dr. Brogan, to tailor a program specifically for you.
