Optimal Sleep Airway Health

Detoxification, Toxins, and You

The image showcases a vibrant and healthy green smoothie in a mason jar with a yellow and white striped straw, surrounded by fresh ingredients. Visible are a head of broccoli, half of a lemon with another slice beside it, several cucumber slices, a head of leafy green lettuce, and a piece of ginger root. The colors are vivid, emphasizing the freshness and healthiness of the foods. The background is blurred with shades of green, focusing attention on the jar of smoothie and the raw ingredients. This composition is commonly associated with a healthy lifestyle and nutrition.

None of this should be considered medical advice, and does not replace your own medical practitioner. This is for education purposes only.

Why Should you be concerned about toxins?

You may be thinking about performing a detoxification protocol due to some health concerns. This may clear the obvious health issues but can also benefit the body in more subtle ways.

When toxic chemicals and metabolites accumulate in the body the elimination systems become overloaded, under resourced or possibly were epigenetically down-regulated. In these scenarios, the body can become progressively more sensitive to chemical exposures, even some may not be generally considered toxic, but in this case are not able to be dealt with effectively, causing a sub-optimal situation. This can lead to a scenario of multiple chemical sensitivity, and in some cases immune system activation.

The body, overburdened with toxins will start to manifest symptoms, drawing your attention to its plight, in expectation of you rectifying the issue.

These can include:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Digestive dysfunctions-
  • Coated tongue, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating bad breath, reflux.
  • Weight gain
  • Blood sugar imbalances
  • Fatigue
  • Mood changes
  • Skin issues – rashes, hives, dermatitis, pellagra, acne, psoriasis
  • Allergy – wheezing, hives, mast cell response
  • Brain and cognitive issues – mood swings, brain fog, poor memory
A close-up photograph of a woman who appears to be in discomfort or experiencing a headache. She is holding her glasses in one hand and has her eyes closed, with her other hand pressed to the side of her forehead, indicating pain or stress. She is wearing a light-colored, knitted sweater and has short, wavy blonde hair. The setting seems to be indoors with soft, natural lighting that suggests a calm environment, contrasting with the woman's pained expression.

Where Do we get toxin exposure from?

We are increasingly exposed to toxins every day from our food our water, the air we breath, from just the actions of daily living. This is not to mention exposure from clothes, make up and personal care products, the foam in our beds, cars seats and couches, flame retardants in our homes to name a few. These chemicals have become drivers of primary drivers of disease burden, even medications can contribute to decreasing our vitality, when they were meant to save lives.

The following is a simple list of Common Heavy Metal Toxins, Source of exposure and symptoms they might cause.

Note: This is not any way an exhaustive list, and may not include sources or kinds you’ve been exposed to.

 

ToxinSourceSymptom/Disease Associated
ArsenicWaterAsthma
 Foods/Crops grown with contaminated water – RiceBrain Fog/Cognitive issues
 Building supplies- treated timberDiabetes
 Meats (sheep dip)Dyslipideamia
 PesticidesGout
Arsenic Cont.ChickenSkin issues
AluminiumAluminium FoilAlzheimer’s/Dementia
 WaterBrain Fog/Cognitive issues
 Food – GrainsBone Disease-osteoporosis/osteomalacia
 Building supplies – Windows/flashingDepression
 DeodorantsInflammation- Bowel
 ToothpasteJoint pain
 Cosmetics 
CadmiumCigarettesBrain Fog/Cognitive issues
 Jewellery productionBone demineralisation
 Manufacturing- Batteries,
plastics, coatings, solar panels
Joint pain
 MiningSkin ulcers
 SmelteringEmphysema
  Hypertension
  Infertility
LeadPaintADHD
 Building supplies – flashing, roofingBone disease
 PlumbingNeuropathy
 BatteriesBrain Fog/Cognitive issues
 WaterInfertility
  Anaemia
  Mood disorder/anger/aggression
  Loss of position sense/coordination
  Loss of IQ
  Inflammation -systemic/multi-system
  Erectile dysfunction
MercuryAmalgam Dental fillingsHeadaches
 SeafoodMetallic taste in mouth
 Fluorescent light bulbsFatigue/Muscle weakness
 Old thermometersLoss of memory, dementia
 Medications- mercurochromeDepression, mood swings, anxiety, behaviour change
 SmelteringThyroid disorder
 MiningMitochondropathy

The following is a simple list of Common chemical/Toxins, Source of exposure and symptoms they might cause.

ToxinSourceSymptom/Disease Associated
Solvents and Chlorinated
Solvents – Benzenes,
Methylbenzene, Toluene,
Xylenes
Paint Remover/Stain RemoverErectile dysfunction
 Vehicle exhaust fumesHeadaches
 Cigarettes/Possible Vapes
(limited data -so assume it as a
danger)
Respiratory Issues
 Petrol StationsEye Irritation
 Wood Stain/lacquer/VarnishArthritis
 Adhesives/epoxy Resins/GluesSkin issues
 Industrial EmissionsLiver Toxicity
  Alzheimer’s/Dementia
Plasticisers Bisphenols
(BPA,BPS,BPF) 
Canned Food- The liningsErectile dysfunction
 Water BottlesAllergy and Atopy
 Food in plastic packagingLiver Disorders
 Water pipesDiabetes, metaboloic syndrome
and Insulin resitence
 Sales Receipts- thermal printDyslipideamia
 Feminine Hygiene productsPCOS
 ToiletriesMemory Issues
 Other plastic products- DVD’sHyperactivity- Children
  Frequent infections
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers
(PDBEs) and Perfluorinated
compounds (PFCs)
Flame Retardants- Including
fabrics and materials of daily
living, clothes couches car seats
etc.
Liver Toxicity
 ElectronicsErectile dysfunction
 Non stick cook wareInfertility
 MattressesDizziness
 CarpetADHD
 FurnitureDiabetes
 FishLiver Toxicity
  Neurotoxicity and oxidation
  Headaches
Phthalates – plasticsAsprinHeadaches
 PVC- Vinyl flooring and other
products
Muscle weakness
 Cleaning productsMood disorder
 ToysADHD
 ToolsDiabetes
 Car PartsLiver Issues
 ToothbrushesObesity
 Personal Care productsRespiratory disorders
 Beauty products/makeupFrequent infections
 Food/Food packaging 
Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons
(PAHs)
Car Fumes etcHeadaches
 Burning of Meat/Foods, think
BBQ charred meat
Nausea
 High Temp Cooking, Deep FryingMood disorder
 Moth BallsADHD
 Cigarettes/vaping/CannabisDiabetes
 Burning of oil,coal, gas, wood,
waste material, tobacco
Liver Issues
  Dyslipidaemia
DDT, Dioxins, Furans, PCBs,
Organochlorine pesticides,
organophosphate pesticides
Food, meat fish, canned foods,
non organic
Headaches Brain fog
 Farming and agricultureNausea/vomiting
 Old appliancesMemory Deficits
 Refuse centresADHD
  Diabetes
  Liver Issues
  Eyelid swelling
  Developmental delay and
  behaviour issues in children
  Obesity
  Hypertension
  Immune System Disfunctions
  Fatigue
  Early Menopause
  Infertility
  Dementia
  Joint Pain /Arthropathies

Occupational Toxin Exposure:

Is your job affecting your health?

As much as we might otherwise wish it, sometimes exposure to toxins is unavoidable. They can become especially difficult in the occupational setting. In these situations, its essential to try find ways of reducing exposure and mitigating effects. It’s also essential to work with a seasoned skilled professional to help reduce the toxic load in a balanced manner. Certain occupations have a greater likely risk of exposure the following is a non-exhaustive list of professions with toxic load and what types of toxins you will likely be exposed too.

Profession/OccupationToxin
PaintersBenzenes, VOCs, Arsenic, Lead, Solvents (turpentine etc)
HairdresserHair /dyes, ammonia, perming solution
Construction workers/buildersAsbestos, benzenes, VOCs, formaldehyde, brominated flame retardants, di- isocyanates, silica, sealants , Arsenic, Lead, Solvents (turpentine etc)
MechanicsAsbestos, benzenes, VOCs, solvents, mechanical fluids
Textile workersNylon, industrial plastic, VOCs
PlumbersLead, Solvents, PVC, Xenoestrogens, via sewage exposure
Food workersVapourised, High temp Industrial seed oils
 Margarines, Flavourings, colouring, bromination, Hexanes, VOCs, solvents

Ultimately in all situations we are trying to balance all equations in our favour, in the case of detoxification we are trying to lessen the input of toxic load, while trying to enhance the body’s ability to effectively move the chemical through Phase 1 and 2 detoxification process. We also need to maintain the amount of resources available to catalyse the detox reaction and rid us of the toxin.

We are trying to enhance the body’s natural detoxification mechanisms and eliminate harmful substances.

A composite image depicting a scene of industrial pollution. In the background, there's a power plant with multiple cooling towers emitting steam and a tall chimney releasing smoke into the sky. The plant is set against a pastoral landscape with green fields under a blue sky with some clouds. In the foreground, there are magnified particles representing pollutants, with a mix of what appears to be microscopic views of particulates and possibly bacteria or viruses. The particles are rendered in shades of gray, white, and red, symbolizing contamination. This image is likely intended to convey the impact of industrial activity on air quality and the environment.

There are many ways of going through a detox, with different degrees of difficulty to manage. Your practitioners will guide you through the process, some preferring to do specific testing for detox function, epigenetics, toxic load and resource capability before starting, and others following a protocol driven process with specific nutrients and diet to support upregulation of detox pathways.

It’s important to manage the detox in a manner that allows the body to balance the ability to release the toxins, process them and remove them from the body safely. If the body has not been optimised to support and nourish the detox pathways, the result may be an increase in side effects symptoms such as a Herxheimer response, rashes, itchiness, headaches and more.

Liver Function

Optimal liver function is important for sleep and sleep is important for detoxification, a major function of the liver. The liver plays a central role in may metabolic pathways, so any general interference with liver function can have extremely diverse effects. For example, impaired liver function may lead to problems in uric acid metabolism, and hence to gout or difficulties in maintaining circulation, to problems in protein synthesis, growth and development and even kidney function.

Functions of the liver:

1. Regulates carbohydrate metabolism
2. Has storage functions
3. Regulates protein metabolism
4. Detoxifies many toxic substances

Liver function is very important – a healthy liver plays a role in maintaining a healthy weight as it is the organ in the body that detoxifies the blood stream.

A detailed illustration of a human liver with the hepatic blood supply. The liver is shown in a reddish-brown color, accurately representing its position in the human body. The image includes the hepatic artery and portal vein, depicted in shades of red and blue to distinguish oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. The bile ducts are colored in yellow, highlighting the paths through which bile is excreted from the liver. The vascular structures branch out intricately, indicating the liver's complex circulatory connections. The background of the image is white, which emphasizes the liver and its associated vessels.

Phase 1 Detoxification

An infographic depicting Phase 1 of the human body's intermediary metabolism process for fat-soluble toxins. It features a green oval with the title "FAT-SOLUBLE TOXINS" and an arrow labeled "Phase 1" pointing rightward. Inside the oval, the text specifies "(Cytochrome P450 Enzymes)" and lists the processes involved: Oxidation, Reduction, Hydrolysis, Hydration, and Dehalogenation. Below the oval, a blue banner titled "Nutrients Needed" lists Vitamins B2, B3, B6, B12, Folic Acid, Glutathione, and Flavonoids. The background is a gradient of blue shades, darker at the bottom and becoming lighter toward the top.

The phase 1 pathway of detoxification involves a group of enzymes collectively called Cytochrome P450. During phase 1, toxins are broken down usually by oxidation, reduction and hydrolysis. This can either transform the toxin into a water-soluble form which allows excretion by the kidneys or converts it to a more chemically active form to be metabolised further by phase 2.

Phase 1 detoxification results in the production of free radicals as the toxins are transformed. Without sufficient antioxidant protection, these free radicals can damage the liver and other body tissues.

Phase 1 also must be balanced by phase 2, to finish the detoxification process and if phase 2 detoxification is not working efficiently, toxic intermediates can build up in the body causing damage.

Nutritional Support for Phase 1 Liver Detoxification

ProductNutrientsActionDose
Sleep and Detox Nutrients
Niacin, riboflavin, zinc, magnesium, thiamine, quercetin, folic acid, vitamin B6, Vitamin C, high protein diet, leucine, isoleucine and valineRegulate phase 1 activity. B Vitamins are co-factors for enzymes involved in Phase I detox activities.
1 serve per day
Cysteine, glycine, glutamine, vitamin CPrecursor nutrients for glutathione production; counteracts free radicals produced through phase 1 detox.
Vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, magnesium, manganese, quercetinAntioxidant nutrients to counteract and neutralise free radicals produced from phase I detox

Phase 2 Detoxification

There are differing pathways in phase 2 liver detoxification. Certain toxins are bound (conjugated) by different substances to be excreted. A few of these pathways are briefly explained below.

Glucuronidation

In the process of glucuronidation, glucuronic acid is added to toxic compounds. Oestrogens are bound this way, as are many drugs, such as steroids, morphine, diazepam, aspirin and salicylates. These substances are then excreted in either urine or bile. A yellow sclera (the white of the eye) and jaundice are signs of decreased glucuronidation.

Sulphation

An informational graphic detailing Phase 2 of the human body's intermediary metabolism for water-soluble waste. The phase is represented by a tan arrow titled "Phase 2 (Conjugation Pathways)" which includes various biochemical processes like sulfation, glucuronidation, glutathione conjugation, acetylation, amino acid conjugation, and methylation. To the right, a list of "Nutrients Needed" for this phase is provided, including Methionine, Cysteine, Magnesium, Glutathione, Vitamin B5, B12, Vitamin C, Glycine, Glutamine, Folic Acid, Choline, and Taurine. The end of the process points to a blue area indicating that the water-soluble waste is "Eliminated via: Urine, Bile, Stool." The background transitions from a medium blue at the bottom to a lighter blue at the top, with a slight gradient effect.

Sulphation is the major pathway for detoxification of amine neurotransmitters and steroid hormones including testosterone and thyroid hormone. It also binds substances such as preservatives and artificial food colourings. These substances are converted into soluble forms to be excreted in the urine or bile.

This pathway requires sulphur containing compounds to act as sulphur donors for the process. These usually include the amino acids cysteine, N-acetylcysteine, methionine and taurine.

Glutathionation

This is the process of glutathione conjugation, which binds toxins such as heavy metals, pesticides and solvents, to be excreted in the urine or bile. High levels of exposure to toxins, therefore depletes glutathione quickly leading to increased susceptibility to diseases such as chronic fatigue syndrome.

Drugs detoxified by this process include paracetamol, certain substances in cigarette smoke, antibiotics, some insecticides and the heavy metals mercury, cadmium and lead.

Glycination

Glycination is involved in the metabolism of salicylic acids and benzoic acids for elimination. Glycine is the most important amino acid for this process.

Acetylation

Acetylation involves the conjugation of substrates with acetyl CoA. This substance is produced within the body and is also involved with other aspects of metabolism including the Krebs cycle.

Methylation

Methylation involves conjugation of a substrate with a methyl group. Methionine is the chief methyl donor. Methionine and cofactors such as choline, vitamin B12 and folic acid are involved in the synthesis of SAMe (s-adenosylmethionine). SAMe dependent enzymes catalyse methylation reactions. It may be possible to measure serum homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folic acid levels to determine methylation reactions. High homocysteine, lower B12 and folic acid may indicate a decrease in methylation capacity. This is often the pathway most often disturbed in chemically sensitive patients.

Testing

Functional Liver Detoxification Profile

Nutritional Support for Phase II Liver Detoxification

ProductNutrientsActionDose
Sleep and Detox Nutrients
Calcium-d-glucarate, magnesiumSupports
glucuronidation
pathway
1 serve per day
Glycine, glutamineSupports glycination pathway
Cysteine, glutamine, glycine, selenium, vitamin B6, B12, folate, rosemarySupports glutathionation pathway and glutathione production
Cysteine, carnitine, pantothenic acidSupports acetylation pathway
Cysteine, taurine, vitamin A, adequate proteinSupports sulphation pathway
Betaine (TMG), vitamins B12, B6, folic acidSupports methylation pathway

Additional Supplements to Consider

ProductNutrientsActionDose
LMIIMethionine, taurine, choline, vitamins B12, folic acid, B6, magnesium, glutamic acidSupports phase II pathways including methylation and sulphation2 tablets twice daily
Detoxification NutrientsGlutamine, cysteine, broccoli sprout extract, garlic,Supports phase II pathways including glutathionation;
2 tablets twice daily
 vitamin C, selenium, zinc, pine bark extract, grape seed extractprovides antioxidant support.
An infographic explaining the two-phase process of toxin metabolism in the human body. Phase 1, labeled "FAT-SOLUBLE TOXINS," is represented by a green oval and includes the Cytochrome P450 enzymes responsible for oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, hydration, and dehalogenation. Below this phase, a list titled "Nutrients Needed" includes Vitamins B2, B3, B6, B12, Folic Acid, Glutathione, and Flavonoids. Phase 2, labeled "WATER-SOLUBLE WASTE," is shown as a tan arrow pointing towards an elimination method, with processes such as sulfation, glucuronidation, glutathione conjugation, acetylation, amino acid conjugation, and methylation. The nutrients needed for this phase include Methionine, Cysteine, Magnesium, Glutathione, Vitamin B5, B12, Vitamin C, Glycine, Glutamine, Folic Acid, Choline, and Taurine. The final elimination of the water-soluble waste is via urine, bile, and stool, as indicated by the blue square at the end of the process. The background is a gradient from dark to light blue, symbolizing the transition from fat-soluble to water-soluble substances.

Detoxification in Practice

After testing and data collection your practitioner will design a specific detox program for you that will likely involve changes in diet, lifestyle and environmental exposures. It may involve supplements similar to the ones above, to enhance phase 1 and 2 capacity and the ability to eliminate chemicals and toxins from the body.

Initial Steps:

  • Identify sources of toxin exposure, reduce or remove.
  • Identify and procure foods suitable for the protocol and any supplements.
  • Focus on sleep hygiene.

Prime the Body for Detox Protocol

It is ideal to start detoxification gently to minimise Herxheimer reactions, and allow the body to tolerate the release of toxins.

  • Consider starting with Colonic Hydrotherapy to remove bowel bacteria that may be harmful and clear the bowel of waste material and biofilms, allowing for better absorption and waste removal.
  • Consider infrared/classic sauna of steam room detoxification. Remember to shower and wash sweat off the skin immediately after sauna. This is to prevent reabsorption.
  • Increase hydration. 35 mils per kg of body weight is generally safe and sufficient.

Start the Detoxification Protocol

  • While the protocol is in process, support the liver, its function and capcity to eliminate and excrete.
  • Binders may also be helpful here.

Post Protocol

  • Maintain hydration
  • Continue with sauna
  • Continue with low toxin exposure in lifestyle
  • Focus on sleep

To wrap up, it’s really important to know about toxins around us and try to avoid them as much as we can. We can’t get rid of all toxins, but we can definitely reduce how many we come into contact with. Detoxing isn’t just something you do once; it’s about making better choices every day, like what you eat, where you live, and how you work. If you’re worried about toxins, talk to a doctor or health expert to make a plan that’s right for you. By helping your body get rid of toxins and being careful about what you’re around, you can feel better and be healthier. Let’s all try to live in a way that’s more aware of toxins and healthier for us!

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