Robert W. Horovitz, B.Sc., ND
Naturopathic Doctor
The Lifelong Wellness Company Inc.
Active Health Centre
5871 Hwy 7 E
Markham, ON L3P 1A3
Clinic:
(905) 294-0454
e-mail: info@lifelongwellnesscentre.com
www.lifelongwellnesscentre.com
www.facebook.com/lifelongwellnesscentre
www.twitter.com/lifelongwell
We live in a toxic world; a phrase that has transcended throughout the naturopathic community. From pollutants in the air we breathe to additives and contaminants in the foods that we eat, and the toys that are children play with, it is no wonder that the topic of detoxification is hot. Fish is fantastic for your health, but watch out for mercury in our oceans. Farmed fish? What about PCBs? Herbal skin care products can be incredible promoters of healthy, younger looking skin, but watch out for those parabens, PPD’s, and lauryl sulphates. Let us not forget about propylene glycol; does the sound of applying floor cleaner to your hands and face sound attractive to you? How about cleaning products such as chlorine bleech, ammonia, etc., all add up to a stockpile that your body does not forget.
Our bodies are continuously working to survive against the harshest molecular adversaries possible using the most advanced biology available. Yet as time goes by, our bodies begin to change as a result of this constant bombardment. We experience chronic inflammatory conditions, migraines, chemical sensitivitie,s and our abilities to cope with daily stressors become affected. We begin to get fatigued much quicker; our general energy levels are much lower, and are sleeping patterns may be less than sub par. Emerging research suggests that toxins/hormone disruptors from the environment can profoundly impact our neurotransmitters that affect mood, leading to symptoms of depression and anxiety to name a few.
If you had access to a method that could measure a large portion of your potential toxic load, would you take advantage of it? In my opinion, a comprehensive hair mineral analysis is worth a conversation with your licensed naturopathic doctor. A hair mineral analysis measure long term stores of toxins such as lead, mercury, and aluminum which are implicated in a wide array of disease pathologies. Someone who is concerned regarding their smoking habits or even exposure to second hand smoke for example might benefit from reading their cadmium levels, which is measured with this test. Minerals are also important indicators of health. Calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium (to name a few) are all great indicators of homeostatic balance, which can be correlated with immune function, proper inflammatory responses, and many more. Minerals are also extremely important for overall promotion of lifelong wellness. Hair, skin, nails, cardiovascular health, and even the aging process are highly dependent on the various minerals that we are exposed to in our environments and take in through our food. In my opinion, a detoxification program should always include a proper, thorough case assessment to include various aspects of a person’s life. A physical exam, dietary analysis, and proper advice given by someone who is qualified should be sought after.
There are many potential health items that claim to detoxify and thus protect us all from these health deterrents. People often go on fad short term ‘detox diets’ and/or supplement with a ‘detox in a box’. The question that I get most often is ‘what should someone expect when undergoing a detoxification program’? I pose the question back ‘what would you like to feel after a detoxification program? There are many detoxification systems that promote the idea of ‘the healing crises’. The idea is that as the body begins ridding itself of dangerous toxins, we begin feeling symptoms of bloating, gas, headaches, nausea; to name a few. The claim is that our bodies becoming so effective at removing toxics (due to a product/herb that is being administered), that there is an initial build-up in our blood which causes undesirable symptoms that are self resolving. Thus when the ‘healing crisis’ is over, the detoxification process is progressing positively. In my opinion, the ‘healing crisis’ is a result of imbalance rather than successful detoxification. It is the responsibility of both the general public as well as practitioners to be properly informed.
The body detoxifies certain substances in phases. Essentially there is the process of metabolizing toxins into different compounds (metabolites). Subsequently, these potentially dangerous metabolites are converted into forms that can be excreted via our urine/waste. There are tremendous checks and balances that our cells use that enable these processes to be carried out in synchrony; without dangerous symptoms of the so called ‘healing crisis’. It is important for detoxification programs to treat the individual person instead of just the masses.
Ask yourself; what are the most toxic elements in your life? Speak to your licensed naturopathic doctor about treating those aspects that bother you the most. Stress for example can be properly assessed and managed via individualized treatment protocols using herbs, nutrition, and acupuncture. By addressing individual imbalances, you can detoxify your life smoothly and effortlessly. After all; a comprehensive detoxification program should not be geared towards simply boosting your detoxification system, but rather helping your natural defences work in balance to promote lifelong wellness.
As a licensed naturopathic doctor, Dr. Robert W. Horovitz offers hair mineral analysis and salivary hormone profiles. For more of Robert’s lifelong health tips, you can follow him on twitter, facebook and read more articles on his blog: www.lifelongwellnesscentre.com. His clinic is located at 5871 Highway 7 E, Suite 101 in Markham, ON. Call for a free 15 min consultation today: 905-294-0454.
