The Body's System Of Detoxification
The body’s natural line of detoxification and defense come from the eliminatory glands of the lungs, kidneys, skin and intestines, as well as the lymphatic system. Understanding how they are interrelated and the complex roles they play in our body’s elimination process will provide more insight into the organs which will need the greatest amount of support during detoxification.
The Liver
Everything we ingest, from food and beverages to environmental pollutants are absorbed by the liver. The liver then chemically restructures these to extract their poisons and converts them so they become water soluble. These are then transported to the bile, which carries these waste products to the intestines in preparation for excretion. Symptoms of an overburdened liver include bloating, nausea, indigestion and a furry tongue.
The Lungs
This organ is made up of millions of tiny air sacs. As oxygen is moved into these air sacs, it moves into the bloodstream while the waste products of respiration, carbon dioxide and water, are exhaled. In addition to this life-giving function, the lungs also deal with airborne pollutants such as smoke from factories and cigarettes, carbon monoxide and smog, and numerous toxic polymers such as chemical solvents, paints and cleansers. Congestion, constant sneezing, chronic runny nose and catarrh are all signals that this organ is reaching its toxicity breaking point.
The Kidneys
The kidneys filter the blood of toxins and waste products through protein decomposition and producing urine. They also direct nutrients back into the bloodstream, and act as a buffer in controlling the body’s alkaline-acid and water levels. Oriental medicine sees the kidneys as the “root” of the body, from which symptoms of ill health are detected, from sexual and reproductive imbalances, hair-loss problems, bone injuries, especially in the knees, compromised growth of body and mind, and excessive fear and insecurity.
The Skin
This is the body’s largest detoxifier. Toxins surface and are purged through sweat, pores and sebaceous glands. Body toxicity makes itself known through signals in the skin such as acne, rashes, sores that do not heal, cellulite and congested, blotchy skin.
The Lymphatic System
Lymph is channeled throughout the entire body, from the top of the head to the toes. It filters body fluids and transports the toxins found into the bloodstream. It works to break up concentrations of toxins to stunt, disassemble and prevent the growth of infectious substances, funneled through lymph nodes. The lymphatic system tells you it is in need of detoxification with the following symptoms: frequent colds and flu; consistent tiredness and exhaustion; general puffiness in the face, arms, legs, abdomen, dark circles under the eyes and the appearance of cellulite.