North Beach Chiropractic

"GETTING RID OF TOXINS"

After nearly 120 years since the founding of the profession, chiropractic finds itself in the unique position of straddling the line between conventional health-care and alternative health-care. Recognizing that much of conventional health-care doesn’t pass scientific muster, I’m comfortable with the conservative, non-invasive emphasis of alternative approaches for many conditions. But, as an analytical person, I’m much more comfortable shifting more weight onto the foot that rests on the conventional side of the line. The skeptic in me is very uncomfortable when it comes to things like “energy work,” “auras” and terminology such as “synergy” that finds its way frequently into promotions of various alternative methods. It’s not that I dismiss these practices or terms out of hand; it’s just that I’m not comfortable embracing them as a part of my practice.

One concept that is frequently touted in claims for alternative practices is “getting rid of toxins.” You’ll see claims of “rids the body of toxins” about everything from colonics to supplements to yoga twists. There is usually no reference to the specific makeup of these so-called toxins; they are just “toxins.”

To be sure, our bodies are exposed to chemicals that can reasonably be categorized as toxins. These enter our bodies in the air we breathe and in the food, beverages and medications we ingest. They are also present as byproducts of our own metabolic processes. Some of these chemicals are neutralized by our livers. Other impurities are filtered out through the kidneys to leave the body in the urine. Some are removed in perspiration and others are retained in the bowel to be naturally eliminated.

While the abilities of various nutritional supplements and alternative practices help the body “get rid of toxins” are certainly debatable, the body can and does rid itself of toxins every day.

The degree to which the liver and the kidneys are capable of purifying the blood is largely dependent upon healthy circulation. The more efficiently and frequently the blood passes through these organs, the faster and more thorough is the purification process. Essentially, anything that facilitates perspiration, accelerates the rate of circulation and improves bowel function will help your body get rid of toxins.

Sounds a lot like exercise doesn’t it?