Every day, Americans from all corners of the country are exposed to environmental toxins, and in some cases, these toxins can harm the body. However, the body has in-built detoxification processes that, when operating at peak functionality, help to keep people healthy.
This article will explore the two types of toxins in more detail and highlight the health implications of toxin exposure. Then, it will discuss how toxins leave the body through various organs and how these systems change when a person develops cancer. Finally, it will list the symptoms of toxins leaving the body before detailing how toxic cancer treatments like chemotherapy affect overall well-being.
What Is a Toxin?
Toxins sometimes refer to the waste bodies produce through natural processes, like carbon dioxide when breathing. These are called endotoxins. Other times, toxins refer to chemicals in the environment. These are known as exotoxins. The latter can be a cause for concern. While many chemicals are tested for safety, scientists know relatively little about the long-term health impacts of newer manufactured substances and how they interact with each other.
Some environmental toxins — such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) — are linked to immune system suppression, decrements in cognitive function, disruption of thyroid function, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer.
Despite the health implications, all Americans are exposed to environmental toxins, whether via personal care products like shampoo, herbicides, or disinfection by-products. Even something as seemingly harmless as fireworks leave toxic chemicals in their wake. The prevalence of industrial chemicals, pollutants, and pesticides are so widespread that even unborn babies have toxins in their blood.
How Do Toxins Leave the Body?
A healthy body does not need help ridding itself of toxins. It already has organs and processes built into it that effectively metabolize and remove the toxins eaten, inhaled, and ingested.
The liver is the most powerful detoxification organ in the body. Although almost 500 vital processes have been associated with the liver, its primary function is to filter the blood. All blood exiting the intestines and stomach passes through the liver, and at any one time, it holds about 13 percent of the body’s blood supply.
Other detoxifying organs and their functions include:
- The kidneys, which filter toxins and remove them from the body via urine
- The lungs, which remove toxins from the air, including pollution and cigarette smoke
- The intestines, which kill harmful organisms like parasites
Caring for these organs is key to preserving the body’s natural detoxification processes. For example, overwhelming the liver with a high intake of alcohol and sugar can prevent optimal functioning.
Do Toxins Leave the Body with Cancer?
In short, yes. Even with cancer, the body is still able to remove toxins.
However, cancer can change how the body and its systems function. If the organs responsible for detoxifying the body develop cancer, their ability to remove toxins may change. The extent of this disruption will depend on the stage of the cancer, the diagnosis, and the patient’s overall health.
Any concerns about the effects of cancer on the detoxification process can be addressed by trusted healthcare professionals and detox supports, such as a detoxification IV, which purges the body of toxic metals and minerals.
What Are the Symptoms of Toxins Leaving the Body?
When toxins leave the body with the aid of a detox support, patients often experience adverse symptoms. These are normal, expected, and, importantly, temporary.
Common symptoms of toxins leaving the body include:
- Headaches
- Body aches
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Acne or changes to the skin
- Issues with the digestive system
Does Chemotherapy Introduce Toxins into the Body?
Yes. Many different chemotherapeutic agents produce toxicity in the body at typical therapeutic doses. In fact, chemotherapy drugs are hazardous to handle and can irritate the skin, which is why nurses and other cancer care team members wear protective clothing and equipment. This might include two pairs of specialty gloves, a gown, and a face shield.
While chemotherapy’s toxicity allows it to destroy cancer cells, it also affects non-cancerous cells, including hair follicles, blood-forming cells within the bone marrow, and cells in the mouth and digestive tract. In addition, some drugs harm the cells in organs that play critical roles in the body’s detoxification processes, including the kidneys and lungs. Patients are often given additional medicines and undergo supplementary treatments to protect their body’s healthy cells.
The side effects of chemotherapy include:
- Infection
- Hair loss
- Appetite changes, nausea, and vomiting
- Kidney problems and changes to the bladder and urine
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating and focusing
- Weight changes
- Problems with the mouth and throat, such as difficulty swallowing
Non-Toxic Cancer Therapies
Many people living with cancer are seeking alternative routes to health, well-being, and quality of life. Perhaps they wish to fight their cancer with natural and non-invasive therapies. Or maybe they have tried chemotherapy and radiation and want to rebuild their bodies or enhance the effectiveness of these conventional treatment pathways.
Brio-Medical is here to help. Its holistic treatment program aims to stimulate the immune system to identify and kill cancer cells using proven therapies that capitalize on cancer’s natural weaknesses. Its non-toxic therapies support the immune system, empowering patients with their body’s own healing capabilities. In addition, Brio-Medical’s approach is patient-centered and individualized, focusing on not just the body but also the mind and spirit.
To learn more about Brio-Medical’s Intensive Integrative Oncology, please get in contact. Schedule a call with a patient care coordinator and take the first step toward reclaimed vitality.
