How Toxins Affect the Body

The human body is an amazing and complex organism. The labyrinth of components is designed to work together, much like the instruments in an orchestra work together to produce beautiful music. Every part of our body has a role to play. There are organs, cells, and systems whose sole functions are to make sure the body is working properly to rid itself of harmful toxins and work efficiently. When toxins enter our bodies, we may experience a wide spectrum of discomforts and/or chronic diseases. How do these toxins affect the body? Let’s examine how toxicity impact us, how the body is designed to work, the common symptoms of toxins, and the methods of entrance into our body.

Our Balanced Bodies

The human body is composed in such a way that it can regulate itself when things get “out of whack.” For instance,
when we get overheated, our skin sweats to cool itself off. If we are cold, our muscles shiver to warm up our bodies. When our body is exposed to toxins, our organs work hard to detoxify and eliminate the substance(s). Our liver, kidneys, skin, colon, and lungs are especially adept at ridding the body of unwanted toxins. We process out toxins in our sweat, urine, waste, and breath on a daily basis and minute to minute in order to keep our body balanced and healthy.

Unfortunately, when our systems are bombarded with too many environmental toxins, our organs and regulatory systems cannot adjust quickly enough to maintain homeostasis. In addition to that, our bodies will sequester toxins it cannot manage in our adipose (body fat) tissues to protect our vital organs. This basically means that our organs are working toward the goal of stable equilibrium maintained by physiological processes. Most of the time, our organs and regulatory systems maintain homeostasis without our awareness or even thought on our part. When the main pathways of natural detoxification are unable to keep up with the overload of toxins we are all exposed
to on a daily basis, then we begin seeing symptoms of discomfort or even diseases.

Common Symptoms and Methods of Absorption

A buildup of toxins can cause a large number of symptoms, ranging from small annoyances like a cough, rash, or headaches, to more serious complications such as fever, nausea, vomiting, chronic illnesses, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, aches and pains, extreme exhaustion, and even some forms of cancers.

The damage caused by these toxins may be widespread across organ systems, or the toxins may affect a singular area or organ. It is hard for researchers to tell the reasons why a toxin impacts one person differently from another, but most believe it is a combination of genetics, the amount of exposure, and the potency of exposure. Many of our clients who are looking for safe, gentle, and natural detoxification here at Waters Edge Wellness have experienced either acute short-term toxicity or chronic long-term symptoms of toxic exposure.

Where are these Toxins Coming From?

The large number of toxins in our environment is likely due to chemicals in processed foods, plastic food packaging, prescription drugs found in trace amounts in our drinking water, synthetic clothes, synthetic carpets, building materials, house paints, mattresses, vinyl shower curtains, air fresheners, household cleaning products, cosmetics and skin-care products, perfumes, consumer products, and even in the plastic in children’s toys.

While many of our clients are unaware of where and when they encountered their specific toxic exposure, there are believed to be three main routes that environmental toxins, such as the ones listed above that are able to enter the bloodstream and negatively affect the organs. Most toxins are inhaled, ingested, or have come in direct contact with a person’s skin. Vapors, dust, particles, and mist can be breathed in and enter the bloodstream via the lungs. Food and drinks can contain toxins that are transported to the rest of the body after they are absorbed in the intestinal tract. And finally, many people come in direct contact with toxins by touching items that have been made with chemicals or contain chemicals in the packaging. Research has shown that humans are exposed to hundreds of toxins on a daily basis when we use shampoo, cosmetics, drink out of plastic bottles, sip out of straws, eat processed food, and drink contaminated water. The list can go on and on.

It’s important to note that most folks look to detoxification practices because they aren’t sick medically, they just don’t feel great. If you want to see if you would truly benefit from a cleanse, download this FREE questionnaire and see what your toxicity score really is!

Would you like to begin a seasonal cleansing program to help your organ systems keep up with toxins all around us? 

Learn More about the upcoming Guided Spring Cleanse Here >>

Resources:

Toxic Effects – Extonet – Extension Toxicology Network  | Signs You Have Too Many Toxins In Your Life | Fitness Foods – How Toxins Affect Our Health