Detox:
Transition Diet: From S.A.D. to Happy - Go Raw - The Fruitarian Lifestyle - Light Body Fast - Elimination Pathways
Transition Diet: From S.A.D. to Happy - Go Raw - The Fruitarian Lifestyle - Light Body Fast - Elimination Pathways
Elimination Pathways
‘It is obvious that without adequate elimination of waste the blood cannot remain clean, thereby allowing toxic materials to be circulated throughout the entire body. Conversely, the eliminative channels cannot work efficiently without the right nutrients, neural integrity, and supportive glandular secretions. The skin needs to be kept clean; It needs fresh air and sunshine. A sufficient amount of liquid intake is necessary for proper lymphatic, bowel, and kidney function. Exercise is needed to keep the blood working to remove cell wastes, to move the lymph along, to get the lungs pumping, to generate skin perspiration, and to assist in developing good bowel tone.’ (Bernard Jensen, Iridology, The Science and The Practice in the Healing Arts)
If we do not eliminate our wastes, we build congestion interstitially (around cells) and intracellularly (inside cells), causing further cellular decay and death. Good elimination means moving our bowels three times a day, urinating adequately, sweating, and breathing properly. All of us fail in this category to some extent or another. By correcting digestion, absorption, utilization, and elimination we can regain our energy, build vitality and vibrancy, and live a disease-free life. (Dr. Morse, The Detox Miracle Sourcebook)
The Elimination System
STRUCTURES — Colon, lymphatic system, urinary system, immune system and the integumentary system (skin). FUNCTIONS — The elimination of wastes and by-products from metabolism and digestion. Elimination of pathogens and mucus from the lymphatic system. Excess water elimination. The eliminative system encompasses several other systems, which are complete systems within themselves. They are the intestinal system, lymphatic system, urinary system, integumentary system and immune system.
It is often stated that the significance of the food we consume lies not in its nutritional content alone, but in how effectively we digest and assimilate these nutrients. Consuming an ideal, nutrient-rich diet is futile if we fail to absorb the nutrients it offers. Similarly, the body's elimination pathways are crucial, especially for those on a healing journey. Despite the emphasis on a variety of foods, herbs, and supplements, the necessity to absorb, process, and expel the byproducts of these substances is not often discussed. Every survival action or bodily process demands specific elements and efforts from the body. The maintenance and metabolism processes depend on the body's energy and generate waste. Breathing, for example, involves both intake and output. Inhalation and exhalation are automatic, yet improper exhalation can leave residual gases in the lungs. The digestive system must process the food we eat to extract nutrients, and waste must be expelled to prevent the buildup of toxins in the colon, which can lead to a continuous cycle of toxicity in the bloodstream, causing imbalances that the body must address. The accumulation of toxins due to poor diet or habits is the root cause of many health issues.
The elimination process could be considered the most critical aspect of healing. Efficiently removing toxins and waste, coupled with consuming pure, clean food and water, is essential for the body's survival and optimal health. This is why detoxification is a key strategy in addressing numerous health concerns.
In this section, we will briefly explore the body's elimination channels.as well as signs and symptoms of imbalance within each system, so you may focus your healing energy / efforts on the organs and organ systems most hindered. While the kidneys are arguably the most important organs involved in eliminating waste from the body, other organs and systems are vital. And we will see that when one system is down, or not operating optimally, it puts pressure on other systems to take up that slack.
The elimination process could be considered the most critical aspect of healing. Efficiently removing toxins and waste, coupled with consuming pure, clean food and water, is essential for the body's survival and optimal health. This is why detoxification is a key strategy in addressing numerous health concerns.
In this section, we will briefly explore the body's elimination channels.as well as signs and symptoms of imbalance within each system, so you may focus your healing energy / efforts on the organs and organ systems most hindered. While the kidneys are arguably the most important organs involved in eliminating waste from the body, other organs and systems are vital. And we will see that when one system is down, or not operating optimally, it puts pressure on other systems to take up that slack.
Detox Begins at the Cellular Level
Here we explore the human body's elimination process starting at the cellular level. Cells, life's fundamental units, employ intricate systems to maintain their health and functionality. Crucial to this is the expulsion of cellular waste. Lysosomes, specialized organelles within cells, break down or repurpose cellular debris. Through exocytosis, they discharge any unnecessary and/or harmful molecules. Exocytosis enables cells to dispose of waste, potentially harmful or redundant, into the extracellular space. Once exocytosis is complete, what transpires in the extracellular space, or the area outside the cell? Specifically, how is cellular waste further eliminated or processed from the extracellular space? This is where the Lymphatic System steps in.
Exocytosis is the process through which cells can eliminate wastes, which might be useless or toxic, to the extracellular space.
The endocytosis and exocytosis process refers to molecules transport mediated by vesicles.
Exocytosis occurs from and into the cell and needs energy to happen because it is active transport.
Exocytosis involves vesicles or vacuoles.
Vesicles or vacuoles can carry substances destined for exportation or cellular wastes.
Wastes may be large molecules that result useless for the cells or that might be toxic.
During the exocytosis process
1) excretion compounds of varying nature accumulate within the
vesicle
2) The vesicle migrates toward the cellular surface.
3) Once in the surface, the vesicle's membrane fuses with the cellular
membrane, and its content is expelled from the cell to the
extracellular space.
4) Vesicle membrane remains fused to the cell membrane until it is
reused during endocytosis events. (2)
The endocytosis and exocytosis process refers to molecules transport mediated by vesicles.
Exocytosis occurs from and into the cell and needs energy to happen because it is active transport.
Exocytosis involves vesicles or vacuoles.
Vesicles or vacuoles can carry substances destined for exportation or cellular wastes.
Wastes may be large molecules that result useless for the cells or that might be toxic.
During the exocytosis process
1) excretion compounds of varying nature accumulate within the
vesicle
2) The vesicle migrates toward the cellular surface.
3) Once in the surface, the vesicle's membrane fuses with the cellular
membrane, and its content is expelled from the cell to the
extracellular space.
4) Vesicle membrane remains fused to the cell membrane until it is
reused during endocytosis events. (2)
The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system acts as your septic system. It provides not only protection for cells, but serves to remove wastes as well. Cells eat and excrete like you do, only on a much smaller scale. The blood carries the nutrition and fuels to the cells, and your lymph system removes the by-products and wastes caused from metabolizing these nutrients and fuels. The lymph system consists of the lymph fluid, lymph vessels, lymph nodes, spleen and the thymus gland. Lymph Fluid The lymph fluid is an alkaline, translucent fluid that flows from the cells to the venous blood supply via the lymph vessels. Your lymph fluids act as the water that carries the wastes from your toilet to the septic system. Lymph fluid removes approximately 10 percent of the total fluid supplied by the blood system to a cell. The lymph fluid is the medium or “plasma” that carries a host of substances that need to be removed from cells, as well as substances that are used to protect the cell. These include: Excessive unused proteins (including albumin and globulin, etc.) Salts and ions Gases and toxic, metabolic wastes Ureas Fats (possible anti-inflammatory compounds) Glucose Hormones, steroids and enzymes Unused nutrients, especially artificial vitamins Parasites (bacteria, etc.) Chemical toxins, sulfa drugs, chemical medications, etc. Minerals (unusable by cells) Immune cells, especially lymphocytes (T- and especially B-cells), macrophages (monocytes), etc. Dying body cells (due to atrophy or acidosis) Fats from the small intestinal tract and liver, which are absorbed through small lymph vessels called lacteals. (Dr. Morse, The Detox Miracle Sourcebook)
The Key Organs of the Excretory System, The Kidneys
The kidneys purify our blood by removing toxic waste and surplus water through a three-step process:
Filtration: This step involves extracting water and dissolved particles from the blood, producing a liquid that contains water and various toxic substances that may have built up in the blood.
Reabsorption: Kidney nephrons reclaim essential nutrients and water back into the bloodstream, while continuing to segregate the waste products that need to be expelled.
Secretion: The concentrated filtrate exits the kidneys, and as it does, any excess water is reabsorbed. The final liquid then travels to the bladder and is excreted as urine.
Filtration: This step involves extracting water and dissolved particles from the blood, producing a liquid that contains water and various toxic substances that may have built up in the blood.
Reabsorption: Kidney nephrons reclaim essential nutrients and water back into the bloodstream, while continuing to segregate the waste products that need to be expelled.
Secretion: The concentrated filtrate exits the kidneys, and as it does, any excess water is reabsorbed. The final liquid then travels to the bladder and is excreted as urine.
Kidneys Function: Controls blood volume by regulating water content of the body; Removal of waste and acids from the blood (and lymph); Help regulate blood pH; Removes materials from the blood then replaces those needed; Production of urine.
Acute symptoms: Skin problems, hives, rashes; Inflammation of glomeruli from infection elsewhere in body; Obstruction of your urethra/lack of urination; Loss of weight from fluid loss; Frequent urination; Cystitis or infection of urinary bladder and mucosa of the urethra from kidney; Pain in back, below ribs; Bowel gas can cause problems; Kidney function affects all organs.
Chronic symptoms: Itching, Heart symptoms, Rapid pulse over 90; Retention of water; Kidney stones; Urine contains excessive protein or other electrolytes; Acid blood/tissue condition buildup; Edema; Painful joints, swelling in ankles; Uremia and toxemia; Gout; Pain under the ribs middle back; Skin problems, Nausea, Headache.
Without Kidney function, Life will cease after one to two weeks.
Acute symptoms: Skin problems, hives, rashes; Inflammation of glomeruli from infection elsewhere in body; Obstruction of your urethra/lack of urination; Loss of weight from fluid loss; Frequent urination; Cystitis or infection of urinary bladder and mucosa of the urethra from kidney; Pain in back, below ribs; Bowel gas can cause problems; Kidney function affects all organs.
Chronic symptoms: Itching, Heart symptoms, Rapid pulse over 90; Retention of water; Kidney stones; Urine contains excessive protein or other electrolytes; Acid blood/tissue condition buildup; Edema; Painful joints, swelling in ankles; Uremia and toxemia; Gout; Pain under the ribs middle back; Skin problems, Nausea, Headache.
Without Kidney function, Life will cease after one to two weeks.
The 'Third Kidney,' The Skin
The skin, our body's largest organ, serves as a protective barrier and a means of defense. The skin is often called upon for relief by the other elimination organs. Toxins or waste that are water-soluble can be expelled through sweat. Commonly, metabolic residues from the consumption of rich foods like meat, dairy, and eggs are eliminated in this manner.
Skin Function: Called the third kidney because it removes acids from the blood, Largest organ in the body, Helps control body temperature, Protects the body from bacterial invasion, Excretes water and salts, Receives external stimulus, Synthesizes vitamin D, Relieves kidneys by sweating which removes toxins and mineral wastes, Catarh, and acids
Acute symptoms: excessive sweating, oily skin, sensitivity to heat and cold, hives, warts, eruptions.
Chronic symptoms: lack of sweat, poor complexion, cold and clammy skin, loss of hair, lowered blood circulation, dry skin, bacterial invasion, burn/heat damage, acne.
Acute symptoms: excessive sweating, oily skin, sensitivity to heat and cold, hives, warts, eruptions.
Chronic symptoms: lack of sweat, poor complexion, cold and clammy skin, loss of hair, lowered blood circulation, dry skin, bacterial invasion, burn/heat damage, acne.
The Colon & Digestive System
While the kidneys handle liquid waste (like urea), the large intestine deals with solid waste. It absorbs water and electrolytes from undigested food, forming feces that are eventually expelled from the body.
Colon:
Digestive and eliminative functions: Peristalsis moves food and wastes along passage; Food in the stomach starts mass peristalsis that moves the colonic masses into the rectum; Secretion of mucus; Intestinal bacteria digest remaining carbohydrates and release carbon dioxide and methane gas. They also help breakdown remaining protein into waste and hydrogen sulphide gas; Removal of water from feces; Intestinal bacteria aid in production of riboflavin, nicotinic acid, biotin, folic acid, and vitamin K; Absorbs inorganic solutes or chemicals and secrets them into blood to be decoded detoxified by the liver.
Acute symptoms: Gas; Tenderness in abdomen: Odorous diarrhea; Tension in muscles reducing force of movement; Spastic condition in colon; Headaches; Problem in colon(s) can affect any organ in the body through nerve reflexes.
Chronic symptoms: Gas; Protruding abdomen; Headaches; Lack of peristaltic action; Congested, cake mucus lining; Lack of intestinal bacteria; Low vitamin production; Bad breath; Backache, hemorrhoidal pressure; Prostate pressure; Hard, dry stool; Low-grade infection possible.
In iridology, we find that the area corresponding to the intestines is almost invariably the darkest portion of the irises. It is also seldom lighter in color than lesions elsewhere in the irises. This suggests that the bowel is usually the most toxic system in the entire body. I would further suggest that the colon is, itself, the most toxic area of the bowel and the descending colon is more problematic than the ascending or transverse colon. Many pathological conditions of the body can be traced directly back to the colon, due to the fact that when the colon is taken care of, other problems often go into remission. (Bernard Jensen, Iridology, The Science and The Practice in the Healing Arts)
Digestive and eliminative functions: Peristalsis moves food and wastes along passage; Food in the stomach starts mass peristalsis that moves the colonic masses into the rectum; Secretion of mucus; Intestinal bacteria digest remaining carbohydrates and release carbon dioxide and methane gas. They also help breakdown remaining protein into waste and hydrogen sulphide gas; Removal of water from feces; Intestinal bacteria aid in production of riboflavin, nicotinic acid, biotin, folic acid, and vitamin K; Absorbs inorganic solutes or chemicals and secrets them into blood to be decoded detoxified by the liver.
Acute symptoms: Gas; Tenderness in abdomen: Odorous diarrhea; Tension in muscles reducing force of movement; Spastic condition in colon; Headaches; Problem in colon(s) can affect any organ in the body through nerve reflexes.
Chronic symptoms: Gas; Protruding abdomen; Headaches; Lack of peristaltic action; Congested, cake mucus lining; Lack of intestinal bacteria; Low vitamin production; Bad breath; Backache, hemorrhoidal pressure; Prostate pressure; Hard, dry stool; Low-grade infection possible.
In iridology, we find that the area corresponding to the intestines is almost invariably the darkest portion of the irises. It is also seldom lighter in color than lesions elsewhere in the irises. This suggests that the bowel is usually the most toxic system in the entire body. I would further suggest that the colon is, itself, the most toxic area of the bowel and the descending colon is more problematic than the ascending or transverse colon. Many pathological conditions of the body can be traced directly back to the colon, due to the fact that when the colon is taken care of, other problems often go into remission. (Bernard Jensen, Iridology, The Science and The Practice in the Healing Arts)
Without digestion, absorption and elimination we die. This canal—mouth through anus—is how you introduce energy and chemistry from foods into your body. From the colon on is where and how we eliminate our wastes, which is vital to the survival of your body. The proper elimination of wastes from food digestion and cellular metabolism is as important as the ingestion of your foods. (Dr. Morse, The Detox Miracle Sourcebook)
The Liver
The liver is a vital organ responsible for numerous functions in the body, including detoxification. Detoxification is the process by which the liver eliminates harmful substances and waste products from the body. It plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being.
The liver acts as a filter, continuously working to remove toxins and other unwanted substances from the bloodstream. It receives blood from the digestive system, which contains nutrients, medications, and toxins absorbed from the intestines. These substances are then processed by the liver to either be utilized by the body or eliminated as waste.
Liver detoxification involves a series of complex biochemical reactions that convert toxins into less harmful compounds, making them easier for the body to eliminate. The liver utilizes enzymes and other molecules to break down toxins into water-soluble substances that can be excreted through urine or bile.
The detoxification process in the liver consists of two main phases: Phase I and Phase II. In Phase I, enzymes called cytochrome P450s modify the chemical structure of toxins, making them more reactive. This step prepares the toxins for further processing in Phase II.
Phase II involves conjugation, where the reactive toxins from Phase I are combined with other molecules, such as glutathione, amino acids, or sulfur compounds. This conjugation process makes the toxins less toxic and more water-soluble, facilitating their elimination from the body.
Liver detoxification is essential for maintaining a healthy body as it helps to eliminate harmful substances that can accumulate over time. By efficiently detoxifying the body, the liver supports optimal functioning of other organs and systems, such as the immune system, digestive system, and hormonal balance.
Liver detoxification is a continuous process that occurs naturally in the body. The liver is designed to handle a certain amount of toxins, but excessive exposure to toxins, such as alcohol, drugs, or environmental pollutants, can overwhelm its detoxification capacity. (1)
The liver acts as a filter, continuously working to remove toxins and other unwanted substances from the bloodstream. It receives blood from the digestive system, which contains nutrients, medications, and toxins absorbed from the intestines. These substances are then processed by the liver to either be utilized by the body or eliminated as waste.
Liver detoxification involves a series of complex biochemical reactions that convert toxins into less harmful compounds, making them easier for the body to eliminate. The liver utilizes enzymes and other molecules to break down toxins into water-soluble substances that can be excreted through urine or bile.
The detoxification process in the liver consists of two main phases: Phase I and Phase II. In Phase I, enzymes called cytochrome P450s modify the chemical structure of toxins, making them more reactive. This step prepares the toxins for further processing in Phase II.
Phase II involves conjugation, where the reactive toxins from Phase I are combined with other molecules, such as glutathione, amino acids, or sulfur compounds. This conjugation process makes the toxins less toxic and more water-soluble, facilitating their elimination from the body.
Liver detoxification is essential for maintaining a healthy body as it helps to eliminate harmful substances that can accumulate over time. By efficiently detoxifying the body, the liver supports optimal functioning of other organs and systems, such as the immune system, digestive system, and hormonal balance.
Liver detoxification is a continuous process that occurs naturally in the body. The liver is designed to handle a certain amount of toxins, but excessive exposure to toxins, such as alcohol, drugs, or environmental pollutants, can overwhelm its detoxification capacity. (1)
The Lungs
Lungs – Function: Two lungs are located in the chest area in the thoracic cavity, they are covered with pleural membrane; The right lung is larger with three lobes, the left is smaller and contains two lobes, leaving room for the heart; The primary function of the lung is gas exchange with the blood and lymph.
Acute symptoms: Painful breathing, Excessive catarrh production; Local inflammation of part of lung; Asthma; Excessive mucus production; Pneumonia possible; Scar from pneumonia possible; Difficulty breathing (dyspnea); Irritation from marijuana/tobacco smoke can cause acute condition.
Chronic symptoms: Poor elimination; Emphysema or other breathing difficulties; Coughing/spitting; Loss of surface area for gas exchange; Shortness of breath; Faintness/ dizziness; Throat catarrh; Poor posture; Smoker’s damage (usually to lower lung).
Bronchioles function major air passage and lungs, contains a great deal of muscle which can spasm, gas exchange takes place in and of bronchioles.
Acute symptoms: Painful breathing, Excessive catarrh production; Local inflammation of part of lung; Asthma; Excessive mucus production; Pneumonia possible; Scar from pneumonia possible; Difficulty breathing (dyspnea); Irritation from marijuana/tobacco smoke can cause acute condition.
Chronic symptoms: Poor elimination; Emphysema or other breathing difficulties; Coughing/spitting; Loss of surface area for gas exchange; Shortness of breath; Faintness/ dizziness; Throat catarrh; Poor posture; Smoker’s damage (usually to lower lung).
Bronchioles function major air passage and lungs, contains a great deal of muscle which can spasm, gas exchange takes place in and of bronchioles.
Resources & Recommended
Additional Sources Cited
(1) https://www.darwynhealth.com
(2) brainly.com
(2) brainly.com