the clinical management of detoxification...reduced glutathione has not been consistently shown to...

Functional Medicine University’s Functional Diagnostic Medicine

Training Program

Module 6 * FMDT 555B

The Clinical Management of Detoxification

By Wayne L. Sodano, D.C., D.A.B.C.I., & Ron Grisanti, D.C., D.A.B.C.O., M.S. http://www.FunctionalMedicineUniversity.com

Limits of Liability & Disclaimer of Warranty

We have designed this book to provide information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is made available with the understanding that the authors are not liable for the misconceptions or misuse of information provided. The purpose of this book is to educate. It is not meant to be a comprehensive source for the topic covered, and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment, or intended as a substitute for medical counseling. Information contained in this book should not be construed as a claim or representation that any treatment, process or interpretation mentioned constitutes a cure, palliative, or ameliorative. The information covered is intended to supplement the practitioner’s knowledge of their patient. It should be considered as adjunctive and support to other diagnostic medical procedures. This material contains elements protected under International and Federal Copyright laws and treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited.

Functional Medicine University; Functional Diagnostic Medicine Training Program/Insider’s Guide

Module 6: FDMT 555B: The Clinical Management of Detoxification Copyright © 2010 Functional Medicine University, All Rights Reserved

http://www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/

Functional Medicine University’s

Functional Diagnostic Medicine Training Program

Module 6: FDMT 555B: The Clinical Management of Detoxification

By Wayne L. Sodano, D.C., D.A.B.C.I., & Ron Grisanti, D.C., D.A.B.C.O., M.S.

http://www.FunctionalMedicineUniversity.com

1

Contents

Review of Examples of Toxins 2

The Major Systems of Detoxification 2

Detoxification Functions of Specific Nutrients 3

Basic Steps to Reduce Toxic Exposure and Load 4

Basic Methods for Increasing Rates Of Detoxification 5

Daily Detoxification for Health Maintenance 6

Functional Medicine University’s Detoxification Procedural Considerations for the Symptomatic Patient 7

Heavy Metal Detoxification Program 8

Functional Medicine Tests 8

Testing options for Heavy metal Toxins 9

Captomer (DMSA) Protocol for Heavy Metal Detoxification 10

Far Infrared Sauna 11

Dr. Sherry A. Rogers Far Infrared Sauna Detoxification Protocol 11

References 14

Additional Resources 14

Summary 14






2

At its very basic, the treatment of toxic exposure and its adverse health effects requires:

1. Avoidance and/or reduction of toxic exposure

2. Facilitation of toxic removal

[Please refer to lesson FDMT551B Sources of Toxins in order to identify toxicant sources. This process requires

a detailed patient history and vigilance on the practitioner’s part.]

Review of Examples of Toxins

Infectious organism – bacteria, viruses, yeast, parasites

Allergens - food, mold, dust, pollen

Medications

Heavy metals – lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, aluminum

Metabolic by-products - nitrogen, bile, urea, ammonium, bacteria by-products

Anti-nutrients – high fructose corn syrup, trans-fatty acids, alcohol, processed foods

Stress – toxic emotions

Water, air, and other environmental sources

The Major Systems of Detoxification

Liver and gallbladder

Kidneys

Gastrointestinal

Skin

Lungs

Lymphatic

Circulatory

Emotional

“Nutrition plays a key role in toxin management, which requires a significant portion of total-body energy generation, as

well as integrated function of the gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, cardiovascular, renal, lung, skin, and immune systems.” 1

The functions of these systems are used to prevent toxin entry and to modify toxins for removal.

The metabolic functions of the detoxification/biotransformation process are nutrient driven due to the formation of new

chemical bonds. Patients with nutrient deficiencies have reduced toxicant clearance. Dietary habits also influence the

detoxification. For example, low protein diets will decrease clearance of toxicants.






3

Reprinted with permission: Lord RS, Bralley JA eds. Laboratory Evaluations for Integrative and Functional Medicine, Duluth, GA.,

Metametrix Institute, 2008

[Specific nutrient interventions should be guided by all laboratory test results.]

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Human Monitoring Program, established by the U.S. Public Health

Service in 1967, used an exposure-based approach to assess human exposure to toxic substances. Its primary component

was the National Human Adipose Tissue Survey (NHATS). The objectives of the NHATS survey were to estimate

baseline levels and trends of exposure to toxic chemicals for the U.S. population and selected subpopulations. The United

States Environmental Protection Agency biopsy studies of human adipose tissue concluded that all humans have

chemicals (toxins) stored in the adipose tissue. Chemicals such as, PCBs, xylene, styrene, dioxins and pesticides were

found as well as many others. The bottom line is that we are all carrying toxins in our bodies. It is our obligation as

functional medicine practitioners to inform all of our patients, family members and friends of this fact. We also need to

spread the “word” about dietary and environmental factor contributing to the vast majority of cancers. According to the

National Cancer Institute’s 2005 – 2007 survey, there is a 40.77 percent lifetime risk of being diagnosed with cancer. The

lifetime risk of being diagnosed with cancer in the 1975 – 1977 survey was about 33 percent.






4

Functional Medicine University’s position statement on detoxification protocols is as follows:

Functional Medicine University is not a proponent of using detoxification protocols without prior testing for toxins,

nutritional status, as well as accountability for biochemical individuality and gastrointestinal function.

Basic Steps to Reduce Toxic Exposure and Load

The first major step is to teach all patients how to decrease their daily toxic exposure. This is accomplished by providing

dietary and housekeeping information. Please provide your patient with a list of the following recommendations.

Do not wear shoes indoors

Replace the furnace filters every 6 weeks with a high quality pleated filter rated at MERV 7-9 (The higher the

MERV-minimum efficiency reporting value- rating, the fewer dust particles and other airborne contaminants can

pass through)Most hospitals use a 9-10.

Have dry-cleaning air out in the garage or car trunk for a week before bringing it into the house

Do not smoke indoors

Consider replacing carpet with tile or stone flooring

Use non-scented laundry detergent and fabric softener

Consider using an air purifier system. Make sure that the system is able to clean the entire air room every 20 to 30

minute. (you will need to know the cubic feet of the area you are filtering and match it to the units capacity- cubic

feet is length time width time height)

Consider using a home water filtration system – (Ionizer Plus Water Electrolyer can clean the water as well as

alkalize it.)

Avoid toxic exposure present in foods www.foodnews.org

http://www.foodnews.org/






5

Use organic for all dairy consumption (especially butter)

Do not eat any farm raised or Atlantic salmon. Freely eat Alaskan wild caught salmon

Avoid the fish with the highest mercury content: shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tuna, orange roughy, marlin,

Chilean bass, lobster, halibut and snapper,

Freely eat the fish with the lower mercury content: clams, ocean perch, Alaskan salmon, flounder, sole and catfish

Basic methods for increasing rates of detoxification include:

Exercise, sauna, and massage

- Increases circulation

Daily intake of cruciferous vegetables

- ( broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, rutabaga, turnips,

bok choy, arugala, horse radish, wasabi, and watercress)– cruciferous vegetables are a rich source of

sulfur-containing compounds known as glucosinolates which become hydrolyzed to indole-3-carbinal and

isothiocyanates. Cruciferous vegetables increase the rate of Phase I and Phase II detoxification. Considers

recommending at least five servings per week, if not daily servings. (Caution: cruciferous vegetables are

goitrogenic. Do not over prescribe if your patient has hypothyroidism)

Maintain hydration status

- Considering that the average daily output of urine is 1.5 liters per day and additional water is lost through

breathing, the average intake should be about 2 liters of water. You must also consider your patient’s

activity levels and ambient temperature. Considers having your patient purchase a water filtration system

and use glass bottles to put the water in. (glass water bottles can be purchased at www.natural-

lifestyle.com )

Fecal excretion

- Unabsorbed fiber binds many toxins and allows them to be removed in the stool. The recommended

amount of daily fiber intake should be 30-35 grams per day. Consider supplemental support if your

patient is unable to maintain a greater than 30 grams of fiber per day. ( suppliers of fiber: Key Company-

Bulk-K, Thorne – MediBulk, and GAIA Herbs- Clean Phase CGL-Detox)

Cholagogue(s)

- These substances increase bile flow and can be used in conjunction with appropriate fiber intake and

bowel movements to assist in removal of toxins. Olive oil, milk thistle, peppermint and dandelion root.

(Be sure to assess liver, gallbladder and gastrointestinal function before prescribing cholagogues. Do not

use during gallbladder attack)

Note: Since the majority of the immune system and a significant amount of the detoxification system are in the

gastrointestinal tract, optimal function is paramount.

http://www.natural/






6

Daily Detoxification for Health Maintenance

The following recommendations are for the patient that has been assessed for nutritional deficiency, gastrointestinal

function and daily toxic exposure. If nutritional status and gastrointestinal function is optimal (continue with basic daily

nutritional supplementation recommendations) consider prescribing the following:

The daily detoxification solution

- 1-4 grams of buffered vitamin C, 300-600 milligrams of alpha lipoic acid and 400-800 milligrams of reduced

glutathione take with about 16 ounces of purified water. This solution can be used twice a day. This solution

increases both Phase I and Phase II detoxification.

Glutathione

- Has multiple functions. It serves as a co-factor for glutathione peroxidases, which are critical for selenium

containing antioxidants; it is a co-factor for glutathione S-transferases, which are enzymes involved in

detoxification of xenobiotics; and is involved in the regeneration of vitamin C. Glutathione is a composed of

three amino acids; glutamine, glycine and cysteine, and requires the co-factor selenium for its formation.

Chronic functional deficiency of glutathione is associated with many disorders. Oral administration of

reduced glutathione has not been consistently shown to elevate plasma levels of glutathione; however there is

evidence that glutathione is absorbed by the enterocytes. (You should recall that the enterocytes perform

Phase I and phase II detoxification) NAC (N-acetylcysteine) is the bioavailable form of L-cysteine, which is

a precursor to glutathione. (Suppliers of reduced glutathione: Tyler Encapsulations – recancostat;

Researched Nutritionals – liposomal glutathione; Thorne – hydrolyzed whey protein (provides the

substrates for glutathione production.)

Lipoic acid

- Is the universal antioxidant. Lipoic acid is capable of neutralizing hydroxyl radicals, hypochlorite radicals,

peroxyl radicals, single oxygen radicals and hydrogen peroxide radicals. It also can regenerate vitamins C

and E.

Magnesium

- Magnesium is a key co-factor in both methylation and sulfur amino acid metabolism, and is therefore

involved in the production of glutathione and SAMe. ( S-adenosylmethionine) Magnesium is also required

for the formation of active cofactors from vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6. Magnesium is required for both

phases of detoxification. Magnesium status should be checked by assessing RBC magnesium.






7

If specific toxic exposure is known (occupational, positive toxicant(s) test and/or region specific exposure) consider

prescribing the following:

- Solvent Remover (Thorne Research)

- Pesticide Protector (Thorne)

- Indole-3-Carbinol (Thorne) – Indole-3-carbinol up-regulates phase I and phase II detoxification enzymes and

increases the ratio of 2-hydroxy/16-hydroxy estrogens.

- Calcium D-Glucarate (Thorne) – This supplement aids in liver detoxification (phase II glucuronidation) of

hormones and xenobiotics. Calcium D-glucarate inhibits beta-glucuronidase, preventing the recycling of

hormones and carcinogenic toxins

- Formaldehyde Relief (Thorne)

- Indolplex (Tyler Encapsulations) – used to prevent hormonal damage due to plastics and pesticides. This

supplement contains DIM – diindolylmethane


Detoxification Procedural Considerations for the Symptomatic Patient

The complete detoxification program includes: assessing and, if necessary restoring gastrointestinal function; assessing,

and if necessary treating for heavy metal toxicity; and reducing toxins stored in adipose tissue (As stated earlier, all

humans have toxins in their adipose tissue to some degree). If the gastrointestinal system is not functioning properly, your

patient will be at a standstill in terms of healing other conditions, as well as decreasing detoxification capacity.

As with all functional medicine patients, a comprehensive history (including environmental questionnaire and

detoxification questionnaire), comprehensive exam, and basic laboratory tests (CBC, blood chemistry and urinalysis) must

be performed before implementing any detoxification program or protocols. It’s important to assess the organs of

elimination (liver, gastrointestinal and kidney) for their capacity to withstand the detoxification protocols.

Clinical decision making with regard to functional medicine testing is based on the initial evaluation. The patient history

and initial lab testing should guide the decision making process. This task can be difficult and the “medical detective”

concept needs to be employed. An example of this is a patient with persistent high homocysteine blood level in spite of

aggressive treatment. Blood lead was found to be associated with homocysteine levels in a large general population

sample; therefore heavy metal toxicity assessment should be at the top of the list of test considerations.2






8

Functional Medicine Tests

Note: Companies sited may not be the only one performing the specified test.

Comprehensive stool analysis (GIFx – Metametrix)

Red Blood Cell nutritional and toxic element test (Metametrix)

Organic acid test (Metametrix)

Food allergy test (Celiac disease testing)

Fatty acid test (Metametrix)

Estronex test (Metametrix)

Urinary halide test (Doctor’s Data)

Detoxification profile (may not be available- use the Organic acid test as a substitute)

Toxic profile test (Metametrix)

Urine Toxic Metal Test (Doctor’s Data)

Heavy Metal Detoxification Program

Reprinted with permission: Lord RS, Bralley JA eds. Laboratory Evaluations for Integrative and Functional Medicine, Duluth, GA.,

Metametrix Institute, 2008






9

Testing options for Heavy metal Toxins:

There is no single test that can show total body burden of heavy metals.

Hair - Hair analysis provides a 3 month past history of exposure

Blood – Blood shows acute heavy metal toxicity. Does not reflect tissue accumulation

Urine – pre- and post challenge testing (performing both tests provides the following clinical information:

indentifies current exposure; and the effectiveness of the chelating agent (pre- and post-testing is the only way

of assessing cadmium toxicity.

Fecal

Provocative urine testing can provide an indication of body burden and the ability of the chelating agent to clear the metal

from the body.

1. Run a non-provoked 24-hour heavy metal test to get a baseline of the amount of metals being cleared by the body

on a random day. (Urine Toxic Metal Test)

2. Run a creatinine clearance test to ensure adequate kidney function. Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), the

sulfhyryl-containing oral chelating agent, clears metals through the kidneys, and can increase stress on the

kidneys during detoxification. If creatinine clearance is low, you will need to consider other methods of heavy

metal detoxification (e.g. far infrared sauna therapy) DO NOT use DMSA if creatinine clearance is low.

3. Chelation Challenge Test (aka: The Provocative Challenge Test): Give an oral dose of DMSA (Captomer- the

supplier is Thorne Research) of 10mg/kg body weight/ day in divided doses between meals for three days. During

the third day, while still dosing with DMSA; have the patient collect a 24-hour urine. You will need to have your

patient follow the instructions provided by the lab performing the test.

[Note: You should consider having the patient take one capsule of DMSA before starting the heavy metal testing to

ensure they are not sensitive to the sulfur.]

[Note: The more convenient 6 to 8 hour collection is effective. A large percentage of the chelating agents are cleared into

the urine in the first few hours after administration.]






10

Captomer (DMSA) Protocol for Heavy Metal Detoxification

(Do not use on pregnant or lactating women)

1. Captomer is dosed in cycles (3 days on and 11 days off is considered one cycle; some physicians use 5 days on

and 9 days off as one cycle) The more toxic or ill patient will need longer breaks between dosing. The dosage is

based on 10 mg/kg of body weight. The calculated amount will be divided into smaller dosage and administered

on treatment days between meals. The cycles are repeated from 3 to 6 times. RBC minerals will need to be tested

pre- and post- treatment to determine essential mineral status. Keep in mind that chelating agents will also chelate

essential minerals. At the beginning of the 5th Captomer cycle, perform another 24-hour urine toxic metal test to

check for clearing metals. (Note; if the patient is experiencing an increase of symptoms from the Captomer, the

dosage may need to be decreased or stopped.) To ensure heavy metals are not getting recycled, colonic irrigation

is recommended at least one time per week. Other supportive measures include far infrared sauna and

hydrotherapy.

2. DMSA Treatment day supplements – While the patient is “on” Captomer (DMSA) no mineral should be taken.

(The DMSA will only pull them out along with toxic metals).

Supplements to take on the DMSA treatment day include:


Fiber - use Bulk –K or MediBulk

Hydrolyzed whey protein (Thorne Research) – necessary for detoxification; increases glutathione levels;

hydrolyzed compensates for low HCl and decrease possible whey allergy. If the patient is allergic to whey use

rice as a substitute.

Filtered water

Probiotics

Supplement to take on the “off” DMSA (Captomer) days

Hydrolyzed whey protein

Basic Detox Nutrients (Thorne Research)

Fiber

Filtered water


Probiotics

BE SURE TO PERFORM A FOLLOW-UP URINE HEAVY METAL TEST AT THE BEGINNING OF EVERY 5TH

CYCLE. SOME METALS MAY INCREASE ON THE FOLLOW-UP URINE TEST. YOU MAY NEED TO

CONTINUE THIS PROTOCOL FOR 6 MONTHS OR MORE. ALWAYS RETEST FOR MINERAL STATUS BY

RBC TESTING EVERY 2 TO 4 MONTHS.






11

Far Infrared Sauna

The Electromagnetic Spectrum: Highest to Lowest Wavelength and Frequency:

Gamma > X-Rays>Ultraviolet>Visible Light> Infrared>Microwave>Radio

The term "infrared" refers to a broad range of frequencies, beginning at the top end of those frequencies used for

communication and extending up the low frequency (red) end of the visible spectrum. The range adjacent to the visible

spectrum is called the "near infrared" and the longer wavelength part is called "far infrared".

Far infrared sauna uses heat energy that penetrates the skin (about 1 ½ inches), triggering mobilization of toxins from

subcutaneous adipose storage, directly into the sweat. Far infrared detoxifies by vibrating chemical bonds, essentially

breaking them free for removal in the sweat.

The patient must be evaluated (history-especially current medications, physical exam and nutritional status- especially

minerals), before implementing far infrared sauna protocols.

Dr. Sherry A. Rogers Far Infrared Sauna Detoxification Protocol

(The principles outlined below are excerpted from Dr. Sherry Rogers’ book "Detoxify or Die")

How to Detoxify

Even though the body has one proven mechanism for dumping environmental toxins, many folks can't sweat.

Environmental chemicals have so damaged the autonomic nervous system that it's like having a broken thermostat. For

others, they feel dreadfully ill if they try to sweat. After driving the tractor to spray chemicals on hundreds of acres of

upstate New York cornfields, I was one of those folks who never sweat. For those who do sweat, high heat causes the

mobilization into the bloodstream of nasty chemicals from "safe" storage in fat, heightening symptoms. As well, loss of

precious nutrients along with the chemicals can precipitate serious medical problems.

A specific detoxification program is needed to circumvent these problems, while first making sure the detoxification

pathways are strong enough to handle the extra burden of mobilized chemicals. As well, I'll show you how folks, for whom

high temperatures are forbidden, like congestive heart failure and high blood pressure patients, can use this program.

Because like anything else in life, there's a huge spectrum of people and their individual intolerances. With a sauna

program, there are those who breeze right through and others who cannot even get started. So regardless of your status,

let's get you over these hurdles.

Sweating Out Toxins, as Easy as 1, 2, 3

“If you think you are basically a healthy person, you can probably just jump in the sauna for up to an hour a day at 110-

120 degrees, remembering 1, 2, 3:

1. Use the sauna replenishment nutrients before going in,

2. Your detox cocktail when you come out, and

3. Your daily nutrients around 12 hours later.






12

However, since we are addressing an audience with a wide variety of health conditions, deficiencies and toxicities, let’s

get you a lot more knowledgeable about potential problems that can occur and how to thwart them. As well, if you happen

to be one who has poor initial tolerance to sauna, doesn’t sweat, or who has tough chemicals that put up a struggle,

there’s a lot more you should know.”

General Rules for the FIR Sauna

“Start using the sauna at 100°F, in short 10-20 minute increments at first, building up a feel for your body’s tolerance.

Use less heat if you feel discomfort initially. Older, sicker, or folks who feel initial discomfort should proceed at a much

slower pace and even lower temperatures. The far infrared sauna wavelength penetrates 1-1/2 inches into the body,

generally enabling chemicals to come directly out of subcutaneous fat storage sites into sweat. This avoids a worsening of

symptoms seen when high heat saunas pull chemicals out of safe storage, then directly into the bloodstream on their way

to the sweat. For once the chemicals are in the bloodstream, you can duplicate some of your worst old symptoms

.

If you suspect you’ve had severe poisonings that may create serious withdrawal symptoms as you mobilize chemicals, go

at a slower pace. For example, if you used cocaine or heroin and did crazy things while on it, you may want someone in

attendance with you as you go through mobilization and dumping of these unpredictable drug residues. Even though the

far infrared method is much safer and does not generally precipitate symptoms, I’ve learned after 32 years in medicine

that there are always exceptions to any rule.

If you are pregnant, have metal parts in your body, take important medications whose levels should not change (like

insulin, seizure or heart medications), or are within 48 hours of an acute injury (still in the swelling phase), definitely

check with your doctor. In fact any time you embark on a health program, his/her input should be included in your

decision-making.

It is a good idea to get a complete physical from your doctor when you discuss your sauna plans. If you are on any

medications, sauna may help you detoxify and get rid of important drugs too quickly, thereby changing your blood levels.

For some drugs this is not desirable, or you may need to have blood levels of the drug drawn, or have other parameters

that are affected by the drug monitored.

I suggest you take your blood pressure, temperature, respiratory rate, weight and pulse rate, assessing its regularity

before and after the first few saunas. If you are fragile, check them every 10-15 minutes while in the sauna. It is just good

sense to have a blood pressure cuff (sphygmomanometer), stethoscope and thermometer around the house anyway. Any

neighborhood nurse, local firehouse ambulance personnel, pharmacist, or your doctor’s nurse, etc. can show you how to

use them.”

There is no prize for getting to a high temperature or being

able to tolerate hours in the sauna. Be gentle with your body

and as soon as you feel any discomfort, that’s enough for one

day.






13

If your blood pressure, pulse or respiratory rate increases 10 points, get out of the sauna for the day. You’ve had enough

for a beginner until your next day’s session. Why stress your body any more than it has already been stressed throughout

your life? Next session use a shorter time and lower temperature along with increasing your minerals and water. If your

oral temperature goes over 100 F., stop for the day.

If you weigh less after a sauna, you did not drink enough water to compensate for the loss. A good rule of thumb is to

weigh your towels before and after the sauna, drinking the difference in weight in spring water. That is, if your towels

gained 3 pounds of water, drink 3 pounds of water. Also keep a little diary and document any symptoms. If you get

exaggerated withdrawal symptoms, it could be magnesium or other mineral deficiencies as opposed to withdrawal

symptoms from some prescription medication, recreational drug, or past chemical exposure (see emergency measures

below).

If you are very apprehensive, start with 10 minutes daily at 100-110 F. Then slowly advance over the weeks to an hour.

After you tolerate this, you may wish to slowly advance to 130 F. However, many people stay below 120 degrees

Fahrenheit indefinitely. There is no need to go higher. This is not a contest. Some folks start out at 140 degrees

Fahrenheit, and as soon as they sweat within 10-15 minutes, then they drop the temperature down to 100,110 or 120,

wherever they are comfortable. If at any time you feel uncomfortable, you can stop or just open the door and towel off,

cool down for a few seconds and then close the door again.

If you cannot attain any of this in one session, no problem. You may leave it at what you tolerate or get out, shower off

toxins, and sauna again in the same or next day. Remember to keep drying off the sweat with a towel. While in the sauna,

sometimes just opening the door for a bit or turning down the temperature is enough to allow longer exposure. For folks

who are in a hurry to get well, but whose bodies do not let them sauna for more than 15 minutes in the beginning, they

may elect to fool the body and do 15 minutes 2-4 times a day.

You must stop at any time that you experience headache, nausea, fast heart rate, weakness, irregular heart rate (if this is

not a symptom you normally have), shortness of breath, dizziness, disorientation, muscle cramps, muscle spasms or

twitching, or any adverse symptom. Use a tepid shower to cool down slowly without shocking the system. The symptoms of

heat stroke (dry and/or cold skin) are more dangerous and require immediate removal and 1-3 tsp. of Tri-Salts with

plenty of water. Include a retention water enema (1 tbs. of Tri-Salts in 2-4 cups of water) as well. Unless you had a

mineral and fatty acid analysis before you entered, no one knows what nutrient deficiencies you started with. Anything

borderline can be accentuated or made dramatically worse with the losses sustained with any sauna.

Remember the average American diet only provides 40% of the magnesium a person needs in a day. So everyone is low to

begin with. Sauna will only make it worse. Magnesium is the main mineral to be lost in the greatest amount in sweat. Zinc

and calcium is a close second for the most commonly lost minerals, then all the other minerals and nutrients follow. So

since most people already start out with multiple deficiencies, especially magnesium, it is imperative to compensate for

the accentuation of losses incurred by forced sweating.






14

Summary

The vast majority of diseases are caused by environmental toxins, including toxins in the diet. Environmental toxins can

mimic any disease and any symptoms, including hormonal imbalances and cancer. Therefore, identifying, removing and

treating body toxins should be at the forefront of clinical assessment for the functional medicine practitioner.

Additional Resources

Modified citrus pectin – MCP is thought to be used in the prevention and treatment of cancer, not as a curative

therapy of already established tumors. MCP molecules bind to receptors on cancerous cells, thereby preventing

these cells from penetrating into nearby tissue. (Douglas Laboratories and Econugenics) MCP is also used as a

part of some detoxification programs.

Water testing – Doctor’s Data – www.doctorsdata.com

Environmental Working Group – www.ewg.org

U.S. Centers for Disease Control – www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/

Indoor air quality – www.epa.gov.iaq

Infrared Saunas – www.hightechhealth.com

Water filtration system – www.hightechhealth.com (alkalizing water purifier)

References

1. Laboratory Evaluations for Integrative and Functional Medicine, 2nd

ed., Richard S. Lord, J. Alexander Bralley,

Metametrix Institute, Duluth, GA

2. Blood Lead is a Predictor of Homocysteine Levels in a Population-Based Study of Older Adults, Environ Health

Perspect., 2005 January; 112(1): 31-35 Published online 2004 September 7, doi: 10.1289/ehp.7369

3. Detoxify or Die, December 2002 ed, Sherry Rogers, M.D.

4. National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov

5. Environmental Working Group, www.ewg.org

6. Centers for Disease Control, www.cdc.gov

7. Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.gov

http://www.doctorsdata.com/

http://www.ewg.org/

http://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/

http://www.epa.gov.iaq/

http://www.hightechhealth.com/

http://www.hightechhealth.com/

the clinical management of detoxification...reduced glutathione has not been consistently shown to...

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