The definition of a toxin is a harmful, poisonous substance that is not organic to the environment. Many people think of toxins as causing immediate and sometimes critical harm, such as snake venom, or a chemical like arsenic. However, certain toxins can also poison us more slowly, causing debilitating health problems over time.
It is impossible to live in today’s modern society and avoid toxins. They are in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the products we use. Toxins can also come from inside the body. They generate from stress, bad bacteria, chronic low level infections, and waste materials from natural systemic processes. Even when we think we are doing things right by eating organically, and avoiding harsh chemicals in our homes, toxins still hide and wreak havoc on our bodies, and our health.
When thinking about how toxins make us sick, let’s think of the human body as a boat. Ideally, there are not any holes in it and we never take on excess water that cannot be bailed out. In this analogy, bailing out refers to the body’s ability to detoxify and eliminate toxic waste. The holes in the boat refer to the different toxins that the body is exposed to. One tiny hole is not too bad, if the water can be bailed out. The more holes that develop, and the larger they grow, it becomes more difficult to stay afloat. Over time, if we are not bailing out enough water (detoxing), then the boat becomes too full and will eventually sink.
The body has automatic processes in place to manage a moderate level of toxins, especially those produced as byproducts of our other systems. The kidneys, liver and lymphatic system are primarily responsible for detoxifying internally generated, and externally absorbed toxins from the body. An overload of toxins will cause them to accumulate in other organs and tissues. This congestion can have profound systemic effects on the nervous, digestive, endocrine, renal, musculoskeletal, immunological, and cardiovascular systems. These toxins can create symptoms such as fever, fatigue, depression, brain fog, gut dysfunction, joint pain, heart issues and central nervous system problems. They also increase the risk of certain cancers because of the damage they can cause at the cellular level.
The body’s ability to manage and eliminate toxins is a critical process in achieving good health. There are 2 things we can do to aid this process, 1) Minimize exposure to toxins, and 2) make sure the body’s detoxification system is functioning at the optimum level. Minimizing exposure to external toxins such as products with carcinogens, neurotoxins and endocrine disruptors is a great place start. Minimizing stress will help reduce the amount of toxins that are generated internally, while hydration and regular exercise will help eliminate them through sweat. In other words, we must lessen the number of holes in the boat and keep them as small as possible to keep the boat from sinking.
Eating organic foods, breathing purified air, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, increasing mobility, and staying hydrated are great ways to assist the body with processing and eliminating toxins. In modern society, it is very difficult to stay ahead of the game; Fortunately, there are many “bio-hacks” available that can accelerate the body’s ability to detoxify efficiently!
The infrared sauna is a great modality to help fast-track the removal of toxins. Like the other modalities that we offer at Restore, the infrared sauna works from the inside out, using the body’s natural systems. Conventional hot saunas heat the air with steam, which can be unbearably hot, compromise breathing and only allow the body to sweat at the tissue surface. Infrared saunas use soothing dry heat, are well ventilated, and are extremely comfortable and relaxing. The infrared wavelength is generated from the sun and can penetrate deep into the tissues without burning the skin. This wavelength is known to be used in hospitals to warm newborns, so it is guaranteed to be safe.
Since infrared rays can penetrate deep into the body’s tissues, the core temperature increases, therefore, producing a deep, detoxifying sweat. Detoxifying the body through the skin allows toxic waste to bypass the kidneys and liver, which are often overloaded and compromised. The Sunglighten infrared sauna generates a sweat 7x more detoxifying than a traditional sauna. Sweat Analysis for a regular sauna shows 97% water and 3% toxins released. With the infrared sauna, the sweat that is released is composed of 80% water and 20% toxins!
It is suggested that you start with 1, or 2, 20 minute sessions to acclimate your body to the modality. Our staff is available to help you determine the most suitable protocols to reach your optimum health goals.
For the best results, it is suggested that you use the Whole-Body Cryotherapy, and the Infrared Sauna in combination. First, reboot the body with cryotherapy. Then detox in the infrared sauna using the positive effects of the sun, without the harmful rays.
Questions? Please contact me, I am here to help!
Phone:(610) 341.9300
Email: drgray@restorecryosauna.com
References:
Margaret E. Sears, Kathleen J. Kerr, Riina I. Bray; Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury in Sweat: A Systematic Review; Journal of Environmental and Public Health Volume 2012
Sunlighten
Center for Disease Control
