Detoxification is a process that follows a very precise sequence. Only water-soluble toxins can be eliminated. The body must therefore first transform liposoluble (fat-soluble) toxins into water-soluble products. Here's how this process works in simple terms.
- During the first stage, the so-called "phase 1" enzymes (or cytochrome P450) neutralise the eliminable toxins and transform the others into intermediate-form toxins (which are sometimes more harmful than in their original form!). The liver plays a key role at this stage, as it contains a large quantity of enzymes that can carry out this transformation.
- In the second stage, phase 2 enzymes transform intermediate-form toxic substances into eliminable toxic substances.
- Third and final stage: the transformed molecules are now ready for elimination. Depending on their nature, they are eliminated via the bile, faeces, urine, exhaled air, sweat, etc.
Note: during this process, the body produces large quantities of free radicals. These are responsible for ageing and many illnesses, so they need to be neutralised, and to do this we need an adequate supply of antioxidants. In the liver, the most important of these is glutathione.
When self-cleaning systems seize up...
Emunctories are capable of filtering and eliminating a certain quantity of undesirable substances. But we mustn't overdo it! When the quantity of toxins to be treated exceeds this elimination capacity, various disorders appear, depending on which emunctory is overwhelmed. The typical, but fortunately temporary, example is a hangover. A hangover is the result of absorbing more alcohol than the liver can eliminate. With all the symptoms that follow: headaches, nausea, irritability, trouble sleeping, etc. When the self-cleansing systems seize up, the risk is of suffering a permanent, general hangover. So you can see how urgent it is to take action!
The proper functioning of the liver emunctory can be threatened by alcohol or drug abuse, but also by excessive consumption of fats (remember that the bile salts contained in bile are essential for digesting fats), sugars or animal proteins, or by overexposure to various toxins (heavy metals, pesticides, additives, etc.).
Symptoms of liver clogging: nausea, digestive problems, skin problems, migraines, immune weakness, allergies, fatigue, menstrual problems, etc.
The proper functioning of the intestinal emunctory can be disrupted by imbalances in the intestinal flora, themselves linked to the use of certain medications (antibiotics in particular, but also antidepressants or antispasmodics). A poor diet, lacking in fruit and vegetables, and therefore in transit-regulating fibre, is also to blame, as constipation encourages the reabsorption of toxins. Another major factor in dysfunction is intestinal porosity. Clearly, the mucosa no longer plays its filtering role properly, and allows toxins to pass into the blood and lymph, which can exacerbate clogging. This porosity may be linked to food intolerance, excessive exposure to chemicals, etc.
Symptoms of clogged intestines: constipation, diarrhoea, poor digestion, bloating (signs of fermentation), etc.
The proper functioning of the kidney emunctory can be threatened by poor hydration. The kidneys need a sufficient quantity of water to do their job without becoming exhausted. Otherwise, urine is too concentrated and can irritate or even damage the mucous membrane. It's worth remembering that fruit and vegetables are also a good source of water: a diet too low in plant foods is therefore harmful. A diet too rich in sugars, fats or various additives is also harmful, as it increases the amount of waste that the kidneys have to manage.
Symptoms of clogged kidneys: urinary tract infections, kidney stones, renal colitis, gout, water retention, etc.
The proper functioning of the emunctory lungs is hampered by breathing too shallowly (not taking the time to breathe properly, deeply and deeply) and by the accumulation of toxins linked to smoking or pollution. Lack of physical activity is also detrimental to the proper functioning of the lungs, which need to be trained.
Symptoms of clogged lungs: colds and repeated ENT infections (bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, etc.).
The proper functioning of the skin emunctory can be impaired by a lack of physical activity (and therefore a lack of perspiration) or excessive use of cosmetic products that suffocate the skin and sweat glands (particularly anti-perspirants, synthetic cosmetics, astringent products, etc.). The malfunctioning of other emunctories can also have repercussions on the skin: toxins accumulate and try to escape through the skin. It's not by chance that digestive problems are said to 'give you pimples' or a dull complexion!
Symptoms of skin clogging: eczema, psoriasis, dry or oily skin, erythema, acne, etc.
