Primary Prevention for the 21st Century

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients,  Oct, 2001  by Irene Alleger

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The Detox Solution

by Patricia Fitzgerald

Illumination Press, P.O. Box 269, Santa Monica, California 90406 USA; www.the detoxsolution.com

2001, softcover, $19.95 US/$29.95 Can, 436 pp.

Every day we become more aware of the extent of pollution around us, in our environment, and are even beginning to realize the negative effects on our health. However, most people do not yet understand that the toxins we refer to as pollutants in the environment actually accumulate in our bodies, initiating illness. New research is proving the early Naturopaths were correct when they said that toxemia was the root cause of all illness. They were only concerned with the toxins in the bowel in those days. Today, we have heavy metals in our environment that bio-accumulate and poison us eg. mercury and lead; chemicals everywhere and in everything, which are not only carcinogenic but hormone-disrupters, as well; and poisons like radiation products, in our food, air and water.

Ms. Fitzgerald has written a very good guide to what may be a primary way to prevent illness in this new century -- cleansing the body of these accumulating poisons, using naturopathic methods such as colon cleansing, an organic "clean" diet, etc. The author writes: "Wouldn't common sense tell us that if we know the majority of diseases are lifestyle factors, then we should spend a majority of the money providing healthier food, opportunities for exercise, and wellness education? Isn't it common sense that the answer to the poor health of America is not more technology, but to encourage people to make healthier choices?"

As a Certified Clinical Nutritionist and a Licensed Acupuncturist (as well as holding advanced degrees in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Homeopathic Medicine), Fitzgerald brings a rare depth of understanding and experience to the concept of cleansing the body. She acknowledges the early Naturopaths in their emphasis on toxemia being the cause of many illnesses. Today, we live in an increasingly toxic world - and as the author clearly explains, our body's own detoxification system is overwhelmed with the greater burden of toxins to process, and lacking specific nutrients needed for that process.

In Part 1 of The Detox Solution the reader learns why "Now is the Time" to detoxify, and the long history of detoxification in healing and preventing illness, as well as educational questionnaires to pinpoint one's exposure (and possible body burden) of environmental toxins. This author's approach is fresh and stimulating; she helps the reader to see "the broader picture," by exploring the role of choice in how we balance our lifestyle towards those things that support energy (whole foods) instead of things (like junk food) that drain it. In this section, contaminants such as chlorine and fluoride in water supplies are covered, as well as artificial lighting and EMFs. The author suggests many ways to balance or offset these environmental assaults on our bodies. This section also contains important information on the digestive process and the role of enzymes.

In Part 2 the body's detoxification system is explained -- how it works, the factors that influence our ability to detoxify, and how toxins affect our health. The major parts of the body involved in physical detoxification are the digestive tract, the liver, our lungs, the lymphatic system, our skin, and the urinary system. The digestive tract is the first area to be addressed. Compromised digestion from junk food, parasites, yeasts, and endotoxins lead to toxemia of the bowel, and a primary area to detoxify. Another section covers the liver -- the body's "filter" -- as a second important area of detoxification. These two primary sites of detoxification are explored in depth.

Part 3 of The Detox Solution emphasizes the role optimal nutrition plays in maintaining a healthy detox system. Here the clinical nutritionist shines, with excellent advice and information. This section also looks at herbal cleansing, hydrotherapy, massage and acupuncture as methods used to cleanse the body.

Fitzgerald sees her book as a guide to achieving a high level of well-being. We know we live in an increasingly toxic environment but most people don't understand how these pollutants accumulate in the body and undermine our health. One myth the author addresses is that detoxification can be a "quick fix." Specific protocols can be used to initially support cleansing of the digestive tract and liver, those primary areas that are affected by toxemia, hut the author of The Detox Solution urges people to learn how to live in such a way that minimizes exposure to toxins, and also supports the body's own detoxification system, primarily by way of nutrition. Fitzgerald succeeds admirably in her goal of making the book "a complete, but easy-to-read and practical guide."

We're seeing more evidence all the time of our toxic environment, and learning of its devastating effects on health. What we need are solutions -- ways to protect our health and strategies for living in our modern toxic world. The Detox Solution takes the mystery out of detoxification and directs our attention to this very important and often overlooked first step towards health and healing.

COPYRIGHT 2001 The Townsend Letter Group
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning