Detoxification is vital for addressing the root cause of disease, an imbalance at the cellular level that has been termed "oxidative stress."
"Without the daily activation of ancient, effective physiological pathways designed to remove naturally occurring environmental toxins or manmade chemical toxicants, we are bound to get sick."
Detoxification: A Modern-Day Necessity
Given what we are now exposed to through our food, air, and water, detoxification has become a modern-day necessity. Without the daily activation of ancient, effective physiological pathways designed to remove naturally occurring environmental toxins or manmade chemical toxicants, we are bound to get sick.
Detox: Buzzword, Doctor Dismissal, Myths
Have you ever thought “detox” was just another wellness buzzword for LA celebrities throwing up in buckets at fancy retreats? (That used to be my take too). Or maybe you’ve heard your doctor dismiss it entirely because “your body detoxes naturally”? As someone who spent too many years and way too much money trying to fix my own gut issues and brain fog, I’ve believed every myth in the book. But when I discovered what modern detox really means in our chemical-filled world, and why those old-school medical opinions are bogus, everything changed.
Sinclair Kennally, Jan 2, 2025 email and Detox Tips
Harvard Medical School: What is an Antioxidant?
“Antioxidant” is a general term for any compound that can counteract unstable molecules called free radicals that damage DNA, cell membranes, and other parts of cells. Because free radicals lack a full complement of electrons, they steal electrons from other molecules and damage those molecules in the process. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by giving up some of their own electrons. In making this sacrifice, they act as a natural “off” switch for the free radicals. This helps break a chain reaction that can affect other molecules in the cell and other cells in the body… The term “antioxidant” reflects a chemical property rather than a specific nutritional property.
Contents
Introduction
Why Should Anyone Care about Oxidative Stress, Antioxidants, or Detoxification?
Health Implications in a Nutshell
Causes & Signs of Oxidative Stress
Why the Body Needs Support
Keep Learning
Dealing with Poisons
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Introduction
Having a grasp of the terminology of a subject opens up entire new worlds.
On YogaTeacherCentral.com and WellnessResourceCenter.net, we provide vocabulary lists for hundreds of subjects. We do this because they’re (surprisingly) effective tools for upleveling one’s ability to take in and retain information. And it makes it far easier to connect dots because synonymous and related concepts jump out at you.
It’s not necessary to study or memorize vocab lists like they made us do in school. You simply need to have good definitions on hand so that you can consult them as needed. I’ve found that definitions vary significantly in scope and clarity and that good definitions take effort to create… so I take care to offer clear and succinct definitions for the subject at hand.
The vocabulary list for this subject begins like this…
ANTHOCYANIDINS — A type of phytonutrient; in red and purple berries [UCLA Health]
ANTIOXIDANTS — “Substances that can fight oxidation” [Dr. Jockers]; “compounds that can counteract unstable molecules called free radicals that damage cells” [Harvard Medical School]; phytochemicals (in plants) are an example [UCLA Health]
BETA-CAROTENE — A type of phytonutrient; in orange & dark green leafy vegetables [UCLA Health]
CATECHINS — A type of phytonutrient; in black grapes, apricots & strawberries [UCLA Health]
CAROTENOIDS — A type of phytonutrient; in pumpkin, carrots & bell peppers [UCLA Health]
DEMETHYLATION — See methylation
DETOXIFICATION / DETOX — Removing toxins from the body to promote optimal organ function; a natural process of the human body as exemplified by perspiration, urination and the lymphatic system among other physiological processes; additionally, there are techniques for supporting the body in detoxifying, such as walking, lymphatic massage and saunas [Dr. Isaac Eliaz MD]
Why Should Anyone Care about Oxidative Stress, Antioxidants, or Detoxification?
In Short
Oxidative stress is the term used for a serious imbalance at the cellular level that is at the root of health issues. It’s related to a lack of necessary antioxidant activity. Detoxification is a natural process of the human body and one that typically needs support in order to restore balance.
If you’re a provider, I think you’ll agree that having a firm grasp of the subjects of oxidative stress and detoxification is vital. Our structured lessons make it easy to dig deeper according to your current needs.
If you’re an individual, it’s not necessary to study cellular health and oxidative stress unless you would like to. But having a strong sense for the implications of toxic imbalance and key facts concerning detoxification is arguably the most consequential knowledge you can have.
Terminology
See below to get an understanding for these related terms:
Elimination, Detoxification
Reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Free radicals
Oxidative stress
Antioxidants
Elimination, Detoxification
The body takes things in, and it expels things out. Inhaling and exhaling. Drinking and urinating. Eating and pooping.
In our current world, the ability to effectively expel waste and toxins through multiple elimination pathways is crucial for optimizing health.
Optimizing Processes of Elimination is Vital for Health
Processes of elimination include respiration, urination, defecation, and perspiration. Due to the amount of toxins in our 21st century society, health is absolutely dependent upon optimal eliminatory channels.
Within the category of elimination is the process of detoxification (also called detoxing), whereby toxins are expelled from the body. Detoxification is one of many natural processes of the human body and is conducted through various organs:
The lymphatic system is a physiological system directly involved in detoxing.
The glymphatic system is “a specialized mechanism within the brain, analogous to the lymphatic system and capable of flushing out larger waste products from deep within the brain.” [source]
Other organs and systems that are very involved in detoxification include the liver, kidneys, skin, respiratory system and digestive system. [source]
Fever & Acute Inflammation are Preparatory Actions for Eliminating Toxins
Our cells and tissues are meant to contain perfect crystalline gels. If a toxin becomes dissolved into the gels, the body attempts to rid itself of this toxin. The way the body does this is to elevate the temperature (we call this a fever), which partially liquifies the gels so that the toxins can be flushed out in mucus, after which we feel better, meaning we reconstitute our perfect gels once again. Fever and inflammation is simply a detoxification process, not a disease that needs to be suppressed.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is the name given to by-products from normal cellular (metabolic) activity. [source]
ROS are “unstable, oxygen-containing chemicals… characterized by their chemically reactive nature.” [source]
Generation and elimination of ROS are typically kept in balance by the body’s natural physiology, particularly through antioxidants. [source]
Among various sources, the terms “radicals”, “free radicals”, “reactive species”, and “reactive oxygen species (ROS)” seem to be used interchangeably when discussing oxidative stress. [source and source] For example, in this paper, it states, “The induction of oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of radical species and the antioxidant defense systems…”
Technically, free radicals (also called radicals) are a subset of ROS. Reactive molecules that contain oxygen but do not have unpaired electrons are not free radicals. Examples include hydrogen peroxide and ozone. [source]
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in the electron transport chain or via the activity of catabolic oxidases, anabolic metabolism, and peroxisomal metabolism. At low levels, ROS operate as cellular messengers in redox-signaling events. However, an excessive production of ROS can lead to DNA damage in the form of roughly 100 distinct oxidative base lesions and 2-deoxyribose alterations.
Free radicals
Free radicals (also called radicals) are a type of ROS, referring to any molecule, atom, or ion that has at least one unpaired electron, causing it to be unstable and highly reactive.
A radical (often, but unnecessarily called a free radical) is an atom or group of atoms that have one or more unpaired electrons. Radicals can have positive, negative or neutral charge. They are formed as necessary intermediates in a variety of normal biochemical reactions, but when generated in excess or not appropriately controlled, radicals can wreak havoc on a broad range of macromolecules. A prominent feature of radicals is that they have extremely high chemical reactivity, which explains not only their normal biological activities, but how they inflict damage on cells.
Oxidative stress
Oxidative stress refers to “an imbalance between the production of radical species and the antioxidant defense systems, which can cause damage to cellular biomolecules.” [source]
Said slightly differently, it’s an imbalance between “unstable molecules that can damage your cells and antioxidants — the compounds that neutralize them.” [source]
The “imbalance between production and accumulation of oxygen reactive species” [source] is experienced as a decrease in energy and overall function. [source]
Oxidative stress can be responsible for “the onset and/or progression of several diseases [including] cancer, diabetes… and cardiovascular diseases.” [source]
“Oxidative stress injures the endothelium, stiffens arteries, and drives clot formation. Oxidative stress leads to chronic inflammation, which in turn mediates most chronic diseases, including cancer… [It’s a] common denominator, acting as a catalyst or amplifier across many, if not all, diseases. It’s not the sole cause, but a pivotal factor, like nutritional deficiencies, that leads to low levels of antioxidants.” [source]
Oxidative stress occurs when there’s an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are unstable molecules produced during normal metabolism, and the body’s ability to neutralize them with antioxidants. While small amounts of ROS are essential for cellular signaling, excessive levels can cause widespread damage to cells, tissues, and critical metabolic pathways. Research has shown that oxidative stress plays a direct role in insulin resistance by interfering with the insulin receptor signaling pathway.
Antioxidants
“Antioxidants are substances that can fight oxidation.” [Dr. Jockers]
ROS generation is normally controlled in cells by three distinct mechanisms: the restriction of respiration in the mitochondrial compartment, the complexation of DNA with protective histones, and the elimination of excess ROS by antioxidant enzymes… The oxidative-stress-relieving properties of EGCG are achieved via the inhibition of pro-oxidant enzymes… the activation of antioxidant systems… and by decreasing the generation of nitric oxide metabolites.
Health Implications in a Nutshell
“Cells produce ROS as a controlled physiological process, but increasing ROS becomes pathological and leads to oxidative stress and disease.” [source]
Oxidative stress is an imbalance caused by the body’s inability to fully neutralize reactive compounds with antioxidants. [source]
Oxidative stress is responsible for serious diseases. [source]
Antioxidants help to balance the production of reactive compounds. [source]
Antioxidants are a “rational curative strategy to prevent and cure… diseases involving oxidative stress.” [source]
Causes & Signs of Oxidative Stress
Sources of Oxidative Stress include Pollution, Stress, Smoking, Radiation, and Pharmaceuticals
Anything that raises the number of free radicals in your body, triggering an imbalance, can cause oxidative stress. Pollution, stress, smoking, excess sun exposure, and excessive alcohol consumption all cause oxidative stress, but it’s also heavily influenced by diet. Oxidative stress, caused by rivers of free radicals, is a plague on modern man. Whether it’s the toxic pollution in the air you breath 24/7, the radiation your doctor exposes you to, pharmaceutical medicines, chemotherapy, your cell phone constantly at your brain, or even your WI-FI and other EMF pollution generating devices, you expose yourself to oxidative stress, which can drag you down into the pit of disease and cancer putting an end to your happiness, health and even life… Most drugs spike oxidative stress, which is one of the major critiques that modern medicine often treats symptoms while exacerbating oxidative stress, a root cause of 90-95% of chronic diseases. This supports the notion that drugs can worsen oxygen deficits or inflammatory cascades. Most prescription drugs, regardless of their intended use, generate oxidative stress as part of their mechanism or side effects. It doesn’t mean every drug is immediately harmful, but it does explain why long-term medication use often leads to tissue damage, organ stress, and new diseases. Almost all drugs are xenobiotics (foreign molecules). The liver’s detox pathways (cytochrome P450 enzymes) metabolize them. This process generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) as byproducts. Antioxidant reserves (like glutathione, catalase, and SOD) get depleted when drug load is high or chronic. – Dr. Sircus, Oxidative Stress Causes Disease, Aging and Premature Death link
Signs & Symptoms of Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress is often invisible at first, but it can manifest in ways that signal deeper damage. These symptoms can be your bodyʼs way of asking for support in boosting antioxidant levels or minimizing free radicals:
Fatigue and low energy
Brain fog and memory issues
Premature aging (wrinkles, dull skin)
High blood pressure or irregular heartbeat
Chronic inflammation and joint pain
Poor wound healing or frequent infections
Vision problems (macular degeneration, cataracts)
Headaches or sensitivity to noise
Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability
… Oxidative stress doesnʼt just cause symptoms—itʼs a foundational dysfunction that can spread damage throughout your body. Dr. Kan emphasizes that the vascular system is often the first to suffer, setting off a cascade of chronic conditions. – Dr. Eric Zielinski, Can Oxidative Stress be Reversed? Natural Antioxidant Sources link
Why the Body Needs Support
The body has natural detoxification systems, but with the enormous amount of man-made toxins flooding the planet, the immune system can get overwhelmed and need support to return to effective functioning.
Dr. David Jockers makes a vital point: healthy eating won’t be enough to heal the body if it’s being overwhelmed with toxins. This can be a key factor in experiencing lack of progress from dietary changes.
The Natural Detox Systems Can Get Overwhelmed
Detoxification is the process of removing toxins from the body and promoting optimal organ function. While the body has its natural detoxification systems, chronic exposure to environmental toxins, heavy metals, plastics, etc. overwhelm these mechanisms. Implementing detoxification methods can help support the body’s natural detox pathways and reduce the burden of toxins.
Our Body Needs Us to Recognize What It’s Up Against & Do Our Best to Support It
The number of poisons our bodies now deal with is staggering. There are approximately 80,000 toxins in our environment, 200 of which have been found in babies’ umbilical cords. The body works flat out to eliminate these or at least mitigate their impacts. It does an amazing job, but now more than ever, it needs help. It needs us to recognise what it’s up against and do our best to support it.
Keep Learning
This lesson digs deep. Includes detoxification techniques, nutritional and supplemental support, how gut bacteria supports detoxification, and these terms: anthocyanidins, antioxidants, beta-carotene, catechins, carotenoids, demethylation, detoxification / detox, flavonoids, free radicals, isoflavones, methylation / DNA methylation & demethylation, oxidation & reduction, oxidative stress, phytochemicals / phytonutrients, polyphenols (phenol / phenolic compound), reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Dealing with Poisons
Toxins
Our Toxic Load: Man-Made Poisons — The desire of industry decision-makers to produce toxic (poisonous) chemicals—that they can profit from—has proven insatiable. The EPA has documented more than 80,000 poisons.
Pesticides, Glyphosate — Includes atrazine, CFS, DDT, fungicides.
EDCs & Microplastics — Includes BPA, dioxins, parabens, PCBs, PE, PFAS, phenols, phthalates.
Heavy Metals — Includes aluminum, antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel.
Synthetic Food Additives — Includes emulsifiers, carrageenan, food dyes, artificial sweeteners, preservatives.
Air Pollution, VOCs & Other Toxins — Includes formaldehyde, GenX chemicals, PAHs, particle pollution, radon, TCDF, vinyl chloride, VOCs, TCE.
Detoxification
Oxidative Stress & Detoxification (you’re here) — Why should anyone care about oxidative stress, antioxidants, or detoxification?
Detoxification Introduction — How toxins get in your body and how detoxification works.
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