We  are all aware of the increasing levels of toxicity to which everyone is exposed. Air, water and food have all become sources of toxic exposure, along with internally-generated wastes. Toxic exposure is a driver of a vast range of health conditions, and detoxification has, therefore, become a cornerstone of our practice. The Advanced Functional Medicine Clinic has a programme to improve your health and improve elimination of toxins such as organochlorides, phthalates, bisphenol-A and heavy metals.
The Detoxification Program includes:
	"	Products to encourage safe, effective detoxification.
	"	Specific formulas to address all three phases of detoxification.
	"	Natural medicines that support renal clearance of toxins.
	"	Additional inclusions to ensure the acid/alkaline balance of the body is restored.
	"	Recommendations for advanced detoxification options.
Not Just Phase I and II
Detoxification of a toxic substance within our bodies is a complex physiological process that requires several steps to be completed effectively. The end result of these various biochemical steps is the biotransformation of a toxin into a water-soluble compound that can be discharged in urine or excreted via bile, into faeces. Therefore, detoxification is not just one reaction, rather a process that involves multiple reactions and multiple players including Phase I, Phase II and Phase III detoxification. These reactions occur in the digestive system, the liver and the kidneys.
Avoiding the Healing Crisis
One of the most common occurrences during a detoxification program, especially one that focuses primarily on treating the liver without first correcting the environment and the gut, is a sometimes violent reaction known euphemistically as a Healing Crisis. Clients may complain of nausea, pain, headaches, or an aggravation of inflammatory symptoms. This is can be caused by a number of factors, including:
	"	Uncontrolled bacterial die-off, leading to endotoxin entering the bloodstream and activating a hepatic inflammatory response.
	"	Leaky gut syndrome due to dysbiosis and/or inflammation within the gut allowing antigenic material to pass unchecked into systemic circulation.
	"	Over-stimulation of Phase I liver detoxification, without the correct nutrients to support Phase II and III. This leads to an increase in the production of reactive intermediates, harmful substances that cause damage to cells and tissues and increase the production of inflammatory mediators.
To minimise these reactions, it is vital that the detoxification of each body system be done in the right order and with the appropriate nutritional and herbal support. The  Integrated Detoxification Program addresses each of these key areas, in the right order, to reduce any adverse reactions and ensure safe, effective toxin clearance.
The Three Steps to Healthier, Happier Clients
Integrated Detoxification Program involves three stages:
	"	Stage 1: Remove This stage treats the digestive system first and foremost. It acts to remove dysbiotic organisms and waste from the digestive system.
	"	Stage 2: Renew This stage focuses on renewing and rebuilding the digestive lining, supporting the kidneys, and alkalising the body. In this stage, you will also be helping replace dysbiotic organisms with probiotics.
	"	Stage 3: Release The final stage of The Metagenics Integrated Detoxification Program focuses on supporting liver detoxification and helping the body release toxins more effectively.
This model is very easy to explain and also gives you a clear idea of the process you will be following. At each stage, there are only two products that you are required to take, making compliance easy.
The Detox Diet
As well as the supplements recommended at each of the three key stages, you will also have to reduce your exposure to toxins via their food and water. This further reduces the risk of aggravating symptoms during the process, and the chances of you regressing once treatment is complete. The detox program includes dietary recommendations for optimising detoxification.
The Express Detox Program
As well as the full detox program mentioned above we can also offer you an Express Detox option. This is more suited to clients who are basically well, but have over-indulged recently, and for clients who have completed a full detox and are looking for something to do as an annual or bi-annual spring clean. Generally, people in this category will benefit from a similar approach to the full detox, over a shorter period of time. They will also be less likely to require significant repair of the digestive system. This program, which can be implemented over two weeks, should be enough to get these people back on track and feeling great.