Toxins can be classified into two main groups: endotoxins and exotoxins. Endotoxins are toxins produced within our own bodies as byproducts of chemical and metabolic processes. Exotoxins are toxins produced outside of our bodies and that are consumed or absorbed into our bodies. These exotoxins can be categorized into 4 levels. Click on the various levels of both endotoxins (internal) and exotoxins (levels 1-4) for a detailed description.

ENDOTOXINS
Endotoxins, or toxins that originate internally, can be classified into two main subgroups: physical and emotional. An example of a physical endotoxin would be the chemical byproducts of the breakdown of certain substances we ingest. When the liver breaks down certain pharmaceutical drugs, large amounts of endotoxins are produced. The use of prescription antibiotics kills off friendly intestinal flora, which allows for unfriendly microbes such as Candida albicans - a yeast bacteria - to proliferate. This yeast then generates high levels of toxicity. A study of 400 Medicare prescription medication users showed that of the 400, 44 complained of gastrointestinal side effects from the drugs they take. Endotoxins are also the byproducts of normal everyday biochemical pathways and chemical metabolysis that occur within our bodies. For the most part, physical endotoxins are outside of our control. It’s the emotional subgroup that we have complete control over.

The emotions we experience in our bodies have very discreet biochemical pathways. Whenever we experience stress or anxiety, high levels of certain neurotoxins are produced. If these neurotoxins are not properly metabolized (primarily through exercise and oxidation) and removed, they can build to toxic levels within our bodies and cause physical symptoms such as headaches, shaking, loss of concentration, dizziness and other symptoms. How we handle our psychological state and our emotions affects our physical bodies in very real ways. Fortunately, this is very much within our control. By becoming aware of our emotions and how we process them we can begin to change and see them in different, healthier ways. This leads to better overall physical health and regulation of toxic buildup. Techniques such as journaling (writing down our thoughts and emotions in a journal), EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique, an energetic technique used to convert negative emotions into positive ones) and meditation are excellent ways that we can begin to recognize and change the negative thought patterns that cause so much stress and illness in our lives.

EXOTOXINS
External toxins, or exotoxins, are far greater in number and are the substances most people think of when they hear the word toxin. The best way to look at exotoxins are by the degree of control we have over them. The following 4 levels encompass all exotoxins.

LEVEL I
At the first level we have toxins that we ingest orally and can exercise a high degree of control over. The foods we eat and the beverages we consume are probably the single biggest and most controllable source of toxins in our lives. There are thousands of different toxins that we consume everyday in the processed, fried and fast foods eaten every day. Not only do these foods lack the proper nutrition we require, they also are “energetically dead” and provide no beneficial energetic effect to our bodies. Many of these foods are treated with chemicals, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, preservatives and additives just to name a few of the harmful toxins they contain. It’s best to be informed and aware of what you eat and put into your body. Try consuming only natural and organic foods. Also try consuming more fruits and vegetables and drinking lots of water.

Pharmaceutical drugs are another major source of toxins at this level. For many people pharmaceuticals are part of their everyday lives and are unavoidable facts of life. For critically ill people, taking prescription drugs is the only way to prolong life. These drugs do however wreak havoc on the body and sometimes cause more trouble in the form of side effects than the original disease. The most common side effects include gastrointestinal problems, fatigue, and weakness. These side effects can all be attributed to toxicity in the body. If it is absolutely necessary that you take pharmaceutical medications, it is best to take natural supplements that support the body and aid in detoxifying the chemicals that build up as side effects. The support of the excretory organs (liver, kidney) with natural supplements and homeopathics can help maintain better overall health.

Heavy metals are a distinct toxin group within this level that is extremely dangerous to our bodies. Heavy metals include mercury, lead, arsenic and hexavalent chromium to name a few. Even the smallest amounts of these toxins can be extremely harmful, despite the EPA and other organizations setting daily intake maximums. These metals, once in our bodies, cause enormous damage especially to our neurological cells and have been linked to many degenerative neurological diseases. They are also very difficult to remove as the body likes to hide them very deep in our organs and fatty tissue. Proper detoxification through natural methods is essential to live healthy. Fortunately, here at Innovative Medicine, we carry heavy metal detoxification products as well as specialized packages for heavy metal detox.

LEVEL II
At the second level we have toxins that we place on our skin and bodies. These products include cosmetics and hygiene products like shampoos, conditioners and deodorants. Most people don’t see these as being harmful at all, but these products can also be very toxic and cause more harm than people realize. Many of these products use substances called petrochemicals which are derivates of petroleum. Some of these petrochemicals have the same chemical structure as neurotoxins. It’s best to find products that are all natural and compatible with our bodies. The ACMOS method allows us to conduct compatibility tests with such products and determine which ones are most compatible with our bodies. Here at Innovative Medicine.com we use ACMOS testing to conduct our personalized holistic recommendations which can include testing compatibility with cosmetic and hygiene products.

LEVEL III
These are toxins that we encounter in our everyday work, home and outdoor environments. These toxins usually come from cleaning products, work related products and electromagnetic pollution (which is not a physical toxin but still causes damage to our bodies and detoxification pathways). Examples include Lysol®, Windex®, White-Out®, copy toners, markers, cell phones, computers, etc. Being aware of and learning about the sources of toxins at this level is the first step to living healthier. Try using only natural cleansers and products that do not pollute the environment or our bodies. You can find many of these products at natural/ organic grocers and soon at Innovative Medicine.com. Electromagnetic pollution is caused by electric wiring which naturally creates a 2-dimensional magnetic field around flowing current. These fields can be very harmful to our bodies and have been linked to cancer. Try limiting your exposure to electromagnetic pollution. You can also protect yourself with special devices called biosyntonie devices that convert harmful electromagnetic fields into more beneficial 3-dimensional fields that the body responds better to.

LEVEL IV
This is the highest level of toxins in our lives and includes toxins we encounter in our communities, countries and the world. This is the level that we personally have the least control over. Toxins at this level come in two general forms: water and air pollution. Factories and industrial plants produce a tremendous amount of pollution that has to go somewhere. Usually this means dumping waste into the water or air. This eventually makes it way into our bodies as we drink and breathe the air that is being polluted. Laws are in place that protect us from these hazards but are difficult to enforce, especially in a political climate that is hostile to the environment and is influenced by big businesses.

By joining and supporting organizations that lobby congress, enforce environmental protection and preservation laws and work towards reducing the amount of pollution in our world we can become more proactive at this level. Groups like the Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC) and Green Peace work hard to reduce the amount of toxins and pollution we experience at this level.

Content on this site is provided as informational material. Innovative Medicine LLC does not diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any conditions. People with serious conditions should consult with their health care practitioner before applying self-administering supplements.