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Chapter 3. Promoting Detoxification Safely
In addressing multifactorial health conditions, which arise from neurological
inflammation, we have to consider the interplay between:
• Genetic factors that undermine efficient functioning
• Environmental factors, including heavy-metal loads; and
• Infectious agents
Genetic Factors
In the previous chapter, I discussed how we can effectively use Nutrigenomics,
the science of bypassing key genetic mutations with nutritional supplements. The
foundation of this program is using these supplements to support the methylation
cycle, a biomolecular, nutritional pathway that impacts many key areas of
function. As we’ve seen, in the presence of certain mutations that are common
to children with autism and/or spectrum disorders—as well as many adults who
suffer from chronic conditions, the methylation pathway is not able to produce
the methyl groups needed to perform a wide range of functions.
Many bodily systems act together to remove harmful substances or waste. But
if these processes are not operating effectively, or if we absorb more toxins than
our system can excrete or handle, our body will store them, eventually creating a
toxic overload that acts as a prime contributor to ill health. Optimal methylation
helps to keep toxins and foreign substances at safe levels, where they can’t harm
the body. However, when the methylation cycle is not able to do its job, due to
either genetic factors or toxic overload, we can’t eliminate toxins, which linger
in the body, creating health problems. A core principle of naturopathy and other
forms of holistic health care is to give the body what it needs and to remove from
the body whatever causes harm or imbalance. In this chapter, I’ll explore why we
need to detoxify to restore health, and what we need to give the body in order
to detox. In Part Two of this book, we will explore in greater detail how people
actually detoxify on this program
Autism: Pathways to Recovery
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