Detoxification

Rebecca England
VETE 4270 Integrative Medicine
Tarleton State University

What is Detoxification?
The process of assisting the body in getting

rid of toxins and waste products

It may help eliminate substances in the body

that interfere with normal cellular functions

and processes
It may be performed using 3 general

methods, these will be briefly discussed

What are considered

Toxins?
A toxin is any substance that has a negative

effect on the body

There are 2 types:

Endotoxins (within the body)

Exotoxins (outside of the body)

Examples of Endotoxins
Food during normal metabolic processes
Production of ammonia and urea
Production of lactic acid
Bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract

Examples of Exotoxins
Food additives such as:
Artificial flavors
Coloring
Preservatives

Residue from plastic food containers

Insecticides
Drugs and anesthetics
Paint fumes and cleaning products
Any increase in intake of particular foods:
Table scraps
Treats, etc.

What is the bodys role?

The gastrointestinal and urinary systems excrete water-

soluble toxins through fecal matter and urine

The liver plays a major role in the removal or

transformation of waste products

Produces bile for digestion
Regulation of water distribution
Nitrogenous waste excretion
Also processes fat-soluble products

Even if the body is able to function properly, it may not

have enough nutrients for the liver to clear the entirety

of toxins that are present

How does the liver process toxins?

Phase I Enzymes
Involved in oxidation-reduction reactions
Attack chemicals and makes them less toxic
Make substances more easily dissolved in water
Make substances more easily combined with other
substances
Toxins will be removed by the kidneys through the
urine if water-soluble
If this is not possible, they will be further processed
by
Phase II Enzymes
Can be initiated by the body to work harder if there
is a heavy toxin load

Processing Toxins Continued

Phase II Enzymes
Make substances more easily dissolved in water
Make substances more easily combined with other
substances
Help toxins be eliminated through the urine or the
bile directly
Cannot work harder if there is increased demand

How does Detoxification

work?
In order to eliminate toxins quickly
By-products of digestion should be decreased
Wasted products should be decreased

This is done by fasting

The enzyme phases may also be assisted in

processing toxins more quickly by taking in

additional nutrients

So, what should be done?

Pick a detoxification method that best suits

the patients needs

Fasting
Herbs and/or nutraceuticals
Homotoxicology

Any of these options may be appropriate for

pets; however, the pets current health status

must be considered in order to choose the
most appropriate option

Fasting
This reduces endotoxins and exotoxins with the body temporarily

so that the liver can focus on eliminating and processing the

toxins that have been stored in the body
Careful consideration should be taken for ill or obese animals, as
this can worsen the condition

Ex obese cat that is fasted may acquire hepatic lipidosis

Extreme fasting allows water only, but animals will use muscle

mass as a source of protein for the body due to lack of protein

intake

Fastest way to eliminate toxins from the body, but may have more side
effects

Modified fasting allows water and enough protein that is needed

by the body
Minimizes amount of ammonia the liver has to process
Lessens muscle wasting that occurs from stealing protein

Herbs and Nutraceuticals

Herbs can work in 3 ways:
Protect or improve liver function
Absorb toxins in the gastrointestinal tract
Speed up secretion of toxins

Nutraceuticals supply the components needed

for Phase I and Phase II Enzymes to work

properly
Speed up these reactions
Make substances less harmful
Reduce inflammation

Examples of
Supplementation
Vitamin A
Vitamin E
Milk Thistle
Co-Q 10
Selenium
Pumpkin
Iron
Bioflavonoids
Zinc
Copper
Antioxidants
Psyllium
Digestive Enzymes
Magnesium
Carotenoids
Vitamin C

Homotoxicology
Based on the fact that disease is based on the

buildup of toxins in the matrix of the body

The matrix is composed of interstitial spaces

The theory is to drain this matrix by detoxifying

certain components of the body:

Lymph system
Kidneys
Liver
Intestines

Like other methods, the source of toxins needs to

be eliminated or decreased as much as possible in

order to be effective

Detox Side Effects?

There are several side effects that may occur
If they are severe or do not resolve,

detoxification should be discontinued, and

veterinary advice should be sought out
Side effects include:
Dandruff
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Bad breath
Nausea or vomiting
Skin inflammation or other problems

Who would benefit?

Many patients could benefit from

detoxification
Patients with these conditions may be good
candidates for this type of therapy
Chronic fatigue
Diarrhea
Skin problems
Those that have been on lengthy drug therapy
Delayed healing
Bad breath

Maybe this patient?

Hofbrau is a 2-year-old Akita

mix that has acute diarrhea

episodes frequently due to
stress from separation
anxiety
He also has been on
behavior modification
medications for over a year
Detoxification may help his

gastrointestinal tract heal

This may also help him cope
with stress more efficiently

Dogs, cats, and others may benefit

from this type of therapy

In Review
Eliminate as many toxins as possible from

food and the environment

This will reduce the amount of toxins the liver has to

deal with

A detoxification method should be chosen

based upon the needs of the patient

Watch for any undesirable side effects and
make adjustments as necessary
Keep in mind that many patients may benefit,
even if the methods chosen needs to be
altered to fit their needs

References
Scanlan, N. (2011). Complementary medicine

for
veterinary technicians and nurses. Ames, IA:
Blackwell Publishing.
Images retrieved from: Personal photography

library