Autoimmune diseases, cancer, allergies and numerous other modern ailments can be traced back to the toxic effects of the pollution we have either ingested, inhaled, or consumed, passively or deliberately. As Americans we store carcinogens in our body fat as a method of protecting the rest of the body from its destructive effects. The body has several detox pathway, but due to overburden, they become overwhelmed.

Our body naturally detoxifies via our exhaled breath first, through our skin second, urine third and our bowels last. When our lungs become compromised, then the other organs take over to share the extra burden. If they are also compromised, then disease takes over. We know this, because breathing disorders, when suppressed, will shift the burden to its sister organ, the skin, as with eczema. That’s why asthma and eczema are typically related disorders.

We have to ask the question, why don’t the Amish get sick with the same chronic diseases, as the rest of industrialized society?

It’s because, they eat different food, they don’t vaccinate, they don’t build up drug residues from prescription medications, they don’t wear clothing made of petroleum products and so on. Genetically, they are the same as the people in the Midwest, but they simply take better care of their bodies, live a less-stressful lifestyle, and typically choose a natural form of health care. Prescription medications are hard on our bodies and have dramatic effects on the liver and kidneys, two very important detox organs. Our bodies are not equipped to process these things and so they get stored in our cells, resulting in a continued poisoning of our bodies.

One of the ways we can reduce our toxin levels are by dramatically reducing the food and drink we consume that is packaged in plastic water and soda bottles, baby bottles, microwave containers, Teflon coated pans, and, yes, the plastic coating inside canned foods and styrofoam coffee cups. Here is a good word to Google: “Bisphenol-A.”

Now, how do we get rid of these? Well, there are several methods. We will cover just a few in this column.

First, is the most fun and very effective. Moor mud and herbal body wraps. Either process will result in a natural detoxification, cell regeneration, reduce inflammation, ease muscle and joint pain and stimulate circulation. Massage therapist, health spas and natural clinics offer various types of moor mud or herbal body wrap products from Austria or the Czech Republic. They typically contain hundreds of vitalizing herbs, minerals and restorative organic compounds.

People typically notice several inches of loss at the waistline due to the cells dramatically eliminating cell mass of built-up toxins. A mild detox effect or flu-like symptoms may be experienced by some people that are severally toxic. It is important to drink plenty of water before, during and after the treatment to minimize the detox process effects. Treatment cost depends on where you have it done, but should average between $40-75 for a two-hour session.

Another popular method is the Asian detox foot pads. But, as with any product, everybody wants to get in on the action. Not all foot pads are alike. It is important to research where they come from. A massage therapist and herbalist will be able to assist you in this. They typically have already vetted the various products, have chosen an effective brand and can steer you away from the gimmicks.

Stores that suddenly start stocking them generally cannot vouch for their product, much less answer any of your question beyond the price. But a quality product will aid in opening the lymph pathways, remove heavy metals, improve blood circulation, stimulate reflexology points, etc. A typical treatment should cost $3 to $7, but a minimum of two weeks are recommended to get the pathways open.

Third is Ionic Foot Baths. The bath produces negative ions through a process called electrolysis, by splitting water molecules. The body is then flooded with negative ions through the feet. These negative ions attach to toxins, chemicals, heavy metals, parasites because they typically are positive and eliminate them naturally. Our feet have the largest pores on our body, which provides the easiest path for solids to be eliminated on a continuous process. Since the body has been saturated with these negative ions, the body will continue to eliminate for a few days. This procedure typically cost around $20 to $30 in health spas or massage therapist.

In closing, here is your basic process for engaging in a detox regimen. Clean out the colon and circulatory system with healing herbs and soluble dietary fiber, thus removing plaque, debris and parasites. Second, replace good bacteria for proper digestion with acidophilus, which may have been killed off by antibiotics, over production of yeast and parasites. Third, follow up with detoxifying herbs, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, thus detoxing the liver, blood and tissues, and restoring minerals that may have been lost during the detox process or simply could not be absorbed properly due to bowel impaction.

It is common for patients with chronic conditions to have their natural health practitioner strongly recommend detoxification as part of their treatment protocols. Our patients are routinely put on a detox regimen if showing signs of autism spectrum disorders, three or more chronic conditions, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, etc.

Dr. Thomas Coffman is the medical director of the British Clinic Health System, host of Integrative Medicine Radio, and author of four books on homeopathic psychology, ancient Egyptian medicine, and managing the spectrum. Coffman lectures for the British Institute of Homeopathy in the United States and England.