 |
||||
 |
 |
|||
 |
||||
DETOXING YOUR PET By Erin Zamzow, DVM We live in a time of amazing medical advances, with a wealth of health information available literally at our fingertips. We are living in a world in which toxics have been introduced at an alarming rate since the end of World War II. There is no burden of proof placed on the chemical industry to show that these chemicals are safe. The levels of toxins in our environment, our food and consequently, our organs, is increasing each year. The toll of chronic heavy metal and chemical buildup in our bodies cannot be understated. While all body systems are compromised, the most dangerous consequences are seen in the immune, endocrine and nervous systems. And once these master systems are impaired, maintaining functional health becomes a constant and often impossible struggle. Some of the proven consequences of body toxicity include almost all degenerative diseases; cancer, premature aging, compromised immune systems. But even prior to "major problems" of this nature, everyday life becomes complicated by heavy metal induced "mental fog", mood swings, depression, cravings, slowed recovery, weakness, weight gain. Until recently these "low-grade" issues have been either brushed off or treated with pharmaceuticals. Traditional treatment success has been limited and as more research and data emerge, many mainstream practitioners are concluding that organ toxicity is the major player in this unhappy cycle. Sources of Toxics Mom Food and Water In 42 states, some 260 contaminants were detected in public water supplies, 140 of which were unregulated chemicals! Bottled water is a potential solution, except that 25-30% of it comes from municipal tap systems (environmental working group, National Assessment of Tap Water Quality). Additionally, the plastics from the bottles can leach, contributing endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A and phthalates. Air—Indoors and Outdoors Other Effects of Toxins Toxins affect the body in four general ways: by disrupting the production of ATP (classic poisons such as arsenate), by disrupting organs and membranes (free radicals), by disrupting cell function and signaling (pesticides with chlorinated hydrocarbons or organophosphates; endocrine disruptors; heavy metals), and by disrupting gene expression (cancer). Neurological, Immune, and Metabolic Problems
The kidneys are particularly vulnerable to heavy metals as they sequester divalent metals to prevent damage to vital enzymes. When the kidneys get overloaded, the pores in the organ get bigger and salts can no longer be regulated, resulting in kidney failure. Kidney failure is one of the major chronic diseases seen in pets and has a high fatality rate. Endocrine System Free Radicals Free radicals are actually necessary in normal physiology, and are required in normal enzyme reactions and in the work of the signaling molecule NO (nitric oxide). However, an excess of or abnormal free radical molecules results in irreparable damage. Free radical damage can affect lipids (cell walls and tissues), proteins, and DNA. Probably the most common free radical damage we see is to tissues. This damage occurs when the lipids (fat molecules) that make up cell membranes are disrupted by this electron stealing chain reaction. Eventually, these lipids break down into aldehydes which then travel to other tissues and cause further damage. Normally, an environmental chemical would have to pass through a series of lipid barriers to get to the nucleus of the cell. As cell membranes lose their ability to move good stuff in and keep bad stuff out, the cell is unable to function properly, resulting in a variety of problems, depending on where those cells are located: skin, heart, organs, etc. Proteins and DNA may not experience the oxidative chain reaction; instead, free radicals bind permanently to them, causing a bulky bump in the DNA chain that causes the DNA to be copied incorrectly during cell replication and causing proteins to fall apart. In the case of DNA damage, this may be passed on to the next generation. Due to the short lifespans of our pets, generational effects due to chemical exposures may be seen sooner than in humans. Helping our Pets Detoxify
Removing Toxics Replacing Anti-oxidants Key network anti-oxidants include: CoEnzyme Q10, Alpha Lipoic acid, Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Glutathione. There are many others as well and many are found in abundance in fruits, vegetables, green tea, etc. A supplement that provides valuable anti-oxidants as well as supporting the body’s endogenous production of these substances is ideal. The body is designed to heal; the mechanisms are in place. Routinely removing the roadblocks to health and encouraging natural healing mechanisms is the most basic foundation we can lay for our pets long and happy lives. Dr. Zamzow is a consultant for Vivo Naturals’ veterinary division, Vivo Animals. Vivo Animals provides innovative, cutting edge natural health solutions for the animal companions in our lives. |
||||
|
||||
 |
|
|
|
|