Why we need to help our detoxification systems

by Fleur Borrelli, Nutritionist at The Putney Clinic of Physical Therapy

It is a relatively unknown fact that our body produces its own toxins as part of our normal metabolism. Our intestinal bacteria may also release by-products from metabolism that can be damaging to our health. This is before we even consider the toxins that come in from the environment.

Fortunately we have evolved a complex network of systems to get rid of toxins that have been created internally. The antioxidant system cleverly destroys free radicals during chemical reactions in our cells before they can damage the cell itself.

The liver, amongst its multitude of tasks, will take a toxic molecule which is generally fat soluble and transforms it into a water soluble molecule to be excreted out of the body in urine via the kidneys. Even fat soluble molecules can be shifted into bile which is then squirted into the intestine and ejected from the body in faeces. Sweating can lose any heavy metals lurking about, not to mention the shedding of toxins via skin, hair and nails.

This is what happens when all is working well... But we now live in a modern environment where we are being overloaded with toxins We have plastics in our toothpaste, heavy metals in our deodorant, herbicides in the air we breathe, additives in our foods, synthetic hormones in our drinking water, harmful electromagnetic radiation in our homes and the list goes on.

We may reach a point where we have adapted to this environment of chemicals that are foreign to our body but we haven’t got there yet. We are succumbing more and more to symptoms produced by compromised detoxification systems such as poor digestion, headaches, depression and chronic fatigue.

'Tired all the time' (TATT) is one of the major reasons why people visit their doctor... We need to help our detoxification systems. We can do that by consciously reducing our toxin exposure, being mindful of everything we put into our mouth or on our skin. Indeed a good rule of thumb would be not to put anything onto our skin that we are not prepared to put into our mouth! Nourishing the body as well will provide those systems with the raw materials they need to perform their tasks. Food is our medicine.

Fleur will holding a detox and revitalise your body workshop along with Cherie Lathey of Yoga Mama on Saturday 21 June, from 1-4pm. Early bird offer of £40, if booked before 15 June (normal price £45).


For appointments with Fleur at The Putney Clinic of Physical Therapy, call  020 8789 3881 or send an email to info@putneyclinic.co.uk.



Fleur Borrelli (Nutritionist)
W:Nutrition and superfood
N: Nutrition and superfood newsletters
T: 07766 88 35 22
E: fleur@nutritionandsuperfood.co.uk