Exposure to toxins can happen from unexpected events such as the Buncefield Oil Depot fires or from long-term accumulation in the workplace or home.

A good detoxification programme will help to eradicate toxic chemicals from the body, restore proper nutritional status, and work towards optimum health.

80% of our energy goes towards sanitary processes inside our body.

The reason why it is important to clear pollutants from the body as fast as possible is because the faster the chemicals are excreted, the less likely they are to have a lasting effect.

Long term exposure to pollutants may lead to oxidative stress and a breakdown in the body’s own immune system.  This could lead to conditions such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and liver failure. 

To remove heavy metals from the body using intravenous infusions of EDTA solution, several other synergistic vitamins and minerals, and a supportive programme of nutritional supplements, see our section on Chelation Therapy. Combined treatment using detoxification and chelation therapy can help a variety of chronic conditions.

It is also often recommended that many patients have their amalgam fillings removed; quality dentistry and the best long-term restorations by a qualified dentist will prevent the patient from further exposure to mercury. (Breakspear Medical Group does not offer dental services).  Mercury is one of the most toxic materials known to man and is contained in amalgam fillings. 

For more information on amalgam fillings, see the article, "The importance of removing dental amalgams" in a recent Breakspear Bulletin or "Side-Effects: Mercury Contribution to Body Burden from Dental Amalgam" by JW Reinhardt, University of Iowa College of Dentistry, or "High prevalence of extrapyramidal signs and symptoms in a group of Italian dental technicians" published in BMC Neurology 2007.

Detoxifying treatments Breakspear offers

Breakspear Hospital offers many treatments and supplements to aid in detoxification.  One commonly used pathology test to determine a patients current state of health is the Haematology & Biochemistry Profile. 

To improve clearance of chemicals through the kidneys and gut, one must must take various supplemented nutrients that are specifically needed by the detoxification pathways of the body. Clinically-administered blood tests are available from Breakspear Hospital to provide information on specific depleted vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, lipids, oils and essential fatty acids.  By using this method of nutritional assessment and correcting nutritional balance with a personalised programme, a person is increasing his/her protection and immunity can be managed as accurately as possible.

Pollutants can be cleared from the lungs with oxygen therapy and hyperthermia (which means increasing the body temperature above normal). We have the UK’s first hyperthermia infrared-A bed called the IRATHERM®1000. Elevated body temperature allows a faster turnover of activity in the body, and helps excrete the chemicals through the lungs or the skin.

The right supplemented nutrients help to transform the chemicals into forms that can be excreted.  The kidneys will filter water-soluble toxins from the body and excrete them in urine.  Many other toxins are filtered out from the system by the liver, which excretes the toxins in bile into the gut and then are passed out. Breakspear Hospital offers consultations with a qualified nutritionist in addition to consultations with doctors.

Our modern world is constantly exposing us to chemical inhalants. Apart from the standard petroleum that is burned in cars, there are varying uncontrolled levels of pesticides, plastics and perfumes in our everyday environment that can be harmful to our health.  Our overloaded existing detoxification processes can use as much help as we can give them.

For recovery from an unexpected exposure, general improved health and/or preventative treatment, consult with our environmental medicine specialists and initiate a detoxifying programme, which includes hyperthermia and a supplemented nutritional programme.

Other tips on detoxifying

• One of the most important elements of detoxification is mineral water.  "Sometimes the solution to pollution is dilution."
• To help the body’s immune system, eat the best foods possible and don’t skip meals. Reduce the quantity of pesticides and chemicals that may be ingested by eating organic food.
• To eradicate toxins, reduce everyday chemical pollutants by reducing the air pollution in the home by not using air fresheners, sprays and perfume.
• Quitting smoking will instantly clear the air in house and will benefit all the occupants.
• Removing unnecessary dirt, moulds, dust mites, unnecessary perfumes and chemicals from your home will help your body to function better.
• Try to avoid using artificially-perfumed chemical cleaning products by using good old fashioned cleaning solutions like water and vinegar to clean glass and lemon-oil for dusting.
• One of the most important routes for excretion is sweating.  An exercise programme is important and effective in mobilising the fat into fuel, to release the fat-soluble chemicals. 

More information on detoxification at Breakspear Hospital 

For a general price list, see Patient Information.

If you have any specific questions regarding prices, estimates and treatment programmes, please contact either one of our Patient Liaison Officers,Carly Day or Emma Roberts, by phone 01442 261 333 ext. 310, or email: cday@breakspearmedical.com or eroberts@breakspearmedical.com