Detoxification as a primary treatment modality for chronic pain—Part II

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Feb-March, 2005 by Gina L. Nick

Other neurological responses to toxins, and specifically to environmental toxicants are well documented. Neurotoxicity caused by environmental toxicants in this case refers to all external factors, beyond known chemicals that are present in contaminated air, water and soil. These include foods, radiation, pharmaceutical agents, occupational exposures, and lifestyle factors. Some of these toxicants include compounds such as cadmium, dyes, excitatory amino acids, formaldehyde, glycerol, organophosphates, pyrethroids, ricin, toluene, trichloroethylene and more. (7) Table 3 lists neurobehavioral symptoms caused by at least 25 exogenous chemicals. This data was compiled from clinical reports, epidemiological investigations, and experimental studies. (7)

The immense volume of research into the area of toxic exposure and its effects on the body has generated more complexities than it has resolved and has left us with innumerable pieces to an incomplete puzzle. Fortunately, along the way commonalities and relationships have been revealed that recommend relatively simple but highly effective approaches that are, moreover, generally applicable to the entire range of associated conditions.

Detoxification as a Primary Treatment Modality for Chronic Pain

There is extensive evidence from population studies, supported by laboratory and clinical research, to validate a broad general program of detoxification that includes both minimization of toxin exposure and increases in ingestion of naturally occurring protective products. Certainly the employment of a calorie restricted diet, paired with the use of such foods and herbs as broccoli, milk thistle, cayenne, barley grass, juniper berries, beet root, apple pectin, red clover, and other well-researched modulators of the Human Detoxification System offers a simple and cost effective means of treating chronic pain. (9)

It is important that we realize that any effective approach to comprehensive disease prevention must be "holistic." Each intervention makes an immeasurably small contribution to the overall effect, but interventions are at least additive, and frequently synergistic. In addition to calorie restriction and the daily use of select detoxifying foods, herbs and other nutraceutical agents, they must include adequate exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management. The total will be far greater than the sum of the parts.

ROS and NF-[kappa]B

Because NF[kappa]B is both pathogenic and physiologic, artificial attempts to modulate it pharmacologically are fraught with danger. One approach that promises far greater safety is the approach of using the body's own detoxification mechanisms. Reducing toxins reduces ROS. In turn, pathogenic NF[kappa]B activity is selectively diminished, leaving the physiologic function of this essential system intact.

Nutrigenomics

The other approach to selective NFkB modulation lies at the heart of a radical new direction in therapeutics--trigenomics, nutritional alterations specific for each individual's unique genetic profile and added to toxin-reducing environmental modifications. Enough knowledge is already available to begin specific regimens guided by known individual response patterns. As more is learned of each individual genome, more specific recommendations can be added. Eventually, genomically guided pharmacology will be added to the regimen, but nutrigenomics is now in a position to lead the way.