Detoxification
Detoxification Pathways
Our detoxification systems are designed to help our bodies break down and metabolize both the toxins that originate within our bodies from normal metabolic processes and those xenobiotic toxicants that are introduced from without.
The body eliminates toxins in two ways. One is to use enzymes to break them down into molecules that are less toxic, and then excrete them via the urine, sweat and feces. Secondly, is to conjoin them with other molecules (conjugation process) so that those new larger molecules can then be excreted via the urine and feces. These processes require the employment of certain nutrients at the cellular level.
Exposure to a quantity of toxicants large enough to temporarily deplete the nutrients necessary for breaking down and excreting them, those toxicants remain in the body and are able to do more physical damage than they might normally be able to do. This damage may be serious enough in time to result in measurable deficits in central nervous system function, a weakening of the immune system, endocrine system dysregulation, etc. Behavioral disorders may result from the damage done to the central nervous system. Dr. William Rea, at the Environmental Health Center, "has noted that many of his chemically sensitive patients have decreased levels of detoxifying enzymes.."(N. Ashford and C.S. Miller, Chemical Exposures: Low Levels, High Stakes, 2nd ed., p. 107).
There are two potential routes of entry for direct toxic injury to the brain. One is passage of molecules from the nasal surfaces, along the olfactory nerve trunk, and directly into the midbrain, particularly into the limbic system of the midbrain (N. Ashford and C.S. Miller, Chemical Exposures:Low Levels, High Stakes, 2nd ed., p. 91). This would explain the nearly instantaneous reactions by many with chemical sensitivity disorders in the presence of neurotoxins. This route, fortunately, offers an opportunity for aromas (aromatherapy) to produce positive effects. Check out the many Young Living essential oils used in aromatherapy.
A second possible route of entry would be by crossing a compromised Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB). The integrity of the BBB can be compromised during certain conditions of high stress to such an extent that xenobiotic toxicants which ordinarily have virtually no access to the brain can have relatively free access via the bloodstream (Vergano, 1996). On a positive note, many essential oils are available in small enough Atomic Mass Units (AMU's) to bypass the blood brain barrier to provide positive effects.