Our bodies detox continuously as a natural function. It's only when our detox mechanisms become overloaded that the process becomes less efficient and symptoms may occur.

Toxins may be internal or external in origin. Pollution or pesticides in our food sources put undue stress on our detox organs - the kidneys and liver. Improper digestion and imbalanced gut ecology provide internal forms of toxins in the way of metabolic by-products stemming from certain bacteria that have toxic side effects, and therefore have a negative affect on overall health by compromising detox pathways.

It has been suggested that toxic overload contributes to more serious conditions such as auto-immune diseases, inflammatory/rheumatoid arthritis, and neurological disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

The goal of a program is to gently and slowly cleanse your body of toxins that add an extra burden, so serious diseases like these can be avoided.

Symptoms of a needed detoxification program may include but are not limited to: digestive problems, bad breath, fatigue, irritability, general malaise, constipation, headaches, itchy skin, skin rashes, joint pain, weight loss resistance and poor concentration. A healthy program should turn your liver into a healthy, cleansing machine.

We are seeing patients need more detoxification in the last ten years. Chiropractic treatments are taking longer to be effective than in the past. Also, acupuncture treatments are needed more often than before. This is partly due to the increased amount of environmental and chemical exposure to which we are subjected.

There are several reports from the CDC and other governmental agencies that list the increasing levels of measurable new toxins and increasing amounts of known chemicals that we are exposed to every day. These reports demonstrate an astronomical level of exposure that our parents and grandparents never had.

The other portion is the decrease in nutritive value of our foods. We are ingesting more processed, chemical-ridden, calorically dense and nutrient-poor foods than ever before.

Your body needs nutrients and calories to detox itself. We use a variety of supplements and protein powders to assist your body in doing its work. We can assist the detoxification process with a few simple supplements or if need be, we may have to do a more intense 21-28 day detoxification cycle.

You may think that this is a long time to be detoxing; however, you are eating healthy and taking appropriate supplements during this time, so it is safe and effective. In addition, by the end of the period, you will have created a habit of exercise and healthy eating that will carry over into everyday life.

Dr. Bailey is an Acupuncturist, Functional Nutritionist and Chiropractic Physician. He holds a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Western States Chiropractic College. He graduated with clinical honors from the college's Outpatient and Student Health Clinics. Dr. Bailey recently graduated with the first of its kind Masters of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States. In addition, he holds a bachelor's degree in Health and Fitness in Preventative and Rehabilitative Prescriptive Programming, and Human Nutrition. He is a fellow of the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture. Contact Dr. Bailey at Lakeside Holistic Health in Coeur d'Alene at 518 N Fourth St., (208) 758-0568, or in Liberty Lake at 21651 E. Country Vista Dr. Ste. F, (509) 385-0218. www.LakesideHolistic.com.