Our Body’s Reactionary Response to Toxins

When the body comes across any new substance, it charts a response route. This route is medically known as the general adaptation syndrome and may be described as, “the sequence of physiological reactions to prolonged and intense stress. The sequence consists of the alarm reaction, the state of resistance, and the stage of exhaustion.”

The five stages of the general adaptation syndrome are:

i. Initial response
ii. Adaptation

iii. Exhaustion or illness
iv. Recovery
v. Hypersensitivity

THE INITIAL RESPONSE: This is the first reaction of the body to any new substance that is inhaled or ingested. If the reaction is positive or there is no reaction, we should understand the substance as beneficial or neutral to our health. If there are negative reactions, such as coughing (on smoking) or palpitations (on increased caffeine intake) etc., then the substance is harmful for our health.

ADAPTATION: This refers to the phase when the body quickly tries to adapt as a reaction to damage control and self-preservation. Thus with subsequent intakes of caffeine, the body may not record elevated pulse rates. However, in a bid to protect itself the body undergoes transformation at the basic cell level. We see the cells in the lungs of smokers change in a bid to stop the damage caused by the toxic fumes. Similarly, the arteries of the heart and the body develop plaque to protect the artery cell damage.

EXHAUSTION OR ILLNESS: If the abuse with substances does not stop and we continue with its usage over mid or long-term, then the back-up resources and immunity of the system gets compromised. The body then gets exhausted and becomes ill. At this stage we require medical help.

RECOVERY: This is the phase when the doctor or medical practitioner puts us on medication combined with abstinence from the substance that caused the illness. If immediate abstinence is not possible or advisable, then its usage is severely restricted and methods and techniques to wean from it are implemented. In this phase, larger than normal or what is otherwise required dosages of healthy food, vitamins and minerals are given to the patient to help boost the immune system and speed up recovery.

HYPERSENSITIVITY: In this last phase, the body is back to phase 1. However, due to the improved diet and nutrient intake, rest and lifestyle changes, the body is again allergic to the substances which are not natural or beneficial for it. We should listen to these signals and abstain from them. This is why recovered people find themselves allergic to new or old toxins such as wines, paint fumes, etc. As the body strength and reserves build up, the person may expose themselves to these substances minimally and very judiciously.

Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman (Publisher: Rupa & Co.), the upcoming Rev Up Your Life! (Publisher: Hay House India) and Mentor Your Mind (Publisher: Sterling Publishers). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com and http://www.footstrike.wordpress.com

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