Detoxification therapy in Munich – assessment first

The body has its own ways of breaking down and excreting substances – mainly through the liver, kidneys, gut, skin and lungs. In conventional medicine, “detoxification” usually means treating acute poisoning. In naturopathy the term is broader: it refers to measures intended to support the body's own detoxification. We also speak of detoxification capacity. This means how well the body can cope with exposures. It varies from person to person and depends on factors such as genes, diet, age and pre-existing conditions. For many over-the-counter “detox” products and programmes there is no scientific evidence. That is why we rely on assessment rather than one-size-fits-all programmes.

Heavy metals such as lead, mercury or cadmium can accumulate in the body. Sources include old lead pipes, certain predatory fish, tobacco smoke or handling metals at work. Heavy metal elimination only makes sense if relevant exposure has been proven. Chelating agents are used for this – active substances that bind metals so that they can be excreted through the kidneys. The procedure belongs in medical hands, because it also binds trace elements the body needs and requires monitoring. Prof. Schulte-Uebbing has worked in metal toxicology for many years, for example in the workshop “Metal Elimination in Oncology Practice” (Medical Society for Clinical Metal Toxicology, 2011).

Some pollutants interfere with the hormone system. They are called endocrine disruptors. They include certain plasticisers, fragrance additives, pesticides and metals. This topic is especially important for women, because many gynaecological conditions are hormone-dependent. Prof. Schulte-Uebbing has addressed it in talks and articles, for example “Endocrine Disruptors, Detoxification Concepts” (workshop for doctors, Munich, 2011) and “Endocrine Effects of Heavy Metals” (Heavy Metal Workshop, German Medical Society for Clinical Metal Toxicology, 2010). Many connections have not yet been conclusively clarified. For everyday life this means: reduce exposures consciously, without becoming anxious.

To break down pollutants, the body needs building blocks such as amino acids, vitamins and trace elements. A deficiency can be identified in the laboratory. Prof. Schulte-Uebbing has published on this: “Pollutants as a Cause or Trigger of Endocrine Disorders and Chronic Diseases. Amino Acids in the Prevention or Treatment of Diseases (Partly) Triggered by Pollutants” (Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, 2018). Whether a supplement as a capsule or infusion makes sense for you is something we decide on the basis of your values. More is not automatically better: micronutrients can also be overdosed.

Many exposures can be reduced in everyday life. Ventilate regularly, choose perfume-free care and cleaning products, and do not heat food in plastic. Give up smoking and eat a varied diet. Drinking enough, exercise and sleep support the normal functions of the liver, kidneys and gut. In older buildings with old water pipes, testing the drinking water may make sense. Prof. Schulte-Uebbing has also looked at drinking water, for example in the article “Is Our Drinking Water Making Us Ill?” (Your Health magazine, 2017). These steps are simple and form the basis of any detoxification therapy.