Understanding Detox: Biodetoxification Program at COEM in Charleston SC

‘Detox’ is the short form of the word detoxification, a process by which our bodies break down and get rid of toxic substances. It is another important system of the body.

Although the liver is thought to be the major organ of the body carrying out this process, most tissues of the body also assist. The process by which this occurs is called detoxication which changes a toxic substance into a more readily excretable form. Most poisons are excreted through the liver and its bile. Some can be excreted or exhaled unchanged and some are literally stored in our fat cells. Most toxic chemicals including heavy metals are fat soluble and are attracted to our fat.

If we are incapable of or inefficient in biodetoxification we will store the poisons creating an internal source of chronic toxicity.

So now you know what the word ‘detox’ means. More importantly, you need to know that many diseases are caused by our body’s burden of persistent or chronic pollutants including the majority of cancers and many of our autoimmune disorders. There is no organ or tissue of the body that cannot be injured. It behooves us then to reduce all toxic exposures and maintain our ability to break down and excrete them.

The COEM has one of the very few Biodetoxification Programs in the nation. Since 1988 we have been helping people from all over the world reduce their toxic burden. Many were poisoned by pesticides, molds, industrial chemicals, and recently the BP oil spill and dispersants. These patients all needed an intense program because of the severity of their illness. If you fit into one of these categories we have the experience to treat you in the intense 4-6 week program.

We understand that affording healthcare can be difficult in this economy. COEM offers patients the option of paying for their medical treatment through Care Credit.

Care Credit boasts special financing every time you use it, low monthly payment options, and no up-front costs or pre-payment penalties. Multiple plan options allow patients to choose the plan that fits their needs. Choose from Interest Plan options for 6, 12, or 18-month periods or Extended Low-Interest Plan options for 24, 36, 48 or 60 months.

Care Credit is often accepted by other healthcare providers including primary care physicians, dentists, surgeons, optometrists, and even veterinarians.

The comprehensive Biodetoxification Program at COEM is designed to remove toxicants using three basic mechanisms:

1. Mobilization of bound chemicals from storage sites through lipolysis (the breakdown of fatty tissues).
2. Enhancement of the body’s natural systems of detoxification and biotransformation.
3. Enhancement of excretion and inhibition of reabsorption.

The methods used to accomplish Biodetoxification at the Center are:

• Initial and Weekly Laboratory Analyses
Specialized laboratory testing is initially performed to determine your body’s burden of toxic chemicals and how these may be affecting body chemistry, immunity, and overall function. In addition, urinalyses and basic blood work is performed during each of the 4 weeks of the intensive Biodetoxification program.

• Sauna Therapy
Several hours each week in a dry sauna between 140-150 degrees assists in mobilizing fat.

• Therapeutic Massage
Weekly therapeutic massages performed by a licensed massage therapist is used to break down fatty tissues.

• Oxygen Therapy
Daily oxygen therapy is provided to enhance the body’s natural systems of detoxification.

• Lymphatic Drainage
Weekly lymphatic drainage is performed via light beam therapy.

• Foot Baths
Detoxifying foot baths are provided weekly.

• I.V. Supplementation
Twice weekly I.V. supplementation replenishes key required nutrients.

• Oral Nutritional Support
Nutritional supplementation of key required nutrients enhances the body’s natural systems of detoxification and daily oral polyunsaturated oils enhance excretion.

Let’s start the new year with the conviction that maintaining our health is worth every effort. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7510 North Forest Drive North Charleston, SC 29420. We serve patients from Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, North Charleston SC, Ladson SC, Hanahan SC, James Island SC, John’s Island SC, Daniel Island SC, all of South Carolina, Nationally, and Internationally. Patients routinely fly into Charleston to be evaluated by COEM and to enjoy this beautiful city which is a Condé Nast and Travel and Leisure Top Domestic and International Tourist Destination.

Sincerely,

Allan D. Lieberman, M.D., F.A.A.E.M.