By David DeHaas
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December 5, 2025
All disease stems from inflammation caused by one primary factor: toxins. These toxins originate from chemicals in our food, air, and water, as well as toxic thoughts that generate emotions contributing to disease. Inside every cell are tiny engines called mitochondria—the powerhouses where energy is produced. Some cells contain more mitochondria than others; for example, skin cells require less energy than heart or brain cells. To fuel these engines, we consume food. It is first broken down by stomach acids, then moves to the small intestine—a 25-foot-long organ—where digestion and absorption continue. Here, nutrients pass through villi (finger-like projections resembling shag carpet) into the bloodstream. However, if old, rotting food lingers too long in the intestines, it can cause tiny tears in the gut lining. Toxins from pesticides (e.g., glyphosate, atrazine), gluten, medications like NSAIDs, trans fats, sugar, and stress hormones (cortisol) can then leak through these breaches into the bloodstream. When foreign particles enter the blood, the immune system attacl‹s them. This is often called “leaky gut” and can lead to autoimmune conditions such as lupus or arthritis, bloating, IBS, diarrhea, constipation, food sensitivities, allergies, frequent infections, eczema, acne, psoriasis, brain fog, anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, and joint pain. The blood becomes “mucked up” with debris. It diverts some toxins into tissues, where the lymphatic system attempts to clear them. The rest reaches the liver, which wraps toxins in bile for elimination or storage. If the liver is overwhelmed, toxins are stored in fat tissue. For those struggling to lose weight, this explains why: your body is protecting you by sequestering toxins in fat—far better than allowing them to accumulate in the brain (which is also fatty tissue!). Once nutrients reach the cells and enter the mitochondrial engines, “combustion” produces energy. But why doesn't everyone achieve optimal mitochondrial function? It's simple: just as a car engine needs a spark plug, clean fuel, and proper maintenance for combustion, your mitochondria require high-quality nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. If you're tired, lethargic, or diseased, it's because your cells lack these essentials— often from non-organic foods depleted of nutrients. Even organic produce today contains about 75% fewer nutrients than the same foods 60 years ago. You must supplement with high-quality vitamins and minerals (preferably chelated for better absorption) to keep your engines firing. Without them, the body activates an emergency plan: it “borrows” minerals from hair, nails, or bones to prioritize vital organs. This leads to thinning hair, brittle nails, or osteoporosis. Years later—perhaps 20—40 years down the line—you may face hip or knee replacements, cataract surgery, or other issues, all traceable to nutrient deficiencies. (See my related article on healing a torn meniscus naturally.) Take Action: Clean up your diet with organic, nutrient-dense foods. Take high-quality multi-vitamin/mineral supplements with chelated minerals. Heal your gut: Increase fiber intake and consider colon hydrotherapy to clear the intestinal tract. Monitor your bowel movements. If you're eating but not eliminating regularly, digested matter backs up, creating havoc in the colon and small intestine. For more details, listen to our podcast at www.wholebodvdetoxshow.com , Episode 250, available on all major platforms. Also at www.livinuwaterscleanse.com . David DeHa‹is is a Colon Hydrotlieriipist and Naturopatliic Health Couch. He and his team have been providing Colon Hydrotlieriipy and 10-Day Healing Retreats since 2009.