Detox for horses – giving them a boost with vital nutrients
„Why detox? Surely the body can do that on its own!“ An assumption that is hardly tenable any more, particularly given today’s lifestyle. Whilst nature has provided us with sophisticated detoxification systems that rid the body of „waste“, they cannot cope with the sheer volume of toxins an organism has to deal with on a daily basis.
The team responsible for the excretory organs
As the body’s central detoxification organ, the liver plays a pivotal role in the detoxification process. However, it has important allies at its side, without which the elimination of toxins would be very difficult. For example, the liver passes the metabolised substances to be excreted in the urine to the kidneys, which then eliminate them via the urine. The gut, which is home to the immune system, is also an indispensable aid in the removal of harmful substances. If its function is impaired, the detoxification system is weakened or may even be subjected to additional strain. Often referred to as the „third kidney“, the skin also makes a significant contribution to the elimination of toxins. Aided by perspiration, it can thus eliminate not only water and electrolytes but also waste products such as ammonia, uric acid and urea. If problems arise in the excretory pathways – the liver, kidneys and gut – the skin is increasingly called upon to help with elimination. This can result not only in a change in body odour but also in intense itching. The lungs should not be overlooked in this context either. The continuous exhalation of spent air is crucial for maintaining the acid-base balance. Particularly during the winter months, the horse – a running animal with an enormous lung capacity – relies on sufficient exercise in fresh air to ensure effective gas exchange. Often overlooked, as it operates behind the scenes, is the lymphatic system. As a fundamental part of the body’s own detoxification system, its interconnected structures play a vital role in „waste disposal“. Sometimes it takes swollen legs before this system receives sufficient attention. To maintain the unimpeded flow of the lymphatic vessels, the importance of continuous exercise is once again evident, alongside a diet rich in vital nutrients.
When the system breaks down
However, although an organism’s detoxification capacity and ability to compensate may at times seem remarkable, even the best system reaches the limits of its resilience when the parameters shift drastically. Nature has, for instance, hardly taken into account in the detoxification process that food and animal feed, drinking water and even the air we breathe can represent a burden on the body rather than a relief. Added to this are unbalanced feed rations containing excessive amounts of grain and insufficient fibre.
Changes in the gut flora caused by feeding errors, the administration of antibiotics and mould contamination lead to the production of endotoxins, which place an additional burden – usually self-inflicted – on the body’s detoxification system. In the worst-case scenario, an excessive intake of sugar, starch and protein is combined with a deficiency in certain vital nutrients that are essential for proper detoxification.
In particular, deficiencies in the trace elements zinc and manganese, a lack of B vitamins, and other important antioxidants such as vitamin E or glutathione can have a direct adverse effect on the detoxification process. Added to this are contaminants from intensive agriculture, to which both humans and animals are almost inevitably exposed. For instance, the use of considerable quantities of herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and stalk-shortening agents in cereal cultivation is common practice in conventional agriculture. If straw treated in this way forms part of the feed ration, there is no need for doom-mongering to foresee the fatal consequences in the long term.
Last but not least, heavy metal contamination from polluted water, contaminated soil or vaccinations can ultimately be the straw that breaks the camel’s back, causing the system to shut down, particularly in weakened animals.
The following symptoms may
may indicate liver damage:
- „The pain of the liver is tiredness“, frequent yawning
- „Bad mood“
- „Unridity“
- Nervousness
- Being overweight
- Weight loss (advanced stage)
- Long „hungry hairs“
- Skin problems, itching
- Digestive problems such as diarrhoea and watery stools
- Faeces that often have a foul odour
- Increased formation of bristly hair
- Gums discoloured to a yellowish or brownish hue
As liver enzyme levels are only detectable in the blood once liver function has deteriorated to 70–80 %, even slightly elevated levels should be taken very seriously.
Caution in the case of weakened animals
Given this constant strain on the body, it is therefore a good idea to regularly support the body’s own detoxification mechanisms so that „waste disposal“ can take place effectively and completely.
But is detoxification support always possible and suitable for everyone?
This is a matter for individual judgement. Whilst pregnant, lactating or particularly weakened animals may be gently supported in the detoxification process using special herbal combinations, one should refrain from initiating a detoxification programme that is initially physically draining, as this involves mobilising toxins which must then be excreted. There are also times of year that are more or less suitable for detoxification.
Indeed, the ancient Ayurvedic texts already recommend spring and autumn as the traditional times for a thorough cleanse. However, it is not just the start of the detox that should be carefully chosen, as the profound cleansing process can sometimes cause a little discomfort for some people, particularly at the outset. It has been observed that, in most cases, people struggle with increased tiredness or a general feeling of malaise at the start. As these typical side effects are to be expected, your training should be adjusted accordingly.
Detox – but how?
Classic detoxifying plants such as milk thistle and artichoke are an essential part of any detox programme. However, to achieve a lasting effect on all levels, other vital nutrients should be included. For example, garlic – which contains selenium and allicin – essential omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants from grape seeds and specific herbs such as fennel, caraway and peppermint can play a crucial role in stimulating liver function and promoting liver cell regeneration. Particularly in horses with a deficient or unclear trace element balance, the concurrent administration of a trace element concentrate is also recommended to meet increased requirements and prevent deficiency symptoms. To avoid placing additional strain on the liver, supplementary oil should not be fed during the detoxification process. If the horse suffers from digestive problems such as watery stools, recurrent diarrhoea or colic, it may be advisable to first relieve the strain on the gut before beginning the detoxification process. In such cases, special clay minerals and carrot ferments can help to detoxify and optimise the intestinal environment.
It is therefore possible – and indeed highly recommended – to support the body’s own detoxification system preventatively and on a regular basis. As well as providing immediate relief for all the organs involved, this constitutes an active form of preventive healthcare with long-lasting benefits. After all, it’s always better to travel light.
Our recommendations for detoxification
EQUIMEB Hepa
- Liver-strengthening nutrient combination
- To support liver cell regeneration
- With milk thistle seeds and artichoke
MICROVITAL®
- The „Trace Element Booster“
- Highly concentrated organically bound trace elements
- Ideal to take alongside Equimeb Hepa as part of a liver treatment programme
BRANDON PLUS® hepatic protect
- In the case of long-lasting, severe or persistent liver problems
- Enriched with ProbioMED
® - Instead of Equimeb Hepa
To relieve the bowels:
Personal and non-binding
Feed advice
We would be happy to arrange a personal Feed advice and personalised Product combination available.
Please feel free to contact us about this, with no obligation
by telephone (switchboard): +49 6222 990 100
or email: info@st-hippolyt.de
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