How Can We Rid Our Bodies Of Toxic Substances

Drew on Detoxification:

In 1978 while I was still in high school my mother developed breast cancer.  I had no idea what detoxification was or how it worked.  The nutritional program that she decided to use to help her overcome her condition was the Gerson Program.  The main strategy of this program is detoxification which treats existing conditions and can prevent disease.  Now in my 14th year of private practice detoxification as a healing strategy is the most important part of my practice.

How does detoxification work and why is it so important?

Today we are exposed to many toxins from the environment such as the air we breath(including house hold cleaning products), the preservatives in food and of course toxins from alcohol, prescription and recreational drugs. Recent studies have suggested that long term low level exposure to toxins such as heavy metals (mercury, lead, arsenic), pesticides, and industrial compounds are associated with such conditions as chronic fatigue, environmental and chemical sensitivities and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's.  High levels of toxins in the body have also been linked to headaches, fertility problems, memory loss, and depression.

How does the body becomes toxic? There are two phases of the liver, Phase 1 and Phase 2, which are mostly responsible for removing toxins from the body.  Basically, Phase 1 (cytochrome P450) removes the toxins from the blood.  The result of Phase I creates a 'free radical' (free radicals are electrically charged molecules that damage healthy cells). The free radical is then conjugated by Phase 2 and excreted from the body through urination or through the bowels.  It sounds complicated but it’s really not.

Basically, the more toxins we are exposed to, the more free radicals we produce which then burdens the liver's ability (Phase 1 and Phase 2) to remove the toxins or free radicals.  The result is more free radical production leading to more cell death and chronic inflammation.

Not eating or fasting on water is NOT detoxification.  According to research, the liver needs specific nutrients to detoxify.  Depriving the liver during a detoxification program only produces more free radicals which can lead to a healing crisis or poisoning of the body.  A safe and effective detoxification program requires specific nutrients to enhance the liver's ability (Phase 1 and Phase 2) to remove the harmful toxins stored in the body.

Let’s take a look at some foods, herbs and nutrients that are powerful antioxidants that can help our liver effectively and safely excrete toxins from the body.

Green Tea is the most popular antioxidant on the market today and has anti-cancer properties.  The catechins (phytochemicals) in green tea have been shown to lower the incidence of Parkinson Disease.  The National Cancer Institute is currently investigating green tea's chemotherapeutic potential.  In addition, green tea helps to regulate blood sugar and improves digestion.

Milk Thistle (silymarin the active ingredient) is a well know liver protectant and powerful antioxidant.  Milk Thistle is the best antioxidant which should be taken on a daily basis to help the liver manage the many toxins we are exposed to.

Lastly, our B vitamins are essential for detoxification especially Folic acid.  Folic acid helps our liver to metabolize homocystine, an amino acid which is associated with inflammation and heart disease.  Folic acid also helps to rid the body of harmful heavy metals.

For more information on detoxification or my detoxification program please contact me(use contact above)

Drew DiVittorio Dipl., (NCCAOM)

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