Detoxification is an important elimination process the body uses daily to remove toxins and prevent their accumulation in the body. It does not matter how many good things you put into your body if you cannot take out the garbage. Your body is the house of your soul. If you accumulate garbage in one room of your house that will attract flies (microorganisms, abnormal cells, cancerous cells…). Antibiotics, antivirals, chemotherapy and radiation kill the flies (bacteria, viruses and cancer cells), but if you do not do anything to get rid of the garbage, the flies will come back.
The liver, intestines and kidneys are the primary organs responsible for this, however there are actually 5 methods of detoxification employed by the body. Toxins that are not removed are stored in fat tissue and bone.
Generally, we have two types of toxins: water soluble and fat soluble. Water soluble toxins can be dissolved in water, whereas fat soluble toxins are dissolved in fat. The liver plays the most crucial role in fat soluble detoxification. It filters blood to remove large toxins, synthesizes and secretes bile to remove fat soluble toxins and disassembles unwanted chemicals with enzymes. This disassembly process requires two steps. Phase I will directly neutralize a toxin or will modify the chemical into a form that can be neutralized by Phase II. The liver detoxifies almost 2 liters of blood every minute and 99% of bacteria and toxins. However, when the liver is damaged, the amount of toxins that remain in the blood increases by 10 times.
Phase I Detoxification
Phase I utilizes a group of enzymes known as cytochrome P450. There are roughly 50-100 enzymes in this system that either directly neutralize some chemicals or convert them into forms to be eliminated by Phase II enzymes. The activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes varies individually based on genetics, exposure level to chemical toxins and nutritional status. The variation in activity is responsible for the variation in risk for disease. For example, there are differences in smokers’ abilities to detoxify carcinogens. Some people can smoke and only sustain modest lung damage while others develop cancer. In addition those with underactive Phase I detoxification will experience intolerances to multiple substances, including caffeine and perfumes.
Cytochrome P450 metabolizes a chemical to a less toxic form, making it water soluble or converting it to a more chemically active form. This more active form must be quickly removed from the body by Phase II to prevent a potential problem. Therefore the rate at which Phase I produces activated metabolites must be balanced by the rate at which Phase II processes them. An imbalance between the two phases can occur when a person is exposed to large amounts of toxins or for long periods of time. The critical nutrients become depleted allowing for the highly active forms from Phase I to accumulate. The activity of Phase I enzymes can also decrease with age, lack of physical activity and reduced circulation. Copper, magnesium, zinc and vitamin C are vital nutrients required by Phase I enzymes.
The following chart demonstrates substances detoxified by Phase I as well as drugs that inhibit Phase I enzymes.
Phase II Detoxification
In Phase II, various liver enzymes attach small chemicals to the toxin, a process known as conjugation. This reaction either neutralizes a toxin or makes it more easily excreted by the kidneys or bowels. There are seven pathways of detoxification in Phase II, each requiring certain nutrients and energy to function properly.
The following chart describes the seven Phase II pathways and provides information on the nutrients needed for each step and the substances that can decrease its activity.
Protein
The metabolism of toxic chemicals and drugs is highly dependent upon protein and amino acid status in the body. Increased toxicity of chemical compounds and drugs has been connected with protein deficiency. Herbicide and fungicide accumulation have been shown to be increased several fold by low protein consumption. Low protein diets decrease cytochrome P450 activity, increase lead toxicity and increase the immune system’s susceptibility to disease from pesticides. Protein is essential for proper functioning of all the Phase II detoxification pathways. Whey protein is one of the most important sources.
Bowel Excretion
Phase II requires the synthesis and secretion of bile. Each day the liver produces about 1 liter of bile which serves as a carrier for many toxic substances to be dumped into the intestines. These substances must be removed immediately to prevent their reabsorption into the system. Fiber, such as psyllium, absorbs the toxins carried by bile to the intestines and facilitates rapid excretion by the bowels. If bile elimination becomes inhibited, toxins can remain in the lives longer than desired.
Gallstones, “sludge”, alcohol, thyroid conditions, constipation, oral contraceptives and other medications are just a few factors that can impair bile flow. Normal bowel action allows for 94% bile reabsorption. The fat soluble toxins excreted with it are recycled as part of the body’s starvation prevention program. Constipation however would allow for 99% reabsorption. Fiber prevents liver recirculation and increases the amount of fecal bile acids by 400%.
Systemic Detoxification
- Avoidance: Reduce daily toxic burden (food, environment, etc.)
- Supplementation: Help the body handle the toxic load (support detoxification pathways)
- Cleansing/Detoxification: Remove of the toxic accumulation (fasting, saunas, colonics…)
Fasting
Fasting is one of the oldest known therapies that dates back over 3000 years. Fasting has been used in the treatment of: high blood pressure, obesity, chemical poisoning, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disease, allergies, psoriasis, eczema, thrombophlebitis, leg ulcers, IBS, asthma and mood disorders. A professional organization involved in the study and promotion of fasting is the International Association of Hygienic Physicians (IAHP). It is composed of doctors specializing in therapeutic fasting as an integral part of total health care. One of the most significant studies regarding fasting and detoxification involved patients who had inadvertently ingested rice oil contaminated with polychlorinated-biphenyls (PCBs) in Taiwan. All patients reported improvement in symptoms and some observed “dramatic” relief, after undergoing 7-10 days of fasting. The level of circulating chemicals in their blood increased due to the elevated rate of fat break down. Once the detoxification pathways caught up with the processing and elimination of fat soluble toxins, transformative changes occurred. Thus the fat soluble PCBs were released from storage into the bloodstream at higher than normal rates. The liver’s detoxification process is responsible for removing the substances through Phase I and Phase II (please refer to Fasting for more information).
Saunas (48°C- 57°C)
Saunas stimulate one of the basic methods of detoxification by the body. When the body sweats toxins are released through the skin. One research article studied the exposure of 14 firemen to highly toxic PCBs using saunas. The firemen underwent 2-3 weeks of detoxification, through dieting and using saunas, after developing neuropsychological problems 6 months after a transformer fire explosion. Their memory was drastically improved following treatment. Saunas have multiple therapeutic benefits. They increase excretion of heavy metals (cadmium, lead), augment excretion of fat-soluble chemicals (PCBs) and accelerate fat breakdown throughout the body. Compounds become mobilized into the bloodstream through sweat. The compounds released can include cadmium, lead, mercury, nickel, bromide, chloride, chromium, copper, iron, potassium, sodium, magnesium, manganese and zinc.
Colonics
Colonic treatments clear compounds that have been dumped from the liver into the intestines. This therapeutic treatment further enhances the removal of bile and thus prevents their recirculation as 94% of toxins in the bile are recycled in Phase II. Colonics will also help with the absorption of water (please refer to Colonics for more information).
Coffee Enemas
Coffee enemas have been a standard in detoxification protocols in the past, primarily due to triggering significant bile dumping and eliminating the reabsorption of toxins.
References:
- Pizzorno, J. Textbook of Natural Medicine 3rd Ed. Elsevier. Churchill, Livingstone Page 347, 437-450.
- Anticancer Res. 2000 Nov-Dec;20(6C):4785-92
- Imamura M, Tung TC. A trial of fasting cure for PCB-poisoned patients in Taiwan. Am J Ind Med 1984;5:147-153.
- Cohn JR, Emmett EA. The excretion of trace metals in human sweat. Ann Lin Lab Sci 1978; 8: 270-275
- Schnare DW, Robinson PC. Reduction of the body burdens of hexachlorobenzene and polychlorinated biphenyls. IARC Sci Publ 1986;77: 597-603
- Tretjak Z, Shields M, Beckmann SL. PCB reduction and clinical improvement by detoxification: an unexploited approach? Hum Exp Toxicol 1990; 9: 235-244
- Lammintausta R, Syvalahti E, Pekkarnen A. Change in hormones reflecting sympathetic activity in Finnish sauna. Ann Clin Res 1976; 8: 266-271
Castor Oil Packs
Last Updated: July 24, 2018 by mprytula · Leave a Comment
The application of castor oil externally has been well explored throughout history. A castor oil pack can increase circulation, improve lymphatic function, decrease inflammation (internally and externally) and promote the elimination of toxins and the healing of tissues.
Materials Required:
Directions:
Detoxification
Last Updated: July 24, 2018 by mprytula · Leave a Comment
Detoxification is an important elimination process the body uses daily to remove toxins and prevent their accumulation in the body. It does not matter how many good things you put into your body if you cannot take out the garbage. Your body is the house of your soul. If you accumulate garbage in one room of your house that will attract flies (microorganisms, abnormal cells, cancerous cells…). Antibiotics, antivirals, chemotherapy and radiation kill the flies (bacteria, viruses and cancer cells), but if you do not do anything to get rid of the garbage, the flies will come back.
The liver, intestines and kidneys are the primary organs responsible for this, however there are actually 5 methods of detoxification employed by the body. Toxins that are not removed are stored in fat tissue and bone.
Generally, we have two types of toxins: water soluble and fat soluble. Water soluble toxins can be dissolved in water, whereas fat soluble toxins are dissolved in fat. The liver plays the most crucial role in fat soluble detoxification. It filters blood to remove large toxins, synthesizes and secretes bile to remove fat soluble toxins and disassembles unwanted chemicals with enzymes. This disassembly process requires two steps. Phase I will directly neutralize a toxin or will modify the chemical into a form that can be neutralized by Phase II. The liver detoxifies almost 2 liters of blood every minute and 99% of bacteria and toxins. However, when the liver is damaged, the amount of toxins that remain in the blood increases by 10 times.
Phase I Detoxification
Phase I utilizes a group of enzymes known as cytochrome P450. There are roughly 50-100 enzymes in this system that either directly neutralize some chemicals or convert them into forms to be eliminated by Phase II enzymes. The activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes varies individually based on genetics, exposure level to chemical toxins and nutritional status. The variation in activity is responsible for the variation in risk for disease. For example, there are differences in smokers’ abilities to detoxify carcinogens. Some people can smoke and only sustain modest lung damage while others develop cancer. In addition those with underactive Phase I detoxification will experience intolerances to multiple substances, including caffeine and perfumes.
Cytochrome P450 metabolizes a chemical to a less toxic form, making it water soluble or converting it to a more chemically active form. This more active form must be quickly removed from the body by Phase II to prevent a potential problem. Therefore the rate at which Phase I produces activated metabolites must be balanced by the rate at which Phase II processes them. An imbalance between the two phases can occur when a person is exposed to large amounts of toxins or for long periods of time. The critical nutrients become depleted allowing for the highly active forms from Phase I to accumulate. The activity of Phase I enzymes can also decrease with age, lack of physical activity and reduced circulation. Copper, magnesium, zinc and vitamin C are vital nutrients required by Phase I enzymes.
The following chart demonstrates substances detoxified by Phase I as well as drugs that inhibit Phase I enzymes.
Phase II Detoxification
In Phase II, various liver enzymes attach small chemicals to the toxin, a process known as conjugation. This reaction either neutralizes a toxin or makes it more easily excreted by the kidneys or bowels. There are seven pathways of detoxification in Phase II, each requiring certain nutrients and energy to function properly.
The following chart describes the seven Phase II pathways and provides information on the nutrients needed for each step and the substances that can decrease its activity.
Protein
The metabolism of toxic chemicals and drugs is highly dependent upon protein and amino acid status in the body. Increased toxicity of chemical compounds and drugs has been connected with protein deficiency. Herbicide and fungicide accumulation have been shown to be increased several fold by low protein consumption. Low protein diets decrease cytochrome P450 activity, increase lead toxicity and increase the immune system’s susceptibility to disease from pesticides. Protein is essential for proper functioning of all the Phase II detoxification pathways. Whey protein is one of the most important sources.
Bowel Excretion
Phase II requires the synthesis and secretion of bile. Each day the liver produces about 1 liter of bile which serves as a carrier for many toxic substances to be dumped into the intestines. These substances must be removed immediately to prevent their reabsorption into the system. Fiber, such as psyllium, absorbs the toxins carried by bile to the intestines and facilitates rapid excretion by the bowels. If bile elimination becomes inhibited, toxins can remain in the lives longer than desired.
Gallstones, “sludge”, alcohol, thyroid conditions, constipation, oral contraceptives and other medications are just a few factors that can impair bile flow. Normal bowel action allows for 94% bile reabsorption. The fat soluble toxins excreted with it are recycled as part of the body’s starvation prevention program. Constipation however would allow for 99% reabsorption. Fiber prevents liver recirculation and increases the amount of fecal bile acids by 400%.
Systemic Detoxification
Fasting
Fasting is one of the oldest known therapies that dates back over 3000 years. Fasting has been used in the treatment of: high blood pressure, obesity, chemical poisoning, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disease, allergies, psoriasis, eczema, thrombophlebitis, leg ulcers, IBS, asthma and mood disorders. A professional organization involved in the study and promotion of fasting is the International Association of Hygienic Physicians (IAHP). It is composed of doctors specializing in therapeutic fasting as an integral part of total health care. One of the most significant studies regarding fasting and detoxification involved patients who had inadvertently ingested rice oil contaminated with polychlorinated-biphenyls (PCBs) in Taiwan. All patients reported improvement in symptoms and some observed “dramatic” relief, after undergoing 7-10 days of fasting. The level of circulating chemicals in their blood increased due to the elevated rate of fat break down. Once the detoxification pathways caught up with the processing and elimination of fat soluble toxins, transformative changes occurred. Thus the fat soluble PCBs were released from storage into the bloodstream at higher than normal rates. The liver’s detoxification process is responsible for removing the substances through Phase I and Phase II (please refer to Fasting for more information).
Saunas (48°C- 57°C)
Saunas stimulate one of the basic methods of detoxification by the body. When the body sweats toxins are released through the skin. One research article studied the exposure of 14 firemen to highly toxic PCBs using saunas. The firemen underwent 2-3 weeks of detoxification, through dieting and using saunas, after developing neuropsychological problems 6 months after a transformer fire explosion. Their memory was drastically improved following treatment. Saunas have multiple therapeutic benefits. They increase excretion of heavy metals (cadmium, lead), augment excretion of fat-soluble chemicals (PCBs) and accelerate fat breakdown throughout the body. Compounds become mobilized into the bloodstream through sweat. The compounds released can include cadmium, lead, mercury, nickel, bromide, chloride, chromium, copper, iron, potassium, sodium, magnesium, manganese and zinc.
Colonics
Colonic treatments clear compounds that have been dumped from the liver into the intestines. This therapeutic treatment further enhances the removal of bile and thus prevents their recirculation as 94% of toxins in the bile are recycled in Phase II. Colonics will also help with the absorption of water (please refer to Colonics for more information).
Coffee Enemas
Coffee enemas have been a standard in detoxification protocols in the past, primarily due to triggering significant bile dumping and eliminating the reabsorption of toxins.
References:
Last Updated: July 24, 2018 by mprytula · Leave a Comment
Water Filters
Clean drinking water is important for maintaining optimal health for both you and your family. The need for water filtering systems is a growing concern for many. In 1993, over 100 people died from cryptosporidium contaminated water in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Seven deaths from E. coli tainted water occurred in Walkerton, Ontario in 2000. Our tap water is regularly affected by acid rain, pesticides, heavy metals and toxic waste, all of which can be very dangerous to your health. Filtering and purifying our water supply has become a priority to many. There are many water filters available on the market today. Whether it is a home system for the faucet, refrigerator or shower, it is important to be familiar with the product you are purchasing. Understanding what the filtering system is capable of prior to making a purchase is very important. One major benefit regarding water filters is that the vast majority have to follow strict guidelines. The Environmental Protection Agency and Health Canada monitor this industry far more closely than the bottled water industry. In fact, there are no federal filtration or disinfection requirements in place for bottled water companies.
When water passes through a water filter, a filter media absorbs and screens for particles. There are a wide range of water filters, purifiers and methods of water purification available on the market today. There is no single filter or treatment that will eliminate 100% of every contaminant from your water. Many technologies target only a specific type of contaminant and may be completely ineffective against others. Important factors to consider when selecting your system are: does your filter conserve water and energy? Does it eliminate heavy metals, chemicals and microorganisms? How much maintenance does it require? How often do you have to replace the filter? How easy is it to move (are you a tenant?)? Do you want whole house or localized filtration (drinking water)? What is the cost? For the most popular water filtration methods and drinking water brands on the market refer to the water filter comparison charts at Nature Medicine. The charts compare the performance of carbon, ceramic, reverse osmosis and distilled filtration systems. They also demonstrate how the quality of water changes over time for distillation, reverse osmosis and carbon filters.
There is no filter on the market capable of removing 100 percent of all contaminants. Do your research and select the system that is best for you and your family. Remember if you do not have a water filter, you are the filter!
For additional information on water filters please visit: http://www.purahome.com/articles/files/water_cleaning_technology_comparison-contaminant_removal.pdf
References:
Last Updated: July 24, 2018 by mprytula · Leave a Comment
Exercise
Exercise, as discussed in the lifestyle section, increases circulation, muscle strength, longevity, mood, etc. The health benefits of exercise are dependent upon the frequency, intensity and duration of the exercise, not to mention the type of activity. Before entering a workout program, make sure you use an appropriate amount of intensity to reach your desired effect.
Cardiovascular Fitness
Aerobic activity is one of the best methods for improving the ability of the heart, lungs and blood vessels to function at an optimal level during exercise and at rest. This form of activity helps with the delivery of oxygen to tissue, thus ensuring that energy demands are being met. Continuous, rhythmic activity performed at an appropriate intensity in order to increase cardiac output is an essential criterion for aerobic exercise (ex. cycling, running, cross-country skiing, skating, hiking, etc.).
Tips to Improve Cardio Conditioning:
Muscular Fitness
Anaerobic activity includes effective exercises that use resistance to build muscle and bone. Anaerobic exercise does not use oxygen for energy and therefore is not done for long periods at a time. Lactic acid is produced as a by-product which can affect muscle action and function. These types of exercises use muscles at high intensity for short periods of time. Muscular strength and endurance are two important aspects of any exercise program. These help strengthen the body for the requirements of daily life and prevent the loss of lean body tissue that often occurs with age.
Tips to Improve Muscular Conditioning
When beginning a new exercise program, you may find that you are not able to complete all of the exercises as often or for the desired length of time as you would like. It is important to begin slowly and progress up to your fitness goals. Doing too much too fast can lead to injury, pain and the abandonment of your exercise program. Take your time and enjoy the endorphin energy boost. Remember to stretch after your workout. This step is quite often skipped over, but it is necessary to maintain proper range of motion in your joints. Finally, please do not forget to breathe throughout both the cardiovascular and muscular conditioning portions. Breathing is not only essential to life, but it also helps with the detoxification process.
References:
Last Updated: July 24, 2018 by mprytula · Leave a Comment
Environmental Allergies
There are thousands of different types of particulates present in the air throughout the year that can lead to allergy symptoms. Knowing when these counts are elevated may help to prepare you for days that will create the most symptoms and may also help reduce your exposure. The weather network offers daily pollen forecast available during allergy season. Take a look at http://www.theweathernetwork.com/pollenfx/canpollen_en to see the seasonal variation for your area. The symptoms you often experience with an allergy resemble a cold. It can be difficult to tell whether the sneezing and the itchy, watery eyes are from an allergy or a sickness (cold or flu). The first step is to distinguish between these two possibilities. There are a few ways in which you can do this:
Treatment:
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