Detoxification for the Entire New Year

by Carolyn Pierini, CLS (ASCP), CNC

The year-end celebrations are in full swing and despite the best intentions to observe a healthier transition through the busy days, most people, to some degree, overindulge in rich food and drink, experience more stress, and undoubtedly get less exercise and sleep. By January many folks are left feeling tired, bloated, moody, achy, and resolving to do better in the New Year.

Overtaxing the body any time of the year can stress the detoxification system leading to toxin accumulations that contribute, in part, to the above symptoms. The challenges of living in a rapidly changing society and an increasingly toxic world call for a more defensive approach to protecting health. In the world of sports, it is said that the best offense is a good defense. Healthy resolutions for the upcoming year may be considered offensive strategies, but combining them with a good defense—particularly against environmental toxin assaults—will boost success.

Over the course of the year, multiple articles appeared in this newsletter and webinars were presented discussing aspects of the problem of environmental toxic chemical exposure and the impact to health that it poses especially with regard to common health issues and inflammatory imbalance. To recap, there is worldwide exposure to literally tens of thousands of largely unregulated and understudied industrial chemicals such as heavy metals, biocides (pesticide, herbicide, fungicide), fire-retardants, aldehydes, dioxins, plasticizers, PCBs, phthalates, to name a few. Safety testing on several hundred subjects shows that these biologically foreign substances, or xenobiotics, have metabolic targets in the cells of living creatures. Due to their fat-soluble nature, these environmental pollutants “persist” in the body, accumulating with age. Through research and global testing, the evidence of toxin accumulation in the blood, tissues, and urine of all humans worldwide, including the unborn, is incontrovertible. From the cell membrane to its mitochondrial core, the effects of toxins impact all aspects of biochemistry including intelligence, immunity and fertility. Current studies also link these persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to the rising occurrence of overweight and imbalanced blood sugar metabolism.^1-4

At the present rate of pollution it is sobering to consider that the ability to detoxify is not without limits. Consequently, support for detoxification on a daily basis has gained serious attention. And as the current year closes and the new one begins, it is an ideal time for individuals to begin a detoxification regimen.

Detoxification Review

Detoxification of endogenous and exogenous substances occurs primarily in the liver through 2 complex phases of enzymes (Phases I and II), which transform fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble products for excretion through bile and urine. There is a wide range of detoxification ability among individuals as these enzymes are dependent on factors such as existing toxic load, health status, inflammatory balance, medications, nutrient sufficiency, exposure rate, diet, lifestyle, age and genetics (i.e. polymorphisms). Despite these variables, modifications to diet, lifestyle and exposure to toxins should be the first step in achieving a better defense system to the seemingly constant threats to our health. Considering specific nutrition targeted at detoxification from start to finish follows as the next defensive tactic.

Poor Diets = More Toxins

The quality of a person’s diet profoundly affects detoxification. Food components impact genes including the ones regulating detoxification. Phase II is supported by amino acids (protein) and sulfur-containing foods. Therefore, adequate protein aids the process of detoxification but insulin-provoking, refined and processed carbohydrates impair it. The phytonutrients in edible plants such as sulforaphane from broccoli have a positive impact on detoxification. Sufficient dietary plant fiber is important for the final phase of detoxification (Phase III), which is sequestering toxins for elimination and preventing their recirculation and accumulation.

Poor diets contain more toxins and fewer nutrients to clear them, which is why, after the holiday feasting, it’s important to clear the toxins from the bodily systems. Common convenience and fast foods are often loaded with toxins because of the process of bio-magnification. At the top of the food chain, humans risk the greatest exposure to environmental pollution through food because the presence of toxins in fatty tissue increases or magnifies as it moves up the food chain. In other words, when toxins are ingested, they move up the food chain from one living thing to the next, becoming concentrated or magnified. This is one important reason for choosing to consume lean, wild and free-range animal protein. On the other hand, factory-raised, grain-fed, high-fat animal products along with farm-raised fish such as salmon are considered the most common source of POPs. Foods are further dressed with potentially harmful chemicals for taste, shelf life and through packaging. People who consume organic and pesticide-free produce have been shown to carry less chemical biocides in their bodies.⁵

Toxins are primarily excreted through the gastrointestinal tract and the urine. Detoxification can be supported by the simple habit of drinking more pure water everyday especially with added lemon or lime juice. Among fruits, citric acid is most concentrated in lemons and limes. The high citric acid content of these fruits has an alkalizing effect on the body including the kidneys where efficient detoxification requires an optimal pH.^6-7 These fruits also contribute potassium and the vitamins A and C.

Minimizing Toxic Exposure

Lifestyles changes in the new year and beyond should be focused on minimizing toxin exposures. This includes choosing less toxic materials whenever possible including pest-control, house-cleaning products, personal care and other household/office items. When exposure is unavoidable or temporarily increased, then specific nutrient support is in order. For example, alcohol consumption represents a very popular lifestyle choice, especially around the holidays. Alcohol is oxidized to acetaldehyde, which must be cleared by the body. Acetaldehyde is at least 30 times more toxic than alcohol itself and is also a component of tobacco smoke and is produced by yeast such as Candida sp. in the intestinal tract. In many people, increasing carbohydrates especially simple sugars will result in yeast overgrowth and more acetaldehyde for the body to clear. Tobacco consumption and second hand smoke, rancid fats, fragrances, candles, air-fresheners, residential fireplace burning, and the smell or out-gassing of many manufactured items increases our exposure to aldehydes, particularly formaldehyde.

Lately, some shopping malls have presented an additional source of aldehydes and other synthetic chemicals as shops stream fragrances into the ambient air forcing shoppers into exposure. Aldehydes contribute to blood pressure imbalances and affect other aspects of overall health as well. AL-CoFactors™ is a product specifically formulated to support the detoxification and metabolism of alcohol and aldehydes. Supplementation protects nutrient reserves and minimizes the effects of exposure. (For more about aldehydes see the article “A Health-Destroying Toxin We Can’t Avoid And Must Detoxify” in the July 2010 newsletter).

Toxin accumulation leads to self-perpetuating cycles of imbalance in the body. While poor detoxification promotes energy losses and inflammatory imbalances, it is energy loss and inflammatory imbalances that further impair detoxification thereby increasing health impacts.

Targeted nutrition to support all aspects of detoxification has emerged as a modern necessity. However, any nutritional programs that stimulate the cells to release stored toxins but do not support their elimination from the liver, gallbladder, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract can encourage the recirculation of toxins. Furthermore, fasting or dieting, without nutritional support, encourages the release of xenobiotics from adipose and other tissues, which may result in a deluge of toxins entering the bloodstream. This exposure may significantly increase activity in phase I without a concomitant increase in phase II resulting in negative reactions especially in an individual who is already experiencing health issues. Ideally, detoxification support can be made an element of lifestyle, allowing a person to “cleanse” while performing the normal activities of their day. Gentle, daily detoxification may have greater, more lasting benefit than infrequent detox strategies. Most people cannot take time off for stringent, expensive or inconvenient detox programs. Detox support must be effective and convenient, encouraging a healthy long-term habit.

Thus, Detox 365 was created for daily, long-term, gentle-acting assistance in the clearing of toxins by enhancing the normal detoxification mechanisms in the liver, biliary and excretory systems. As such, it may be used as a foundation to more intense detox protocols in addition to its use as a daily support against toxin bio-accumulation.

Detox 365 is a multi-functional, hypoallergenic, rice protein-based supplement that is micro and macronutrient fortified to support detoxification. Detox 365 contains a vast array of vitamins and minerals, amino acids, specific plant-based nutrients, multiple types of fiber, select probiotics and digestive enzymes. Other ingredients include calcium-D-glucarate⁸ for hormonal detoxification, Maca root for energy and adaptogenic support,⁹ essential fatty acids from chia seed and broccoli sprouts contributing sulforaphane, which is shown to activate the body’s own antioxidant defense system and the phase II detox enzymes.¹⁰ As milk thistle is somewhat poorly absorbed, this product also features Siliphos®, a patented and well-studied phytosome combination of milk thistle and phosphatidylcholine, which greatly enhances absorption of these two essential detox powerhouses,¹¹ and Pectasol® modified citrus pectin for toxin-binding and unique immune-protective qualities.¹² As a delicious meal addition, a snack, or as a meal for traveling or on-the-run, Detox 365 provides numerous supportive ingredients for detoxification mechanisms of phase I, II, and elimination, weight management, digestive and intestinal health, energy production and for proper inflammatory balance.

Detox 365 is also a foundational product for deeper detoxification efforts and other plans such as weight maintenance and athletic recovery. Detox 365 also complements the basic wellness plan of taking multivitamin/mineral, essential fatty acid, and individually specific supplements. To heighten the detoxification benefits, AL-CoFactors™ as mentioned above, may be taken along with Detox 365 as a perfect detox companion product.

Bile shuttles neutralized toxins from the liver to the gastrointestinal tract. Inefficiencies involving bile production, solubility and flow are extremely common and occur years before symptoms manifest. Detox 365 supports this function. However, many people have difficulty supporting healthy blood glucose metabolism and lipid levels, have inflammatory imbalances, thyroid imbalances, and digestive concerns, are under high amounts of stress, are overweight or are over 40 (especially females). These folks may find additional benefit from a product called Gallbladder Support, which delivers extra nutritional support for the gallbladder and liver.

Conclusion

Metabolically speaking, toxicity is very expensive. It costs the body energy and nutrient reserves that must be replenished daily. Detox 365 addresses all aspects of detoxification and together with AL-CoFactors and Gallbladder Support, is a defensive move towards a healthier, more successful New Year.

References

1. Grun F, Blumberg B. Perturbed nuclear receptor signaling by environmental obesogens as emerging factors in the obesity crisis. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2007 Jun;8(2):161-71.

2. Schell LM, Burnitz KK, Lathrop PW. Pollution and human biology. Ann Hum Biol. 2010 Jun;37(3):347-66.

3. Xu X, Yavar Z, Verdin M, et al. Effect of Early Particulate Air Pollution Exposure on Obesity in Mice. Role of p47 phox. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2010 Dec;30(12):2518-27.

4. Lee DH, Lee IK, Jin SH, Steffes M, Jacobs DR Jr. Association between serum concentrations of persistent organic pollutants and insulin resistance among non-diabetic adults: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2002. Diabetes Care 2007 Mar;30(3):622-28.

5. http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/pesticides/

6. Kristina L, Penniston MD, et al. Quantitative Assessment of Citric Acid in Lemon Juice, Lime Juice, and Commercially-Available Fruit Juice Products. J Endourol. 2008 Mar;22(3):567-570.

7. Tosukhowong P, Yachantha C, Sasivongsbhakdi T, et al. Citraturic, alkalinizing and antioxidative effects of limeade-based regimen in nephrolithiasis patients. Urol Res. 2008 Aug;36(3-4):149-155.

8. Heerdt AS, Young CW, Borgen PI.. Calcium glucarate as a chemoprotective agent in breast cancer. Isr J Med Sci. 1995;31:101-105.

9. Lopez-Fando A, Gomez-Serranillos MP, et al. Lepidium peruvianum chacon restores homeostasis impaired by restraint stress. Phytother Res. 2004 Jun;18(6):471-4.

10. Dinkova-Kostova AT, Holtzclaw WD, Cole RN, et al. Direct evidence that sulfhydryl groups of Keap1 are the sensors regulating induction of phase II enzymes that protect against carcinogens and oxidants. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2002;99(18):11908-13.

11. Barzaghi N, Crema F, et al. Pharmacokinetic studies on Idb 1016, a silybin-phosphatidycholine complex (Siliphos®) in healthy human subjects. Eur. J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 1990;15:333-338.

12. Eliaz I, Hotchkiss AT, et al. The effect of modified citrus pectin on urinary excretion of toxic elements. Phytotherapy Research. 2006 Oct;20(10):859-864.