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	Detoxication: You Are What You Fail to Excrete! by Dr. John H Maher, A.B.A.A.H.P. Doctors for Nutrition
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Detoxication: You Are What You Fail to Excrete!
by Dr. John H Maher, A.B.A.A.H.P.

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"Ridding your body of toxins is a giant leap toward strengthening your heart and adding more years to your life."." - Stephen Sinatra, Cardiologist, HeartSense Newsletter

Among the many theories of aging is to be included the Waste Accumulation Theory. As time goes on, living cells produce more waste then they can fully eliminate. These waste products are considered toxins because they are capable of producing a deleterious biological response. According to this aging theory, various and sundry toxins sooner or later accumulate to such an extent that they begin to interfere with cell function, eventually killing the cell.

In us humans the clear presence of the waste product accumulation is exampled in the cells of our aging skin. We call them "age spots". The pigment responsible is the waste product lipofuscin.

Actually, lipofuscin pigments are most concentrated in the high metabolic tissue of the brain, nerves and heart. A complex intracellular action binds the fat in our aging cells to the proteins therein. These accumulate as small granules, increasing in size over time. Indeed, lipofuscin has been rather poetically described as, "the ashes of our metabolic fires"!

In life extension experiments older cells divide fewer times than brand new cells from embryos. This may be in part because the number of times a cell can replicate itself is inversely related to the amount of accumulated intracellular waste products. Greater waste accumulation means faster cell degeneration. (Journal of Anti-Aging Medicine, Vol. 1, No. 2, p. 31)

Toxins come from all sorts of sources: processed and non organic food, tap water, legal and illegal drugs, hormones and medicines, poisonous insects and plants, work environments, homes, cars, air pollution, dental amalgams, laundry soaps, household cleaners, aluminum and plastic containers, cigarette smoke, and alcohol just to name the more obvious! As these come from outside the body, doctors call these exotoxins.

Chemicals and metals are the most pervasive exotoxins. Of the over 100,000 commercial chemicals in use today, 25,000 are known to be hazardous! In 1997 the Environmental Protection Agency estimated that 1.3 billion pounds of emissions were pumped into our air and 218 million pounds of industrial by-products were emptied into our surface waters.

The EPA further states that everybody has stored in their fat toxic doses of such chemicals as styrene from Styrofoam, 1,4-dichlorobenzene from mothballs and house deodorizers and xylene from paints and gasoline. ( Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association, Vol. 2, No. 2, Summer 1999)

But even assimilating "good food", turning it into energy, and getting "good" exercise causes the production of waste products. There are also natural hormones to be de-activated, broken down and excreted. Old body cells to breakdown and then dispose in order to make room for new ones. Plus there are bacteria, yeasts and parasites that many of us host, often unknowingly. Such toxins made inside the body are called endotoxins.

Although much of our toxic load is stored in our adipose tissue, we should know that our bodies are always trying to process toxins in our livers and then excrete these toxins via our colon, kidneys, lungs, lymph nodes and skin. Even our sweat, tears, hair and breast milk are used! The simple truth is each of us is detoxifying every second of our lives. It is a natural process. But considering our modern lifestyles and environments, how can we enhance our self-detoxications and thereby our health, vitality, and even perhaps longevity ?

Detoxication Made Easy

First we need to understand that all the above escape routes depend upon our livers, the veritable "clearing house " for toxins. There toxins undergo a two-phase detoxication process called bio-transformation. In Phase I the liver directly neutralizes some toxins, while converting other toxins into intermediary products. Surprisingly, these intermediary products can sometimes be even more toxic and carcinogenic than the original toxins!

Fortunately, in Phase II these products are converted into less toxic water soluble chemicals that are excreted via the many routes listed above, passing harmlessly out of the body. This second phase is called conjugation in which various amino acid dependant enzymes in the liver attach small chemicals to the toxin.

Detoxication via juice fasting has a long and successful history in naturopathic medicine.

Juice fasting is thought to:

Increase our levels of natural enzymes to literally digest toxins. Fresh juices are full of natural enzymes. This is why using cooked juices, like pasteurized orange juice or V-8 juice, is not recommended for fasting. And fresh juices being very easily digested allows one to use one's own digestive enzymes, which might normally be used for food, to now begin to "clean house".

Decrease your level of oxidizing free radical production. Remember, the foods we eat are a major source of free radicals, especially white sugar and heated and highly processed polyunsaturated fats and vegetable oils. This is especially true when we over eat!

Dramatically raise your antioxidant levels. Fresh fruit and vegetables juices and green tea are super rich in hundreds of antioxidant phytonutrients. This is so important as Phase I detoxication actually produces free radicals!

Greatly enhance liver detoxication. Our livers have many functions, all essential! As explained above, one such major function is to breakdown toxic products and by products and then package them for excretion. And the vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients so prevalent in fruits, vegetables and herbs can greatly assist the liver in this two phase process.

Lower waste product production and toxin exposure. When we only imbibe fresh juices, water and teas, we obviously have less waste to process, freeing the liver and intestinal cells to repair and "catch-up" as it were. (Any parent who has kicked the kids out of the house for the afternoon so they can get the housework done will know exactly what I mean!) Remember, even eating and processing good food can cause the production of endotoxins, or toxins from inside the body. And with juicing with organic produce, we also ingest less xenobiotics,. which are natural and man-made environmental and agricultural exotoxins, found in our foods .

How to Detox.

Long detoxication programs should be under the guidance of a health professional long experienced in detoxication protocols. But most of us can do short detoxication juice fast or partial fasts from 1 to 3 days on our own. Those taking prescription drugs obviously need to consult their physician regardless of length.

The Pre-Fast

Sometimes there is a tendency to "pig out" before or after a fast. This is a very bad idea! Indeed fasting starts with the pre-fast period.

The pre and post fats period should be about as long as the fast itself. During this period we want to have a diet high in super foods like fruits (pectin), soluble rice bran and oat beta glucan and flax seed for soluble and insoluble fiber to promote colon health. The flax seed is rich in omega 3 essential fatty acids as well, the intake of which will likely be limited during the partial fast. And we want to drink copious amounts of water such that our urine remains clear if possible.

Plus we want to have a fair amount of non-meat proteins from an easily digested whey or a balanced and fortified plant based protein powder enhanced with digestive enzymes. Most important are the sulfur containing amino acids like cysteine and methionine, and the amino acid glutamine or glutamic acid. From these amino acids the body to makes glutathione, the most important endogenous antioxidant and detoxifier. Indeed, glutathione levels are so important they are used to predict life expectancy!

Glutathione, which is also found in fresh fruits and vegetables like asparagus and fruits like avocados, as well as in cooked fish and meats, converts fat soluble toxins, like heavy metals, solvents, and pesticides into a more easily excreted less toxic water form.

At the same time we want to avoid sugar, caffeine, alcohol, heat processed oil, fried fats, refined flours, additives and junk food and plain old over-eating in our pre and post fats period. It is also advisable to take a mild herbal or magnesium based laxative the night before your fast with lots of water.

The Partial Fast

Without professional guidance juice fasting is recommended over water fasts because it is safer, easier, and likely more efficacious than complete fasting. Safe detoxication by the liver demands vitamins, minerals, antioxidants be readily present in abundance. Plus certain plant chemicals actually assist the liver in detoxication!

Juice fasting is easier because juice fasting gives some gustatory pleasure while providing some carbohydrate for energy production. Carbohydrates also help one stay out of a highly acidic and often uncomfortable state known as ketosis, which water fasting produces.

If you recall, the liver has two phases of detoxification. Foods that activate Phase I and II detoxication include the cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower), whey, d limonene containing oranges, tangerines, and the spices caraway and dill seeds. Foods and herbs that inhibit Phase I one detoxication include grapefruit, turmeric, red chili pepper and clove oil.

If you recall Phase I detoxication can make toxins more toxic. So if your Phase I system is functioning well or stimulated, and your Phase II is sluggish or impaired, one can start to feel quite sick when detoxifying. Therefore, slowing down Phase I by using grapefruit juice and turmeric is a possible remedy.

Many over the counter and prescription drugs effect liver detoxication. These should be avoided during fasts when feasible. Prescription medications need a doctors advice.

Partial fasts will consist of frequent sips of water, 6 ounces of fresh fruit and vegetable juices several times a day, and green and herbal teas with organic lemon or citrus peel as desired. The fresh juices should emphasize the vegetables and not be "sweetened" too much with carrot and apple juices and the like. Also "allowed" are vegetable broths perhaps seasoned with dill and caraway, and raw unfiltered honey sweetened lemonade.

One may consider the possible addition of whole fruit and perhaps some whey or sulfur amino acid balanced plant protein powder (fermented soy plus pea protein and/or rice protein). Whole fruit or protein is eaten if needed to function because lack of energy or concentration interfere with necessary tasks. The fruit should not be dried, or over ripe. Bananas and grapes are likely too glycemic, and may cause rebound hypoglycemia. Those with blood sugar problems or excessive hunger or tiredness may find protein powders useful.

The fresh fruit and vegetable juices can be juiced at home, or purchased fresh daily at a health food store or juice bar. However, probably even better, and certainly more convenient, is the use of fruit and vegetable super food powders.

These instant powders will contain dozens of super foods like the highest antioxidant/ phytonutrient fruits, vegetables, herbs and dark green alga and grass juices, detoxifying medicinal spices, probiotics, soluble fibers, and digestive enzymes. And the best ones are organic and low temperature processed so the juice enzymes are still live. Just find one that tastes great in water and/or diluted citrus juice.

The fast should start after the last meal of the day, which should be at least three hours before bedtime if possible. One would then partially fast till the morning of the second , third, or fourth morning subsequent. Longer fasts require professional guidance and supervision.

Bile from the liver is loaded with toxins, most of which after being excreted by the gall bladder into the colon are re-absorbed! Therefore taking a soluble fiber product (oat bran, oat beta-glucan, soluble rice bran, apple pectin, flaxseed) and / or charcoal or bentonite tablets before bed each night of the pre-fast, partial fast, and post fast period, will help prevent some such re-absorption. Soluble fiber will also help maintain regular elimination and satisfy hunger somewhat, while binding cholesterol and promoting detoxifying intestinal bacterial proliferation.

To further facilitate elimination hot Epsom Salt baths, saunas, sun bathing, light exercise, deep breathing and massages are often incorporated. Some of you may even want to perform water enemas and not a few might seek professional colonic irrigation services.

The Post Fast

The post fast diet is very much like the pre-fast diet. Overeating is to be avoided! Often a simple breakfast of raw fruits is best. Or a small "smoothie" of water blended with fresh or frozen fruits, with a 20 or so grams of a good tasting protein powder, and a tablespoon of fresh ground nuts or seeds. The post fast, which is just eating only really healthy foods, and mostly uncooked, in small well chewed relaxed meals, should last as long as the fast itself.

An oft recommended cycle for the truly health conscious is a 36 hour fast once a week and a three day fast once a month or season.

Though most every modern inhabitant of the western world could gain from a specific routine of detoxication, a Detoxication Questionnaire will help surface how much of a candidate for detoxication you might be.

Enchanted Spirit assumes no liability for health care recommendations or treatments discussed by individual authors whose work is published on our website.

The information here is offered to help in your research and investigation of possible ways to manage your own health care issues. Common sense as well as solid professional advice from your own trusted medical care specialist or personal holistic health care practitioner should always be part of managing your health care choices.

Dr. John H Maher, A.B.A.A.H.P.
V.P. of Education and Programs
Doctors For Nutrition, Inc.
drjmaher@cts.com

Dr Maher has practiced alternative medicine for 25 years. In May of '99 he co-founded of Longevity Resources International. Since then he has functioned as Editor of the Longevity News and provided the text for the Wellness Resource Community web site.

Dr Maher holds a post graduate faculty position for the New York Academy of Anti-Aging which endeavors to prepare doctors and other professionals who need to qualify for their certification by the American Board of Anti-Aging Health Professionals (ABAAHP).

He is currently Vice President of Education and Programs for Doctors For Nutrition, Inc.(Doctors for Nutrition)

Learn how to naturally lower your risk of Alzheimer's, Osteoporosis, Heart Disease, Impotence, and Cancer and maintain youthful muscles, skin, sex drive and energy! Longevity Resources Int'l offers a monthly anti-aging, health and fitness study course you implement at home. Edited by antiaging and nutritional specialists, the program is designed to assist you in creating your own personalized anti aging program.

The American Academy of Anti Aging Medicine (A4M) predicts 50% of all baby boomers alive and well today will celebrate their 100th birthday with physical and mental faculties intact. The doctors at LRI will show you how to best insure your inclusion in that fortunate group of those who enjoy 100 year "health spans". Babyboomers desiring beauty, bodybuilding, health diets, natural hormones, muscle growth, weight loss, antiaging foods nutrition exercise, vitamins, seniors with osteoporosis, prostate, sexuality, and menopause concerns, and heart diseases.

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Enchanted Spirit is a non-denominational spiritual center of healing, support, self-improvement, personal guidance, education and writing. We publish multi-media works of New Age thought and information to encourage serenity and growth in individual life choices, advance the universal search for life's meaning, and promote tolerance for positive ideas from all philosophies and religious traditions, believing as we do that truth is where you find it.

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Last updated July 6th, 2004

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