Today we recognize that although the body is designed to eliminate toxins,
it cannot always handle the overload present in today’s environment. Toxin
overload can lead to a variety of health problems, such as headaches, muscle and
joint pain, chronic fatigue, and allergy or flu-like symptoms. While once widely
practiced, fasting is no longer considered to be a healthy form of
detoxification. To function optimally, our detoxification processes are
dependent upon adequate levels of supporting nutrients, including both
macronutrients and micronutrients, that are depleted during fasting programs.
Detoxification pro-grams that use a broad-based nutritional approach that
supports both Phase I and Phase II detoxification are advantageous for a number
of reasons.
An Ayurvedic Herbal Approach To A
Healthy Liver
BY SCOTT TREADWAY, PH.D.
ABSTRACT: The liver plays an astonishing array of vital functions in the
maintenance and performance of the body.
Some of these major functions include carbohydrate, protein, and fat
metabolism, detoxification, and secretion of bile.
Therefore, the maintenance of a healthy liver is vital to overall health
and well being. Unfortunately, the liver is often abused by environmental
toxins, poor eating habits, alcohol, and prescription and over-the-counter drug
use, which can damage and weaken the liver and eventually lead to hepatitis,
cirrhosis, and alcoholic liver disease.
Conventional medicine is now pursuing the use of natural products such as
herbs to provide the support that the liver needs on a daily basis. Many
Ayurvedic herbs, such as andrographis, have a long history of traditional use in
revitalizing the liver and treating liver dysfunction and disease. Many of these
herbs have been evaluated in clinical studies and are currently being
investigated phytochemically to better understand their actions.
Phytonutrients & Detoxification
BY DR. MARK PERCIVAL
ABSTRACT: The body’s
ability to rid itself of toxic substances is largely dependent upon the liver.
Overexposure to environ-mental toxins in the air and in our diet can put
excessive strain on the liver’s detoxification systems and can rob us of our
health.
Detoxification in the liver occurs in two general phases: Phase I and
Phase II. Depending upon the availability of many critical nutrients, the
activity of either phase may be reduced or enhanced. Adequate nutrition helps to
insure proper functioning of both phases of detoxification. Scientific research
has revealed several compounds present in plant foods that help support the
detoxification of toxic substances and are associated with a reduced risk of
cancer. Compounds present in cruciferous vegetables, Allium species (garlic,
onions), citrus peel, and the spice, turmeric, are among those identified as
having health promoting benefits.
