This is the first generation that has been exposed to such an unprecedented number of chemicals on a daily basis. While the body was designed to detoxify and rid itself of foreign chemicals, it may not be equipped to handle the barrage of pollutants and toxic substances in today's environment. In addition, refining of foods has left them deficient in nutrients that are essential to the detoxification process.(l)
In the past, fasting has been used as a method of detoxification, assuming that the body would be better able to detoxify if the stress of digestion and incoming toxins from the digestive system were eliminated. However, the body's detoxification processes require energy and supportive nutrients not supplied during a fast. A high level of antioxidants is also needed to quench free radicals produced during detoxification as well as by normal metabolic Programs that supply the necessary energy (from protein, carbohydrates and fats) and nutrients to support detoxification processes can be very effective when combined with a low-allergen diet and avoidance of external pollutants.

In addition to these symptoms, it has been suggested that toxic overload may contribute to more serious conditions such as autoimmune diseases including inflammatory and rheumatoid arthritis(2,3)and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.(4)

The Body's Intricate Detoxification System
The body has an intricate system for detoxification of xenobiotics (foreign chemicals). There are two broad phases of hepatic xenobiotic metabolism. Phase I involves oxidation, reduction and/or hydrolysis by a group of enzymes commonly known as the Cytochrome P450 system. These enzymes move electrons in an attempt to reduce the toxicity of the chemical. In Phase II other enzymes conjugate the chemical by attaching another substance (such as glutathione) to it. This conjugation alters its size, polarity and solubility of the substance so that it may be removed from the body.(l)

Genetic and/or nutritional insufficiencies may also effect the body's ability to detoxify foreign chemicals. For example, magnesium is important in over 300 enzyme systems that relate to phase I and phase II detoxification; however, the average American diet is low in magnesium and the mineral is often reduced further by food processing. The Phase I enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase is zinc dependent. Aldehyde oxidase requires molybdenum. A deficiency in these minerals could significantly impair the ability to detoxify those chemicals.(1)

Overloading the System
The system may become overwhelmed by the massive amounts of pollutants that easily find their way into the body through the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink, as well as from medicinal or illicit drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Even normal systemic metabolism produces free radicals and intermediary metabolites that require detoxification.

Intestinal permeability is also a factor. The lining of the intestines absorbs nutrients the body needs and, at the same time, acts as a selective barrier to screen out toxic substances. Increased intestinal permeability (leaky-gut syndrome) allows passage of larger molecules and more pathogens and antigens into systemic circulation, placing an even greater load on the body's detoxification system.(2) Once the system becomes overloaded, it us unable to handle incoming stimuli. Undetoxified metabolites accumulate that can damage regulatory enzymes and proteins.(1)

Nutritional Approach to Detoxification
The first step in ridding the body of excess toxins is to avoid (as much as possible) taking in more toxins. Alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, processed foods and any food or other substance that may produce an allergic reaction should be avoided. Drinking water should be distilled or purified. The next step is to supply the body with therapeutic levels of antioxidants and specific nutrients needed to support the body's detoxification systems. Detoxification programs are available that supply products containing these essential nutrients along with low-allergen diet recommendations.

Leaky Gut Should Be Treated First
When increased intestinal permeability is a problem, the mucosal lining is unable to effectively absorb nutrients or screen out pathogens. Unless this problem is addressed first, the Phase I and Phase II enzyme systems will continue to be assaulted by excess toxins.
At least since the 1600's, there has been an awareness of a connection between gastrointestinal tract dysfunction and joint problems. One model by Maharishi Ayur-Veda, from an interpretation of the ancient Indian text of Ayurvedic medicine, states that when food absorption and digestion is impaired, food products move along inappropriate pathways and result in intermediate metabolites that are harmful to the body. These metabolites are believed to accumulate in the joints as well as other sites.(5)

Therapeutic Nutrients for Intestinal Health
The amino acid L-Glutamine has been shown to preserve the integrity of intestinal mucosa and to boost levels of glutathione within the body.

N-acetyl-glucosamine belongs to a class of compounds called amino sugars which are an integral part of cell membranes and the interstitial tissue which holds cells together. Amino sugars and the proteoglycan structures they build are especially important in the intestine because they form the protective mucous layer and cellular cement that regulate intestinal permeability.

"Friendly" acidophilus and bifidobacteria are important to intestinal health. Fructo-oligosaccharides, a non-digestible carbohydrate, promote the proliferation of these beneficial bacteria in the intestines. The herb cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is reported to have the ability to "break through severe intestinal derangements that no other available products can touch." Its ability to cleanse the entire intestinal tract is valuable to patients suffering from many different stomach and bowel disorders including leaky gut syndrome.(6)

Therapeutic Nutrients for Hepatic Detoxification
A high intake of antioxidant nutrients is extremely important during detoxification. Antioxidants such as flavonoids, vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium assist the liver by quenching free radicals generated, particularly during Phase I, in the detoxification process.
Glutathione is important to the detoxification process because it is not only a powerful antioxidant but also provides one of the functional groups donated in Phase II conjugation. Supplementary glutamine will raise glutathione levels in the body. The amino acids methionine and cysteine provide sulfur which is used during Phase II conjugation.

Low Allergen Diet
The detoxification process requires energy in the form of protein, carbohydrates and fat. A daily calorie breakdown of approximately 30% protein, 40% carbohydrate and 30% fat is recommended. These guidelines are based on Nobel Prize winning research and recommendations by Dr. Barry Sears in his book, " The Zone."

Adequate dietary protein is required to activate the Cytochrome P450 liver enzymes. Fasting or diets which restrict protein can reduce the body's ability to eliminate toxins and actually increase the potential for more active secondary toxins to be produced from the liver.

All foods eaten during a detoxification program should have low allergy potential. It is generally suggested that the following foods be avoided: wheat and other gluten containing grains, barley, oats, rye, dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, refined sugar and highly processed foods. The patient should also avoid any food which is known or suspected to cause a reaction.

Fresh, raw foods should be eaten as much as possible. Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale and turnips) may further support detoxification processes. To flush toxins from the system the patient should also drink at least two quarts of purified or distilled water daily.

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