Daily Detox

Daily DetoxnGentle and Easy steps to keep your liver healthynnFeelings of fatigue, irritability, and low motivation along with headaches and belly bloating can be indicative of an over loaded liver and digestive system. The liver uses two major detoxification pathways; Phase I and Phase II, to detoxify harmful substances. Every drug, vitamin, pesticide, hormone, and artificial chemical must be broken down by the liver. nnPhase I detoxification converts a toxic chemical to a less harmful compound by chemical reactions such as oxidation, reduction and hydrolysis. It is during Phase I that free radicals are produced, which, if in excess can damage liver cells. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, and natural carotenoids (found in vegetables) can reduce the damage caused by free radicals. If antioxidants are lacking and toxin exposure is high, toxic chemicals may be converted into potentially carcinogenic substances.nnDuring Phase II detoxification liver cells add another substance to a toxic chemical to make it less harmful. This makes the toxin water soluble so that it can be easily excreted from the body via urine. For efficient phase II detoxification, liver cells require sulphur containing amino acids such as taurine and cysteine. The nutrients; glycine, glutamine, choline, and inositol are also required for efficient phase II detoxification. Cruciferous vegetables; (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts), raw garlic, onions, leeks and shallots are good sources of natural sulphur containing compounds to enhance phase II detoxification.nnToxic OverloadnIf Phase I and Phase II detoxification pathways become over loaded, toxins will build up in the body and the body will store those toxins in fatty tissues like, the brain and endocrine (hormone) glands . Toxins may stay in these fatty tissues for years leading to symptoms of brain dysfunction and hormone imbalances. Many of these chemicals are carcinogenic and are being implicated in the rising incidence of many cancers. nnThe liver is a powerful organ whose function is easily improved. When healthy, your body works like a well-organized filtration system to clean out accumulated toxins. Daily gentle detox strategies can keep your liver healthy and functioning optimally.nn1. Drink plenty of clean water. The liver needs lots of water to process and move toxins. Consider investing in a home filtration system or kitchen water filter. Recent studies show that drinking water from plastic bottles may actually bring more toxins into your body. Check with NSF International, an independent sanitation testing organization for filter recommendations.n2. Break a sweat. Sweating can help eliminate toxins from the body. Exercise, Bikram yoga, and saunas can be quite effective at inducing a sweat. n3. Decrease Alcohol and caffeine. Too much caffeine can over stimulate the adrenal glands causing an increase in stress hormones that can tax the liver. Too much alcohol increases toxic byproducts which destroy liver cells. And interferes with the livers ability to break down fats. Try herbal and green teas to love your liver.n4. Eat close to the earth. As much as possible, eat whole foods such as beans, nuts and seeds, clean meats, and whole grains, which because of their high fiber content also remove toxins.n5. Eat the rainbow. All fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants and phytochemicals that neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce damage to liver cells. n6. Go Organic. Organic foods are free of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, growth hormones and genetically engineered substances, which reduces the toxic overload on your body. As much as possible, eat free range meats, organic produce and dairy and wild caught fish.nnAdopting a life style that lightens the daily toxic load on your liver is kinder to your body and more effective than periodic intense cleanses or fasts. Fasting can actually slow the liver’s detoxification process resulting in the recirculation of toxins. nnDr. Janice Skelton, a licensed naturopathic physician in Scottsdale, AZ works effectively to help individuals heal from disorders and diseases of the nervous, hormone and digestive systems. She can be reached at Myriad Wellness Center, 602-317-1277, www.myriadwellness.com