Lamberts
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Nutrition focus on:
Detoxification
FOR PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY
Nutrition focus on:
Detoxification Good health is determined by many factors, one of which is the body’s ability to detoxify effectively. This is the process whereby toxins, compounds that have harmful effects on cells, are either neutralised or excreted from the body. Exposure to toxic substances is unavoidable, as they are present everywhere – in the atmosphere, the food we eat and the water we drink. A significant amount of toxins are also generated within the body as a result of the metabolic processes that go on within it. The liver, alongside the intestines and kidneys, is a primary organ of detoxification. All the toxins that accumulate in the body pass through the liver to render them harmless; as such, the liver bears a large responsibility in cleansing the body. Modern living has seen a tremendous rise in the toxic load the liver has to deal with, leading to an overburdened liver in some individuals. It is believed that conditions such as psoriasis, acne, chronic headaches, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and chronic fatigue may in part be a consequence of poor liver function.
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Choline and Inositol 1 Mobilisation with lipotrophic nutrients Choline is known to play a vital role in fat metabolism by helping The production of bile from the liver is vital to detoxification since this fluid acts to remove fat-soluble toxins from the blood. Low secretion of bile may result in cholesterol and other fat-soluble toxins building up in the liver. There are numerous lipotrophic agents, substances known to encourage the expulsion of fat from the liver, which may help to encourage detoxification.
to promote the flow of fat through the liver. Lack of choline may cause stagnation of fat in the liver and in turn hamper its capacity to break down fat. Its importance in liver health is evident from the scientific research, for example, in one study subjects who were put on a choline-deficient diet developed fatty infiltration of the liver and other signs of liver dysfunction. As inositol works in close alliance with choline to assist fat metabolism in the liver, it is useful to take these two nutrients in combination.
L-Methionine The amino acid methionine assists in the breakdown of fats and so may help to prevent an accumulation of fat in the liver. Possibly as a result of methionine’s ability to raise levels of another amino acid taurine, which is known to stimulate bile flow. In addition, methionine’s potential antioxidant effects may help to protect the liver from free radicals, the harmful by-products of detoxification.
Artichoke Artichoke is commonly used for assisting detoxification owing to its choleretic effects (gentle bile stimulating properties). Cynarin, a key active compound in artichoke, has been shown to have powerful antioxidant properties and therefore may help to prevent cell damage in the liver. Poor bile flow is associated with fatty meal intolerance and irregular bowel habits and studies show artichoke to be of use for these conditions. The level used in scientific research of note, is generally 320mg of artichoke leaf extract, standardised to contain 5% cynarin.
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Nutrition focus on:
Detoxification
2 Prevention against re-circulation Liver detoxification occurs in two phases. Phase 1 relies on the presence of various nutrients such as riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), folic acid, cobalamin (vitamin B12), pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and iron, all of which can be found in a good multivitamin and mineral complex. Completion of phase 2 requires an adequate supply of antioxidants, which are believed to bind to intermediary toxins to allow their expulsion from the body. Lack of antioxidants may result in the reabsorption of toxins in the body.
Alpha Lipoic Acid Alpha Lipoic acid is considered to be an excellent antioxidant particularly because it works in both water and fat environments unlike most antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E which are specific to water and fat respectively. It is popular as a liver support since it may protect the liver from free radical damage and help promote elimination of toxins from the body. For detoxification purposes a dose of 250 to 500 grams is suggested, depending on an individual’s toxic state.
Glutathione Large stores of glutathione are found in the liver where it acts to detoxify harmful compounds such as heavy metals, solvents and pesticides. Glutathione binds to these fat-soluble toxins to convert them into a water-soluble form, which is important since fat-soluble toxins are not easily excreted from the body. Additionally, glutathione is a strong antioxidant and so may protect the liver from free radicals.
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L-Glutamine Glutamine is often used in practice to help heal and strengthen the gut wall in situations such as leaky gut syndrome. It is thought to act as fuel for cells and may assist in sealing gaps in the gut wall. This is an important function since a damaged gut wall may allow toxins to be reabsorbed into the body. Antioxidant function may also be enhanced by glutamine. As a relevant dose of glutamine for gut function is quite hard to achieve from the level afforded by capsules, a powder form is preferable for ease of use. It should also be in its natural ‘L’ free-form as this means it is ready to be absorbed and used by the body.
Green Tea Researchers have shown green tea (Camellia sinensis) to be a powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger. These effects have been attributed to compounds known as catechins (polyphenols) found in high quality green tea leaf extracts, which may help to support detoxification. Experts recommend using a green tea extract standardised to provide 250mg catechins to ensure a relevant potency.
3 Elimination Artichoke
Once toxins have been metabolised into less harmful molecules they need to be eliminated to prevent them accumulating and being reabsorbed into the blood. The healthy functioning of the bowel is necessary in order for this to occur properly. A balanced diet incorporating plenty of fruit and vegetables and adequate water intake alongside the use of supplements may help to regulate bowel movements.
Artichoke is purported to regulate bowel movements by stimulating the production of bile and in turn encouraging peristalsis. It is especially useful to use artichoke alongside FOS in cases where irregular bowel movements are a longstanding issue. A high potency artichoke extract standardised upon 5% cynarin is recommended since this is the level used in scientific studies of note.
Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS)
Acidophilus
FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides), a source of soluble fibre, has been studied for its effects on bowel health. Research has demonstrated that FOS draws water into the waste matter helping to gently bulk up the stools and facilitate easier bowel motions. Furthermore, FOS has a prebiotic effect meaning that it may help to feed the friendly gut bacteria, which produce substances that stimulate peristalsis.
The friendly bacteria in the gut are vital for optimal gut health yet many factors such as medication, stress and illness are known to deplete levels. Similarly, the large intestine needs re-seeding after a detox programme and the easiest way for this to be achieved is through a probiotic supplement. The suggested level is 10 billion live bacteria per capsule.
Use FOS that is derived naturally from chicory root, since it is only the natural form of FOS that has been scientifically proven to support bowel health. ‘Synthetic’ versions, usually made from sugar beet, do not offer the same health benefits.
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Prescribers Guide to Detoxification NUTRIENTS
Suggested Daily Dose
General
Multivitamin and Mineral Complex
A broad-spectrum multivitamin and mineral complex To include 200µg selenium, 14mg of iron and good levels of the B vitamins.
Lipotrophic
Choline and Inositol
Choline 200mg and Inositol 200mg
L-Methionine
500mg, twice daily Use L-Methionine presented in its free-form, as this means it is ready to be absorbed and used by the body.
Artichoke
320mg of extract – 2 tablets with each meal. Maximum of 6 tablets per day. Use an artichoke extract that is standardised to 5% cynarin.
Green Tea
500mg of extract Use a green tea extract that is standardised to provide 250mg of catechins.
L-Glutamine
5 grams Use a free form L-Glutamine powder, as this means it is ready to be absorbed and used by the body.
L-Glutathione
L-Glutathione complex, 1-3 times daily To incorporate L-Glutamic Acid, L-Cysteine, and Glycine as well as the L-Glutathione.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
250mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid once or twice daily
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
5 to 10 grams Use FOS that is derived naturally from chicory root, since it is only the natural form of FOS that has been scientifically proven to support bowel health. ‘Synthetic’ versions, usually made from sugar beet, do not offer the same health benefits.
Probiotics
10 billion live bacteria Use the beneficial Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5 and Bifidobacterium Bb12 strains of bacteria (the most popular strains used in clinical studies).
Artichoke
320mg extract – 2 tablets with each meal. Maximum of 6 tablets per day Look for an artichoke extract standardised to contain 5% cynarin.
Prevention against re-circulation
Elimination
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