Our bodies are
constantly removing toxic substances and waste products.
During the holidays we typically over do, over eat and over drink. We
under exercise and under sleep. What’s the best way to recoup and start
the new year right?
In one word – Detoxify
One organ in our body that does the major chemical clean up is the liver.
It filters the blood and detoxifies dangerous chemical microbial
compounds. Over 2 quarts of blood pass through the liver each minute for
detoxing. The kidney, spleen and intestines also filter and excrete
toxins. The body eliminates toxins either by directly neutralizing them or
by excreting them.
Free radicals are created in the process
of liver detoxification and are very damaging to the liver and body. A
very powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals is called
Glutathione which is used up with high levels of toxic exposure.
How to help your body
detoxify:
- Exercise helps the liver function
better;
- Smoking or second hand smoke uses up
Glutathione;
- Glutathione can be found in fresh
fruit and vegetables (especially cabbage, broccoli and brussel sprouts),
cooked fish and meat;
- Decrease alcohol intake;
- Take high potency
multivitamin/minerals;
- Other nutrients that help to detoxify
are: Copper, Zinc, Manganese, Vitamin C. * Vitamin C (500mg/day) helps
maintain good levels of Glutathione);
- Lipotropic agents: Betaine, Choline
(1,000mg), Methiomine (1,000mg), B6, B12 and Folic Acid;
- Herbs such as Milk Thistle and
Silymarin help protect the liver;
-
Fasting – No food or
drink, except for water, for a specific period of time,
or a 3-day juice fast (3-4 fresh fruit/vegetable meals of 8-12
ounces/day)
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