Flush out the poison

Flush out the poison

Yam Cher Seng

9 Jan 2008

NST

TOXINS are poisonous substances that are normally chemically unstable in the body. They are an accumulation of normal body by-products that haven't been eliminated. We can divide toxins into two forms: endogenous toxins and exogenous toxins.

Endogenous toxins are normal waste products our body creates in the process of normal functions. If they are not eliminated adequately, they will remain in the body. Uric acid, a by-product of protein metabolism, is a fine example.

Exogenous toxins are those that are not normally found in the human body such as environmental pollutants, food additives, chemicals, heavy metals and pesticides. Body fat tends to be a storage depot for fat-soluble toxins.

You may consider the possibility of toxicity if you experience fatigue, swelling under the eyes, prostate gland, cysts, oedema, skin disorders, headache, joint pain, constipation and tongue-coating.

Organs of elimination are liver, kidneys, large intestines and the skin. A main focus of naturopathic detoxification is improving liver function with targeted food and herbal medicines.

Herbalists the world over have held dandelion in high regard for centuries. The dandelion root has an extremely high nutrient content. Human and animal studies show that dandelion increases bile flow and prevents liver congestion, bile duct inflammation and gallstones. This herb can be best combined with other liver herbs such as milk thistle for better effect.

Milk thistle is traditionally used for liver disorders. This herb contains silymarin, which is an antioxidant to help prevent free radical damage on the liver due to toxins. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can damage other molecules, including those in the cells. Silymarin also increases the glutathione content of the liver by 35 per cent in healthy subjects and by over 50 per cent in experimental rats. It increases the level of the important antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase in cell cultures.

Glutathione is responsible for detoxifying a wide range of chemicals. Increasing the glutathione content of the liver means the liver has an increased capacity for detoxification reactions. Perhaps the most interesting effect of milk thistle components on the liver is their ability to stimulate protein synthesis. This results in an increase in the production of new liver cells to replace the damaged old ones.

It is also important to consider regular bowel movement as part of detoxifying the body. Taking care of your diet is an important step in ensuring a healthy digestive system. It is advisable to increase your intake of vegetables and fruits in your existing diet. Many people find relief in merely modifying their diet to reduce refined carbohydrates such as white flour, white sugar, white bread, noodles and white rice and increasing fibre intake.

According to the American Dietetic Association, it is recommended that we take about 2,535g of fibre daily. It is beneficial in regulating bowel movements and adding bulk to the faeces. Regular bowel movements are essential in aiding the body in eliminating toxins, and thus improving intestinal and liver health. You may achieve this by consuming a variety of vegetables, fruits and whole grains.

For many years, fresh fruits and vegetables have been used by natural therapists to help cleanse and restore the body to good health.

Fresh juices have a distinct advantage over just plain water. Juices contain water, vitamins, minerals and other phyto-nutrients that cleanse, nurture and strengthen the body. Best fruit juices include apple, grapefruit, grape, lemon, lime, papaya, pear, pineapple, strawberry; suitable vegetable juices are beetroot, carrot, celery, cucumber, gotu kola (pegaga) and watercress.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle such as regular exercise, avoiding both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption and managing stress wisely is important in ensuring good health.

The writer is a pharmacist actively involved in the dissemination of information on natural healthcare and holistic therapies.

This article was first published in New Straits Times on Jan 7, 2008.