Today’s world of technology, expedience, multi-tasking, stress, fast foods, and toxic environments can have an affect on every tissue and organ in our bodies.  The amount of pesticides, herbicides, fossil fuel emissions, hydrocarbons, and heavy metals that we are exposed to on a daily basis have reached record proportions. In fact, the United States Environmental Protection Agency states that traces of toxic chemicals can now be found in nearly every American.

A toxin is any compound that has a detrimental effect on cell function or structure.  Some toxins cause minimal negative effects, while others can cause death.  Toxins are often divided into four categories:

• Heavy Metals- Including lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, and aluminum.  Heavy metals tend to accumulate in vital organs, often disrupting their function.
• Liver Toxins – Including drugs, alcohol, solvents, formaldehyde, pesticides, herbicides, and food additives.  Our livers are usually overloaded with these toxins because they are so prevalent in our diet and in our environment.
• Microbial Compounds – Including toxins produced by bacteria and yeast in the digestive tract can be absorbed and transported throughout the body, significantly disrupting bodily functions.  These toxins can also include toxic amines, toxic derivatives of bile, various carcinogenic substances, and endotoxins and exotoxins from bacteria.
• By Products of Protein Metabolism – The kidneys are largely responsible for eliminating toxic waste products of protein metabolism, such as ammonia and urea.  Excessive protein consumption and lack of water can inhibit proper kidney function. 

There are toxic substances in our homes, in our workplaces, in our food, in our water and in the air we breathe.  Most of the technological advances associated with these chemicals are supposed to be improving our lives; in reality, some of these advances are creating unhealthy conditions within us. This influx of chemical products translates to billions upon billions of pounds of toxins being released into the environment, and some of these toxins will eventually find their way into our bodies.

We practice daily hygiene such as washing our hands, hair, faces, bodies, and brushing our teeth, but what about cleaning the inside of our bodies?  Imagine what the inside of a house would look like if you never cleaned it.  Dirt, toxins, and pathogens can begin to build up and create an unhealthy environment. 

A similar scenario can occur inside of us when the liver and other bodily systems responsible for the detoxification process become over-burdened with toxicity and are unable to handle it all.  When this happens, we can begin having problems with digestion, elimination, skin, weight gain, and so on.  

If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, then you may want to cleanse:

How often one cleanses can depend upon an individual’s state of health, and whether they have ever done any type of cleansing before.  The best thing to do is pay attention to your body.  If you are experiencing the symptoms associated with a toxic overload, as listed above, then you will want to consider cleansing to help relieve them.

Important:  When cleansing, please be sure that you are having regular (daily) bowel movements that can help your body eliminate toxic substances from the gastrointestinal tract so they are less likely to be reabsorbed into the blood stream.  It is also important to drink plenty of water to flush toxins from the kidneys.

Polluted air, modern diets, and drinking water all carry potential carcinogens. Although we bathe and cleanse the outside of our bodies daily, all of us can still be toxic if we never cleanse on the inside. Any substance which is not useful for energy or building tissues is dumped by detoxification before it can harm the body. However, the body must be able to properly detoxify via the phase I and phase II detoxification pathways in order to protect itself. When it is overloaded with toxins, it cannot properly detoxify.

The lungs, skin, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract all play a role in the detox process, while the liver is considered to be the major organ of detoxification.  Within the liver cells there are a number of intricate mechanisms involved in the breakdown of toxic substances. Chemicals that enter our bodies, including drugs, pesticides, herbicides, and hormones are broken down by liver cells.  If the liver is over-burdened, it has a difficult time performing these necessary functions.

The detoxifying organs work vigorously on a daily basis to rid the body of toxicities and maintain the health of trillions of cells.  Unfortunately, the excessive amount of toxins in the environment has placed such a burden on these systems that they can no longer function optimally. Therefore, we can all benefit from cleansing the inside of our bodies for renewal and to improve our health.  

Symptoms of Detoxification:

As the liver begins to become more effective in its efforts to detox, most peoples’ store of toxins will begin to be processed and moved out. Some of the normal and expected symptoms of detoxification can include:

• A feeling of dizziness
• Heart palpitations
• Lack of appetite
• Fatigue
• General malaise
• Nausea
• Headache
• Increased body odor
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Hives, rashes, or mild skin outbreaks

Phase I and Phase II of the Detoxification Pathways

During Phase I of the detoxification process, toxic, fat soluble chemicals are converted into less harmful chemicals by a variety of reactions within the liver. During this phase free radicals are naturally formed.  Free radicals are unstable particles that can damage the body’s cells if there is an excess of them.  To help get rid of or reduce these free radicals, we need to take antioxidants.  If antioxidants are in short supply, exposure to toxic chemicals can become far more dangerous during this phase by being converted from relatively harmless substances into potentially carcinogenic ones.  

During Phase II, toxic chemicals, drugs, and used hormones are bound to water soluble substances, which makes them less harmful so they can be easily eliminated from the body rather than re-circulated in the blood stream and deposited into fatty tissue. This process is also known as glucoronidation.  Calcium D-Glucarate is a natural dietary supplement that has been shown to support this vital process by inhibiting an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase that can break bonds between toxins and used hormones allowing them to be re-circulated rather than excreted.

The two major routes of detoxification:

Phase I: Toxic and fat-soluble chemicals (which can only dissolve in oily solutions, not water) are neutralized and the process of making these chemicals water soluble and more chemically active begins.

Phase II: Chemicals are combined with minerals, amino acids, and other endogenous compounds.  This process, known as conjugation, makes the entire molecule water soluble, thus allowing excretion via urine or bile.

Products to Help with Cleansing

The Complete Body Cleanse Kit is a Triple Action Detoxification System created by Life-flo.  It is designed to help support, detoxify, and rejuvenate us. This fourteen day program is designed to improve our health by dealing with the overabundance of toxins residing in our bodies.  The triple action system gently enhances our internal detoxification system while at the same time ridding it of heavy metals.  It is a complete cleansing system because it addresses the areas that are of greatest concern.

Benefits of use:

• Helps cleanse the liver and colon
• Helps remove toxic heavy metals
• Helps increase weight loss results
• Helps increase energy levels
• Helps improve the health of your skin
• Helps promote overall well being

Green Foods to Assist Detoxification

Chlorophyll is the green pigment found in plants and algae that is responsible for their color.  Historically, chlorophyll has been used to help improve health.  For example, for bad breath, for constipation, and for use in detoxifying, just to name a few.  Chlorophyll also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties. (1,2)

Some evidence suggests that chlorophyll helps detoxify cancer-promoting substances, suggesting that chlorophyll may reduce the risk of cancer. (3,4)

According to the PDR for Nutritional Supplements, “some experimental data suggests that chlorophyll may have some antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic potential, may help protect against some toxins, and may ameliorate some drug side effects.” (5)

Those who do not consume a variety of green foods in plentiful quantities may lack chlorophyll in their diets.  Therefore, including a good “green foods” supplement, such as LifeSource SuperSprouts that contains sources of chlorophyll, can help you get this important nutrient into your diet or cleansing program.

Benefits of use:

• Detoxification
• Constipation
• Eliminate bad breath
• Wound healing
• Antioxidant

Calcium D-Glucarate to help remove toxins from the intestinal tract

D-Glucarate is a phytochemical that can be found in fruits and vegetables, such as apples, oranges, broccoli, cabbage, bean sprouts, and brussels sprouts.  It is also made in small amounts by the body. Many believe that this nutrient aids the body in the elimination of many harmful toxins and lowers abnormally high levels of used steroid hormones including estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. 

D-Glucarate also inhibits an enzyme known as beta-glucuronidase, which suppresses the body’s ability to detoxify many toxins using the glucuronidation pathway. When levels of this enzyme become elevated, it reverses the glucuronidation process and releases the toxins back into the bloodstream. (6)   When detoxification involves Calcium D-Glucarate, it is called glucuronidation, which is the process that occurs when toxins or carcinogens are combined with water soluble substances, allowing such toxins to be more easily removed from the body.  Research supports a role for glucuronidation in protecting cells (especially those of hormone-sensitive tissues such as the breast and prostate) from dangerous environmental chemicals.(7)

Benefits of use:

• Helps eliminate toxins and carcinogens
• Helps eliminate used hormones
• Helps reduce the risk of certain diseases
• Has been shown to reduce estrogen receptors

Since you can’t live in a bubble, Aulterra Enhance capsules are the next best thing. Aulterra is a homeopathically activated combination of natural elements which help neutralize the effects of heavy metals and other toxins on human DNA.

Benefits of use:

• Activates DNA
• Enhances cellular activity
• Neutralizes toxic substances
• Reverses cellular aging

1. Rudolph C. The therapeutic value of chlorophyll. Clin Med Surg 1930:37;119-21
2. Chernomorsky SA, Segelman AB. Biological activities of chlorophyll derivatives. N J Med 1988:85;669-73.
3. Gruskin B. Chlorophyll-its therapeutic place in acute and suppurative disease. Am J Surg 1940:49;49-56.
4. Hayatsu H, Negishi T, Arimoto S, et al. Porphyrins as potential inhibitors against exposure to carcinogens and mutagens. Mutat Res 1993:290;79-85.
5. Thomson, PDR for Nutritional Supplements. New Jersey: Thomson PDR 2002;89
6. Dwivedi C, Heck WJ, Downie AA, et al. Effect of calcium glucarate on beta-glucuronidase activity and glucarate content of certain vegetables and fruits. Biochem Med Metab Biol. 1990; 43:83-92.
7. Walaszek Z, Hanausek-Walaszek M, Minton J, Webb TE. Dietary Glucarate as anti-promoter of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced mammary tumorigenesis. Carcinogenesis 1986;7:1463-1466

Did you know that any chemicals you put on your skin can be absorbed into your body? The frightening truth is that most skin care products contain caustic chemicals, harsh synthetics, and unhealthy oils. This includes parabens, propylene glycol, synthetic colors & fragrances, and mineral oil, to name a few.

Furthermore, many of the registered chemicals used in body care products are not only toxic; they are also considered endocrine disruptors which means they have the ability to negatively affect our hormonal balance.

Read our Article What Not to Wear…On Your Skin

Reasons to Avoid Toxic Ingredients in Skin Care Products

• They can be absorbed into the body and cause toxicity
• Chemicals only create the illusion of healthy skin
• Toxic chemicals and colors can cause skin irritations
• Synthetic oils can prevent the skin from absorbing healthy nutrients
• Many chemicals are petroleum based and carcinogenic
• Xenoestrogens, such as parabens, can disrupt hormonal balance
• Not all chemicals have been tested for safe use on humans

The skin is a porous membrane that has the ability to absorb chemicals that it comes in contact with. Transdermal toxicity is beginning to gain recognition to the point that the Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, has signed a bill SB 1379 that would create a state bio-monitoring program.

The Governor stated: “There are literally thousands of chemicals being used in our everyday products in the United States in cleaning supplies, pesticides, cosmetics, and more. It’s important to know more about how those chemicals are building up in our bodies or how they may be affecting our health.”
http://www.calepa.ca.gov/Legislation/2006/SB1379.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/

Chemicals and Xenoestrogens

Many of the chemicals used in body care products are not only toxic, they are also known as xenoestrogens.  Xeno literally means foreign; therefore, xenoestrogens means foreign estrogens.

There are approximately 100,000 registered chemicals for use in the United States and many of them have negative hormonal effects in addition to being toxic.  These substances can increase the estrogen load in the body over time, and are difficult to detoxify through the liver and compound symptoms of estrogen dominance.

These two informative articles discuss parabens found in breast tumors:

• Chemicals used as preservatives detected in human breast tumours
  
• Chemical Fact Sheet: Parabens – The Breast Cancer Fund

RegenaCell™ – A Formula for Younger Looking Skin

We feel it is important to offer health and beauty products that are as free from phytoestrogens and toxic ingredients as possible, and have created RegenaCell for just this reason. Most creams available on the market today contain toxic ingredients that you will NOT find in our RegenaCell™ Anti-Aging Cream.

RegenaCell is made without the use of synthetic chemicals, alcohols, or other harmful ingredients and fillers, and is free of parabens and other synthetic preservatives.

RegenaCell Anti-Aging Cream contains a high concentration of vital nutrients, antioxidants, cell rejuvenators, and natural moisturizers. The ingredients used are of the highest quality, purity, and stability, with potencies that are rarely found in today’s skin care products. The skin care treatment in this formula sets the stage for healthy, youthful new cell growth.

Benefits of RegenaCell™

• Promotes firm skin
• Restores elasticity
• Stimulates collagen
• Botox alternative
• Acts as an antioxidant
• Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Helps correct sun damage and skin discoloration
• Smoothes, moisturizes, and softens
• Protects and hydrates your skin
• Reduces puffiness and dark circles under the eyes
• Reduces capillary fragility
• Reduces oxidation alternation in healthy cells which minimizes the signs of premature aging
• Paraben free, no synthetic chemicals

You won’t need another moisturizer, wrinkle cream, or anti-aging skin care product.  RegenaCell’s formula provides you with all the daily moisturizing, protection, anti-oxidation, and cell rejuvenation you need.   RegenaCell™ is a natural skin care beauty product for both women and men. Excellent for dry skin care.

Read more about the Science of RegenaCell and see our article on Combating Damage to Sun Exposed Skin.

Men too can suffer from estrogen dominance. Phytoestrogens from plants and xenoestrogens from environmental sources can produce hormonal stimuli that can contribute to inappropriate growth of mammary tissue cells, resulting in a problem society is calling “man boobs.”  Some theorize that estrogen dominance in men is contributing to hair loss, atherosclerosis, prostate problems, lowered libido, weight gain, and impotency.

Symptoms of estrogen dominance in women and men:

Correcting Estrogen Dominance

What assists in correcting estrogen dominance in women and men?  Alternative health care makes the following suggestions:

• Hormonal support with a natural progesterone cream for women and men
• DIM and/or Myomin to metabolize excess estrogen
• Detoxification assistance with supplements such as Calcium D-Glucarate
• Dietary and environmental changes to rid yourself of phytoestrogens and xenoestrogens
• Lifestyle changes to manage the stresses in your life
• Nutritional supplements to ensure your body has the nutrients it needs to make and balance its hormones.  These nutrients tend to be low when estrogen is high:
  • Magnesium
  • Zinc
  • Vitamin B Complex
  • Vitamin E 400 IU for breast tenderness and fibroid inflammation

Please be sure to review the links provided above for full product descriptions, suggested uses, and brands.  This important information can help you regain balance for a healthier life.