While it is true that our bodies are built to be able to naturally cleanse and detoxify (say thank you to your liver ever day!), in modern times, unless you live in a bubble, it is virtually impossible to avoid toxins and harmful substances that can overwhelm our bodies and leave us feeling sluggish and unwell.

In today's world of technology, fast foods, pharmaceuticals and toxic chemicals, our bodies can be affected in many ways, from energy levels and stamina to how well our organs are able to function. 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, leaving our bodies struggling to keep up with all of the detoxifying that has to be done. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has reported that traces of toxic chemicals can now be found in nearly every American. Clearly our bodies are having to detoxify more today than they ever have before. This is where regular cleansing comes in. Many health care experts believe that in today’s modern world, it is a good idea to do a gentle cleanse at least a couple of times a year, to help remove excess toxins from your body and keep you looking and feeling great.

 What are Toxins?

A toxin is any compound that has a detrimental effect on cell function or structure in the body.  Some toxins cause minimal negative effects, while others can cause  more serious effects, or even 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. 

Toxins can be found just about everywhere; in our homes, in our workplaces, in our food, in our water and even in the air we breathe. More specifically, toxins can be found in:

• Plastics, especially when heated or microwaved
• Pesticides and herbicides
• Mold and other fungus
• Carpets, mattresses, and upholstered furniture
• Conventional cleaning supplies
• Unfiltered drinking water
• Wall paint, especially older paint
• Dry cleaning chemicals
• Processed foods
• Conventional beauty care products including lotions, moisturizers, shampoos, and body wash

Periodic cleansing can help to flush out accumulated toxins, and keep your body working well.

Internal Housekeeping

Imagine what the inside of a house would look like if you never cleaned it. Dirt, toxins, and pathogens would begin to build up and create an unhealthy and uncomfortable environment.

A similar scenario can occur inside of our bodies when the liver and other bodily systems responsible for detoxification become over-burdened. When this happens, we can experience a range of health problems including:

How to Gently Detoxify Your Body

Detoxification is a process in which potentially harmful compounds are excreted from the body. The liver, lungs, skin, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract all play a part in detoxification. The purpose of a cleanse is to support these organs so that they can function optimally, thus resulting in a cleaner, healthier you.

There are many ways to do a cleanse. Some of the supposed “cleanses” out there can actually be quite dangerous, as they include fasting, limiting protein, and possibly ingesting substances that are in fact not conducive to cleansing at all. When considering a cleanse, it is important to take a couple of things into consideration:

First, you need to make sure your diet and your living environment are clean. Eliminate refined foods, sugar and coffee. You may also want to eliminate gluten, dairy, soy, and corn, as these foods are difficult to digest. People often find that after eliminating these foods for a couple of weeks they actually have a sensitivity to them and were not aware of it. Many people today have become accustomed to feeling less than optimal. When they clean up their diet and do a cleanse, they often experience increased energy and wellness they did not know they were missing.

• Include plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit, organic when possible. This should be the bulk of your diet while cleansing. Fruits and vegetables will provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber essential to an effective cleanse.

• Include plenty of clean, good quality protein to support the liver during detoxification. Try to get in a moderate serving at every meal.

• Drink water! On a regular day, you want to get in at least 8 large glasses of water. When cleansing, it should be closer to 10 or more.

Second, make sure you choose a high quality, gentle and effective cleaning product that includes all aspects of cleansing: Liver support, digestive support, and a gentle chelating formula to bind and remove heavy metals from the body.

The Complete Body Cleanse Kit from Life Flo includes all three of these elements, and is an excellent way to jumpstart your cleansing experience.

Last, you need to get your body moving! Exercise promotes cleansing by increasing circulation in the blood and lymph, and increasing oxygen to cells in the body. Exercise is an integral part of an effective cleansing program, and should be done at least 3-5 times per week.

Also important to consider is when to do your cleanse and for how long. A seasonal cleanse is an excellent way to remember to cleanse every 3 months. The Spring and Summer months are especially great for cleansing, as fresh fruits and vegetables are abundant during these times of year. Generally a cleanse can last from 1 to 3 weeks, and depends on your lifestyle and what you feel your body needs.

It is important to note that when cleansing, you need to have at least one bowel movement per day, to ensure you are eliminating toxins that have been stored in the body and are being released with cleansing. It is also important to drink plenty of water to help flush toxins that pass through the kidneys.

Products to Help with Cleansing

The Complete Body Cleanse Kit to Support Total Body Detoxification

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.

The Complete Body Cleanse Kit not only supports the body's own detoxification mechanisms, but at the same time enhances them. This triple action system works on the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and the circulatory system where a lot of heavy metals and other toxins can reside.  These compounds are either generated by the body as by-products of cellular metabolic processes, or acquired through exposure to the environment. 

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

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)

When beta-glucuronidase becomes elevated, it reverses the glucuronidation process and releases the toxins back into the bloodstream. (6) Consider supplementing with Calcium D-Glucarate to keep the detoxification pathway moving forward. This will preserve the amount of glucuronic acid available to eliminate toxins, and limit the amount of free estrogen that is reabsorbed in the body.

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

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, including: 

• •Bad breath
• • Constipation
• • For use in detoxifying
• • As an antioxidant
• • As an anti-inflammatory
  • For wound healing (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)

You can find excellent dietary sources of chlorophyll in dark green leafy vegetables, spirulina, chlorella, algae, wheat grass, and barley grass. 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 like LifeSource SuperSprouts which contains sources of chlorophyll, can help you get this important nutrient into your diet or cleansing program.

Neutralize Environmental Toxins in Your Body with Aulterra Enhance

Enhance is a homeopathically activated combination of natural paramagnetic and diamagnetic elements which neutralize the effects of heavy metals and other toxins on human DNA.

In several studies, it clearly shows that the energy of Enhance neutralizes the negative effects of toxic elements. In 1996, the University of Idaho conducted toxic soil recovery studies utilizing Enhance powder. Samples of soil contaminated with lead and zinc were mixed with small quantities of Enhance powder. The pre-mix soil contained 200ppm of lead and the zinc measured 26.8. Two days after mixing Enhance into the soil, the lead measured .5ppm and the zinc measured 6.5ppm.

In 1998, Lockheed Martin conducted a study to determine if Enhance could neutralize radioactive elements. After six months, Enhance successfully reduced the gamma radiation of the control substance by 80%.

Enhance’s unique properties activate DNA causing what is known as the quantum oscillation effect. This “winding and unwinding” of the DNA is associated only with healthy, normally functioning DNA. DNA exposed to toxins will not behave in this same manner. When exposed to Enhance, human DNA begins to repair itself, eventually achieving the quantum oscillation effect. With Aulterra's Enhance, your body can be in a constant state of healing.

Benefits of use:

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

The Neutralizer for RF/EMF Protection

Studies have shown that cellular phones can damage the DNA in sensitive areas of your brain. Wireless equipment, computers, microwave ovens, televisions, and other electronic devices also emit EMF’s that may be harmful to your health.

When Kim Dandurand, Aulterra Neutralizer's inventor, created the Neutralizer, the most significant criteria he recognized was that the product could never be practical if it relied on either blocking or absorbing radiation. Instead, it had to neutralize it.

The Aulterra Neutralizer works by retuning the EMF frequencies of electronic devices like cell phones, computers, and other electronics to transmute the energy so it no longer causes harm to the body's DNA.

The Neutralizer is effective against harmful EMF/RF radiation when applied to any of the following devices:

• Any cellular phone

• Computer terminal

• Microwave oven

• Cordless telephone

• Television

• Video game equipment

Maintaining Your Post Cleanse Glow

After completing your cleanse, it is important to continue to nourish your body with high quality foods, fluids, and supplements, to keep you feeling great. While we cannot control all of the toxins we are exposed to, we can certainly take precautions to ensure we keep our exposure to a minimum and provide our bodies with everything it needs continue to detoxify efficiently.

• Reduce/eliminate your exposure to toxins in the home by choosing all natural cleaning products.
• Use all natural beauty and anti-aging products like RegenaCell, free of parabens and synthetic chemicals and hormones.
• Maintain a healthy diet with plenty of fiber from vegetables and whole grains.
• Take a high quality superfood supplement regularly.
• Maintain a healthy digestive system.
• Take a high quality probiotic daily.
• Repeat maintenance cleanses throughout the year.
• Have regular bowel movements (1 to 3/day is ideal).
• Continue to drink plenty of pure filtered water.
• Get plenty of rest and sleep.
• Eat organic, non-processed whole foods.
• Exercise moderately on a daily basis.

Make it a Habit

Cleansing your body regularly can lead to improved health and a reduction in many symptoms that may be contributing to poor health. Therefore, it is suggested to detox your body at least once year if not more (many people like to do a seasonal cleanse, as a reminder to cleanse every few months), while maintaining your improved health by following the above suggestions.

References 

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

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 liver, which over time, can 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 which 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.

Cosmetic Skin Solutions – The Science of Optimum Sun Defense

Standing by our promise to bring you high quality, effective products, we are excited to bring you a new line of skin care products by Cosmetic Skin Solutions.  The mission at Cosmetic Skin Solutions is to improve the overall health and beauty of skin.  Cosmetic Skin Solutions formulas are paraben free, not tested on animals, and are formulated to provide you with the highest quality, scientifically advanced and effective anti-aging ingredients. 

Cosmetic Skin Solutions products:
 

• Protect the skin from UVA/UVB rays
• Prevent photo damage
• Hydrate the skin
• Erase signs of premature aging of the skin
• Boost collagen production
• Reduce free radical damage to the skin

The scientific research team at Cosmetic Skin Solutions
is committed to providing only the highest purity and quality
United States Pharmaceutical (USP) grade and clinically tested ingredients in their antioxidant serum and gel formulations.  By using anti-aging technology, their unique topical Vitamin C and gel formulas can revitalize, protect, and help preserve the tone, texture, and appearance of your skin in a way never before possible.  

The Cosmetic Skin Solutions line includes:

For Antioxidant Support and UV Protection:

• Vitamin C + E Serum With Ferulic Acid
• Phloretin Serum with Vitamin C and Ferulic Acid
• Vitamin C 20% Serum
• Firming Eye Gel
• Broad-Spectrum UV Shield – SPF 30 

For Hydration, Skin Lightening, and Resurfacing:

• Resurfacing Serum
• Hydra B5 Gel
• Phyto Botanical Gel
   

These products are suitable for those with aging, dry, oily, normal, mature, and sensitive skin types.

Cosmetic Skin Solutions skin care products are Paraben-Free with NO animal testing!

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.