> Environmental and Health Concerns > Air Pollution

Your Detox-Product Shopping List
by author Lucretia Schanfarber

From the car fumes we breathe to the pesticide residues on our foods, toxic contaminants are, sadly, a daily reality. Your local health food store is your best source of the wide range of natural foods, herbs, and supplements needed to support natural detoxification. When choosing pre-formulated detoxification programs, select products that include a menu plan and are clearly formulated by qualified herbalists or health care practitioners.

Here’s a quick reference guide to the common ingredients often used in detox and internal cleansing formulations.

• Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)–functioning as both a water- and fat-soluble antioxidant, ALA works synergistically with vitamins C and E; assists in production of glutathione and contributes to body’s overall ability to neutralize free-radical damage and promote detoxification.
• Bioflavonoids–a part of the vitamin C complex found in the peel of citrus fruits and other fruits and vegetables, bioflavonoids enhance activity and absorption of vitamin C.
• Buchu leaves (Barosma betulina)–a urinary tract cleanser and diuretic.
• Burdock root (Arctium lappa)–cleanses blood impurities and detoxifies lymphatic system.
• Cleavers (Galium aparine)–an effective urinary tract cleanser; detoxifies glandular system; supports and cleanses lymphatic system.
• Cranberry juice powder (Vaccinium macrocarpon)–cleanses urinary tract.
• Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale)–stimulates liver to detoxify poisons; stimulates release of bile from gallbladder; acts as blood cleanser, laxative, and diuretic.
• Fenugreek seed extract (Trigonella foenum graecum)–a bowel cleanser that eliminates excessive mucous in the intestines and soothes inflamed membranes.
• Fibre–both soluble and insoluble, improves bowel function, cleanses the colon, and relieves constipation. Psyllium, triphala, and ground flaxseeds are excellent fibre sources.
• Garlic–contains more than 100 therapeutic sulphur compounds that contribute to its detoxifying and cancer-fighting properties; inactivates cell-damaging substances.
• Glutathione–an amino acid-like compound and antioxidant scientifically proven to scavenge free radicals and neutralize toxins. Glutathione helps liver detoxify chemicals such as acetaminophen (the active ingredient in pain relief medication), copper, and cadmium. It helps transport these toxins to the liver and kidneys, where they are processed for elimination.
• Goldenseal root (Hydrastis canadensis)–“the king of herbs,” goldenseal acts as an overall digestive tonic and supports the cleansing of mucous membranes.
• Green tea (Camellia sinensis)–contains a family of polyphenols (catechins) and flavonols that possess potent antioxidant activity estimated as being 25 to 100 times more potent than vitamins C and E. A cup of detoxifying green tea may provide 10 to 40 mg of polyphenols and has antioxidant activity greater than a serving of broccoli, spinach, carrots, or strawberries. A natural cleanser, green tea is especially beneficial for those at high risk for cancer and anyone undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
• Juniper berries (Juniperus communis)–work to eliminate uric acid and cleanse kidneys.
• Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)–gentle laxative that soothes inflamed bowel membranes.
• Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)–cleanses and fortifies liver by increasing glutathione levels (up to 35 percent); alters outer membranes of liver cells, creating a barrier that prevents toxins from entering.
• N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)–a highly stable form of cysteine, NAC is an important sulphur-containing amino acid that boosts cellular glutathione levels required to detoxify heavy metals such as mercury and lead; especially beneficial to combat environmental pollutants such as smog and petrochemicals.
• Nettle leaves (Urtica dioica)–excellent blood cleansing tonic; also alleviates anemia.
• Norwegian kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum)–eliminates toxins and heavy metals from intestinal tract and is an excellent source of trace minerals.
• Oat straw (Avena sativa)–soothes and relaxes urinary tract while alleviating water retention.
• Oregon grape root (Berberis aquifolium)–powerful blood cleanser and glandular tonic.
• Pantothenic acid–a member of the B vitamin family that helps in natural antihistamine release and controls allergy reactions.
• Papaya leaves (Carica papaya)–tone and support the function of digestive organs.
• Parsley (Petroselinum sativum)–acts as a gentle diuretic and is rich in detoxifying chlorophyll.
• Peppermint leaves (Mentha piperita)–support the effectiveness of other cleansing and detoxifying herbs.
• Plant extracts and phytochemicals–derived from fruits, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables, these plant substances help to eliminate and neutralize toxic chemicals; may also contribute beneficial fibre.
• Probiotics–live strains of friendly bacteria that inhibit unfriendly bacteria and yeast growth while overwhelming and eliminating toxins.
• Red rhubarb root (Rheum palmatum)–non-habitual, gentle laxative cleanser.
• Selenium–from a yeast source, activates glutathione and protects against toxins that can lead to cancer.
• Slippery elm bark (Ulmus fulva)–cleanses mucous from bowels and soothes irritation and ulceration.
• Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva ursi)–soothes inflammation and acts to cleanse bladder, kidneys, and prostate.
• Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)–a water-soluble, antioxidant vitamin that helps cleanse body of toxins from sources such as cigarette smoke and carbon monoxide; also acts as natural laxative.
• Vitamin E complex (100-percent natural source mixed tocopherols with tocotrienols)–a fat-soluble vitamin and powerful antioxidant that protects and repairs cell membranes from effects of pollution, toxins, and free radicals.
• Zinc–a mineral that helps heal damaged digestive tract
  tissue and supports immunity.

Lucretia Schanfarber is a writer and editor who lives and gardens organically on Quadra Island, BC.

Source: alive #269, March 2005