Clean It Up! :: Holistic Healing :: Detoxification and Cleansing

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Clean It Up!

With the advent of spring, we seem naturally inclined to freshen and renew ourselves. Internal cleansing and detox systems can provide a convenient and regimented way to support the healthy elimination of accumulated body toxins and waste.

Select products that include a menu plan and are clearly formulated by qualified herbalists or health care practitioners.

Here is a condensed reference list of some of the primary ingredients found in cleansing formulations readily available at local health food stores.

Alpha-lipoic acid (LA)–assists in the production of glutathione, neutralizes free-radical damage, and promotes detoxification.
Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)–a traditional European cleanser, artichoke leaf extract supports liver function.
Blueberries–near the top of the list for antioxidants, the pigment in blueberries neutralizes toxins.
Burdock root (Arctium lappa)–cleanses blood impurities and detoxifies the lymphatic system.
Calcium D-glucarate–provides a long-lasting effect of glucarate, which enhances the body’s natural defence mechanism for eliminating toxins and carcinogens.
Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale)–stimulates the liver to detoxify poisons; stimulates the release of bile from the gallbladder; acts as a blood cleanser, laxative, and diuretic.
Fenugreek seed extract (Trigonella foenum graecum)–a bowel cleanser that eliminates excessive mucus 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 flax and borage seeds are all excellent cleansing fibre sources.
Garlic–still one of the best detoxifiers, it contains more than 100 therapeutic sulphur compounds that contribute to its detoxifying and cancer-fighting properties.
Glutathione–an amino acid-like compound and antioxidant scientifically proven to scavenge free radicals and neutralize toxins; especially helpful to the liver in detoxifying chemicals such as acetaminophen; reduces excessive copper and cadmium levels.
Green foods–rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants, green foods also support the liver and encourage elimination.
Indole-3-carbinol–one of the main active phytochemicals in the brassica (cabbage) family, stimulates detoxifying enzymes throughout the digestive tract.
Juniper berries (Juniperus communis)–work to eliminate uric acid and cleanse the kidneys.
Magnesium hydroxide–brings water to the colon in order to soften hardened material and allow for more thorough bowel movements.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)–cleanses and fortifies the liver by increasing glutathione levels and creating a barrier that keeps toxins from entering.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC)–a highly stable form of cysteine that boosts cellular glutathione levels required to detoxify heavy metals.
Parsley (Petroselinum sativum)–acts as a gentle diuretic and is rich in detoxifying chlorophyll.
Probiotics–live strains of these friendly bacteria inhibit bad bacteria and yeast growth while overwhelming and eliminating toxins.
Red rhubarb root (Rheum palmatum)–a nonhabitual, gentle laxative cleanser.
Slippery elm bark (Ulmus fulva)–cleanses mucus from the bowels and soothes irritation and ulceration.
Uva ursi or bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva ursi)–soothes inflammation and acts to cleanse bladder, kidneys, and prostate.

Source: alive #305, March 2008

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