There are two major detoxification pathways in our body to help maintain optimal health by eliminating potentially harmful substances. Scientifically they are referred to as phase I and phase II detoxification pathways. The liver plays a vital and primary role in the detoxification process in both pathways.

The phase I system is primarily responsible for converting fat-soluble substances such as VOCs, hormones, and xenobiotics into a form that can be excreted by the liver and kidneys or, in some cases, pass it on to the phase II detoxification mechanism. This is normally done through the use of various enzymes, as long as they are not impaired. If the enzymes are impaired, then phase I detoxification does not take place readily, toxins build up, and cell damage can occur.

The phase II system is responsible for taking the phase I by-products, which in many cases are still harmful substances, and converting them into stable water-soluble forms so the liver and kidneys can excrete them safely. The phase II system can be over-burdened by the amount of phase I by-products being handed over to it. In some cases, phase II may function improperly due to inadequate nutrient intake of important substances such as vitamins, minerals, various amino acids, phytochemicals from plants, and water.

Cleansing Program Support Systems
The body has several major areas that play a key role in helping keep our systems cleansed. A good program should include the following:

• Organ support including the liver, kidney, gall bladder, pancreas, and the digestive system
• Immune system support including antioxidants
• Weight management support
• Positive mental attitude support

While this list may seem complex at first glance, it’s important to remember that the nuts and bolts of these systems are interrelated when it comes to basic nutrition and supplementation support. The basic diet should contain:

• Whole grains with fiber instead of the refined grains common in today’s diet
• More whole fruits and dark green vegetables instead of the typical iceberg lettuce
• Lean sources of animal or dairy protein along with vegetarian protein
• Good sources of fat, such as olive oil, almond oil, and high-oleic safflower oil, to replace the high-saturated-fat products in the diet

Dietary changes such as these help decrease the burden on the liver, gallbladder, and entire digestive system. Most people will start feeling better within a short period of time and may lose a few pounds as well, a positive side benefit.

Also helpful is supplementation with a few of the top nutrients that have scientific documentation supporting phase I and phase II detoxification pathways. We would suggest a basic supplementation plan that would include the following, emphasizing high-quality products offered by a reputable manufacturer:

• Multivitamin and multimineral supplement
• Antioxidant formula
• Milk thistle/dandelion blend
• Protein products

Below is a list of nutrients that credible research has shown will improve the body’s ability to keep itself cleansed. Most of the items listed can be found in the four products listed above. Rather than list the many references individually, here are two credible websites that contain scientific information supporting each nutrient listed: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/ or www.nlm.nih.gov/nccam/camonpubmed.html.

Summary
Exposure to potentially harmful environmental toxins cannot be completely avoided. Of all the information that is available on the subject of cleansing, the fundamentals in a good program are consistent:

• Change the diet to one with fewer refined carbohydrates and less saturated fat.
• Minimize exposure to potentially harmful substances.
• Support the body’s major detoxification pathways through diet and supplementation.
• Exercise regularly.
• Keep a positive mental outlook.

Stay well and enjoy life with every moment you have!

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