Detox ABCs. (basics).(Brief Article)

As harmful toxins from herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, heavy metals, solvents and industrial waste are released into the atmosphere, they eventually build up in our bodies. Once inhaled, they increase our risk of developing numerous forms of cancer, as well as neurologic, allergic, immune and fertility disorders.

Lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, DDT, dioxins and PCBs are just a few of the hundreds of pollutants found in the air we breathe. Many of us already take steps to reduce exposure to these chemicals. We use air and water purifiers, eat organic foods and use natural products in our homes and gardens. Some of us also go on special cleansing or detoxification diets, receive colonies and use saunas and other forms of hydrotherapy to reduce toxin buildup.

In addition to those methods, there are also several nutritional supplements that can support our body's natural ability to detoxify and eliminate these unavoidable pollutants.

Glutathione (GSH) is a key antioxidant used by the body to deactivate environmental toxins. Because GSH tends to break down before it can be absorbed in the blood, health care professionals recommend "GSH precursors"--supplements that stimulate natural production of GSH in the body. For oral supplementation, the most effective GSH precursors are N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA). Certain botanical supplements, including milk thistle (Silybum marianum) and turmeric (Curcuma longa), have also been shown to raise glutathione levels and to protect the liver from toxin damage.

Walter Crinnion, ND, medical researcher and professor of environmental medicine at Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington, is a leading authority on environmental detoxification. According to Crinnion, our bodies require several nutrients and antioxidants for detoxification, including GSH precursors and vitamins C, [B.sub.1], [B.sub.2] and [B.sub.6]. "Deficiencies in these nutrients can occur as a result of poor nutrition, illness and chronic exposure to toxic chemicals, thus reducing the body's ability to eliminate toxins. Depending on the source of toxic exposure and the organs or systems affected, additional nutrients such as glutamine, glycine, taurine, vitamins [B.sub.5] (pantothenic acid) and E, selenium and others may be beneficial."

Crinnion recommends several different nutritional and ...