Good health is determined by many factors, one of which is the body’s ability to detoxify effectively. This is the process whereby toxins, compounds that have harmful effects on cells, are either neutralised or excreted from the body.
Exposure to toxic substances is unavoidable, they are present everywhere – in the atmosphere, the food we eat and the water we drink. A significant amount of toxins are also generated within the body as a result of the metabolic processes that go on within it.
The liver, is the primary organ of detoxification. All the toxins that accumulate in the body pass through the liver to render them harmless; as such, the liver bears a large responsibility in cleansing the body. Modern living has seen a tremendous rise in the toxic load the liver has to deal with, leading to an overburdened liver in some individuals. It is believed that conditions such as psoriasis, acne, chronic headaches, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and chronic fatigue may in part be a consequence of poor liver function.
Mobilisation with lipotrophic nutrients
The production of bile from the liver is vital to detoxification since this fluid acts to remove fat-soluble toxins from the blood. Low secretion of bile may result in cholesterol and other fat- soluble toxins building up in the liver. There are herbs and nutrients that are lipotrophic agents, substances known to encourage the expulsion of fat from the liver, which may help to encourage detoxification. Artichoke is commonly used to assist detoxification; cynarin key compound in artichoke has been shown to have powerful antioxidant properties and may prevent cell damage in the liver.
Elimination
Once toxins have been metabolised into less harmful molecules they need to be eliminated to prevent them accumulating and being reabsorbed into the blood. The healthy functioning of the bowel is necessary in order for this to occur properly. A balanced diet incorporating plenty of fruit and vegetables and adequate water intake alongside the use of supplements may help to regulate bowel movements.