Detoxification

Each step of estrogen metabolism and detoxification, with multiple possible enzymatic reactions, can influence a person’s degree of estrogen-related health risks, including that of gynecological and breast cancers and endometriosis. Phase I and II detoxification reactions can create multiple different types of estrogen metabolites, and the proportion of each produced can have major implications on the resulting risk of oxidative stress, DNA damage, and cancer proliferation. The actions of these active metabolites can prompt or exacerbate estrogen-related disorders such as endometriosis, while the production of other metabolites can reduce risks or even provide protection. During the first phase of estrogen

Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, Coenzyme Q10, N-acetyl cysteine, melatonin and many others have been shown to enhance fertility by improving egg and sperm quality. They do this by protecting cells, mitochondria and DNA from a process called oxidative stress. Antioxidants are just that – anti-oxidation molecules. They can transform or neutralize potentially damaging compounds, such as free radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body, keeping them in check. What is Oxidative Stress? The production of ROS in the body is a natural part of our biology. These molecules, which include hydrogen peroxide and superoxide and

You often hear the phrase you are what you eat; but, have you ever thought that you are what you breathe? Let’s discuss more about the air. Firstly, Particulate Matter (PM) from an array of sources makes up the air composition we breath. These particles can include dust, dirt, soot and smoke generated from wood stoves or forest fires. Also, these particles can come from gases emitted by power plants, factories, construction sites and everyday traffic. In addition, particles can travel hundreds to thousands of miles downwind, affecting people far from the source. Breathing in this environmental toxins can pose

Dietary detoxification can be a catalyst for lifestyle change. Many people experience increased energy, improved mental clarity and sleep, and increased awareness of potential food sensitivities as a result of detoxification. The main pillars of health all have a connection, directly or indirectly, to detoxification. To engage in the process of dietary detoxification we need to place our focus on sourcing and preparing healthy food. The consumption of whole, unprocessed foods, such as cruciferous vegetables, berries, herbs, and spices, provide us with important bioactive components to support detoxification processes. In addition to increasing our intake of whole foods and specific

Fact: Our modern world is filled with man-made toxicants! Toxicants are defined as harmful substances, which have been introduced into the environment, while toxins may include endogenous metabolic byproducts or naturally occurring compounds. Our environment has changed considerably from that of our ancestors due to the introduction of thousands of man-made chemicals used in agriculture, industrial applications, household goods and pharmaceutical medicines. While humans are capable of a certain level of adaptation to our biochemical environmental, there is a growing concern about the relationship between detoxification functions and chronic disease. An ever increasing volume of synthetic chemicals is being introduced

Introduction to Elimination The human body has a number of intricate systems and pathways that need to function effectively to absorb and utilize nutrients while simultaneously removing toxins and wastes. This process is done by every cell and tissue continuously as the body produces energy from nutrients but is also exposed to harmful compounds daily. The importance of efficient elimination is paramount because cells and enzymes cannot function when there is excess waste and toxin build-up. If the amount of toxins surpasses the ability of the body to remove it changes that promote disease start to occur. This is when

In part five of our series on healthy elimination we are getting right into what detoxification really means. The truth about detoxification Unfortunately, detoxification has also become synonymous with cleansing – a term loosely used to describe all sorts of treatments aimed at purifying or purging the body. While the principles of purifying hold true, many such treatments are unproven ( ionic foot baths anyone?) or make little sense physiologically, and can even be dangerous. True detoxification begins at the cellular level – specifically cells of the liver and kidney, and involves enhancing the body’s natural mechanisms for eliminating toxins

While our bodies are finely tuned, energy efficient, high power, recycling machines, waste is still created. Some waste is simply produced when there is an excess of a nutrient or molecule that our body does not or cannot, use or store. Some is produced by our cells as they make more energy or as by-products of regular cell functioning. With each process, our body must do something with the waste – either recycle it or get rid of it, as holding on to these wastes products can be harmful. Luckily, our body has adapted not one but four methods of

Welcome and I’m happy to have you back to Part Three of our Great Escape blog post series! Before we discuss specific natural approaches that you can try to keep your intestinal region healthy, let’s review two of our most frequently asked about concerns: I have a bad case of… Diarrhea: Diarrhea is an all too common symptom with a wide range of causes and repercussions. Infectious agents, overeating, incomplete digestion, food sensitivities, intestinal dysmotility, and sometimes more serious medical issues, are some of the common causes of diarrhea. Diarrhea can be classified as acute or chronic, and is further

“The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials.” -Lin Yutang While our bodies are finely tuned, energy efficient, high power, recycling machines, waste is still created. Some waste is simply produced when there is an excess of a nutrient or molecule that our body does not, or cannot, use or store. Some is produced by our cells as they make more energy, or as by-products of regular cell functioning. With each process, our body must do something with the waste – either recycle it or get rid of it, as holding on to these wastes products can be

Most people don’t successfully carry out and maintain a detoxification program. It is difficult to stick with a strict diet or drink an unpleasant tasting powder. Most commercially available detox kits contain herbal supplements that are little more then a laxative. A good detox will stimulate multiple elimination pathways with the main focus on the liver and intestines. Diet – Adequate fluid and fibre from whole grains, fruits and veggies are extremely important to help keep our bowels moving. Fibre provides bulk for the stool, binds fats, prevents blood sugar elevations and stimulates elimination of toxins. Antioxidants, vitamins and minerals are crucial for