Nutritio

n

focus o

n: D

eto

xific

ation

FOR PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY

Lamberts®

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, as 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, alongside the intestines and kidneys,

is a 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.

Nutrition focus on: Detoxification

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1 Mobilisation withlipotrophic 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 numerous

lipotrophic agents, substances

known to encourage the expulsion of

fat from the liver, which may help to

encourage detoxification.

Choline and Inositol

Choline is known to play a vital role in fat metabolism by helping

to promote the flow of fat through the liver. Lack of choline may

cause stagnation of fat in the liver and in turn hamper its capacity

to break down fat. Its importance in liver health is evident from the

scientific research, for example, in one study subjects who were

put on a choline-deficient diet developed fatty infiltration of the

liver and other signs of liver dysfunction.

As inositol works in close alliance with choline to assist fat

metabolism in the liver, it is useful to take these two nutrients

in combination.

L-Methionine

The amino acid methionine assists in the breakdown of fats and

so may help to prevent an accumulation of fat in the liver. Possibly

as a result of methionine’s ability to raise levels of another amino

acid taurine, which is known to stimulate bile flow. In addition,

methionine’s potential antioxidant effects may help to protect the

liver from free radicals, the harmful by-products of detoxification.

Artichoke

Artichoke is commonly used for assisting detoxification owing to

its choleretic effects (gentle bile stimulating properties). Cynarin,

a key active compound in artichoke, has been shown to have

powerful antioxidant properties and therefore may help to prevent

cell damage in the liver. Poor bile flow is associated with fatty

meal intolerance and irregular bowel habits and studies show

artichoke to be of use for these conditions.

The level used in scientific research of note, is generally 320mg

of artichoke leaf extract, standardised to contain 5% cynarin.

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2 Prevention against re-circulation

Liver detoxification occurs in two phases. Phase 1

relies on the presence of various nutrients such as

riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), folic acid,

cobalamin (vitamin B12), pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and

iron, all of which can be found in a good multivitamin

and mineral complex. Completion of phase 2

requires an adequate supply of antioxidants, which

are believed to bind to intermediary toxins to allow

their expulsion from the body. Lack of antioxidants

may result in the reabsorption of toxins in the body.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha Lipoic acid is considered to be an excellent

antioxidant particularly because it works in both

water and fat environments unlike most antioxidants

such as vitamin C and vitamin E which are specific to

water and fat respectively. It is popular as a liver

support since it may protect the liver from free radical

damage and help promote elimination of toxins from

the body. For detoxification purposes a dose of 250 to

500 grams is suggested, depending on an individual’s

toxic state.

Glutathione

Large stores of glutathione are found in the liver

where it acts to detoxify harmful compounds such

as heavy metals, solvents and pesticides.

Glutathione binds to these fat-soluble toxins to

convert them into a water-soluble form, which

is important since fat-soluble toxins are not easily

excreted from the body. Additionally, glutathione is

a strong antioxidant and so may protect the liver

from free radicals.

L-Glutamine

Glutamine is often used in practice to help heal

and strengthen the gut wall in situations such as

leaky gut syndrome. It is thought to act as fuel for

cells and may assist in sealing gaps in the gut wall.

This is an important function since a damaged gut

wall may allow toxins to be reabsorbed into the

body. Antioxidant function may also be enhanced

by glutamine.

As a relevant dose of glutamine for gut function is

quite hard to achieve from the level afforded by

capsules, a powder form is preferable for ease of

use. It should also be in its natural ‘L’ free-form as

this means it is ready to be absorbed and used by

the body.

Green Tea

Researchers have shown green tea (Camellia

sinensis) to be a powerful antioxidant and free

radical scavenger. These effects have been

attributed to compounds known as catechins

(polyphenols) found in high quality green tea leaf

extracts, which may help to support detoxification.

Experts recommend using a green tea extract

standardised to provide 250mg catechins to

ensure a relevant potency.

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Nutrition focus on: Detoxification

3 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.

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS)

FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides), a source of soluble

fibre, has been studied for its effects on bowel

health. Research has demonstrated that FOS draws

water into the waste matter helping to gently bulk

up the stools and facilitate easier bowel motions.

Furthermore, FOS has a prebiotic effect meaning

that it may help to feed the friendly gut bacteria,

which produce substances that stimulate peristalsis.

Use FOS that is derived naturally from chicory root,

since it is only the natural form of FOS that has

been scientifically proven to support bowel health.

‘Synthetic’ versions, usually made from sugar beet,

do not offer the same health benefits.

Artichoke

Artichoke is purported to regulate bowel movements

by stimulating the production of bile and in turn

encouraging peristalsis. It is especially useful to use

artichoke alongside FOS in cases where irregular

bowel movements are a longstanding issue. A high

potency artichoke extract standardised upon 5%

cynarin is recommended since this is the level used

in scientific studies of note.

Acidophilus

The friendly bacteria in the gut are vital for optimal

gut health yet many factors such as medication,

stress and illness are known to deplete levels.

Similarly, the large intestine needs re-seeding after

a detox programme and the easiest way for this to

be achieved is through a probiotic supplement. The

suggested level is 10 billion live bacteria per capsule.

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NUTRIENTS Suggested Daily Dose

General Multivitamin and A broad-spectrum multivitamin and mineral complex

Mineral Complex To include 200µg selenium, 14mg of iron and good levels of the

B vitamins.

Lipotrophic Choline and Inositol Choline 200mg and Inositol 200mg

L-Methionine 500mg, twice daily

Use L-Methionine presented in its free-form, as this means it is

ready to be absorbed and used by the body.

Artichoke 320mg of extract – 2 tablets with each meal.

Maximum of 6 tablets per day.

Use an artichoke extract that is standardised to 5% cynarin.

Prevention Green Tea 500mg of extract

against Use a green tea extract that is standardised to provide 250mg

re-circulation of catechins.

L-Glutamine 5 grams

Use a free form L-Glutamine powder, as this means it is ready

to be absorbed and used by the body.

L-Glutathione L-Glutathione complex, 1-3 times daily

To incorporate L-Glutamic Acid, L-Cysteine, and Glycine as well

as the L-Glutathione.

Alpha Lipoic Acid 250mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid once or twice daily

Elimination Fructo- 5 to 10 grams

oligosaccharides Use FOS that is derived naturally from chicory root, since it is

(FOS) only the natural form of FOS that has been scientifically proven to

support bowel health. ‘Synthetic’ versions, usually made from sugar

beet, do not offer the same health benefits.

Probiotics 10 billion live bacteria

Use the beneficial Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5 and

Bifidobacterium Bb12 strains of bacteria (the most popular strains

used in clinical studies).

Artichoke 320mg extract – 2 tablets with each meal. Maximum of

6 tablets per day

Look for an artichoke extract standardised to contain 5% cynarin.

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Prescribers Guide to Detoxification

LK55

www.hb08.nl