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Fri, 10 Jun 2005 15:29:09 -0700 (PDT)

JoAnn Guest <angelprincessjo

Detoxification: Nature's Potent Liver

Remedies

 

Detoxification: Nature's Potent Liver Remedies JoAnn

Guest Jun 10,

2005 15:28 PDT

Introduction

 

Toxic substances are everywhere. In the air we

breathe, the food we

eat,

and the water we drink. Even our bodies and the

bacteria in the

intestines produce toxic substances.

 

These toxins can damage the body in an insidious and

cumulative way.

Your ability to detoxify these harmful chemicals is a

major factor in

determining your level of health.

 

When the detoxification system becomes overloaded,

toxic metabolites

accumulate, and we become progressively more sensitive

to other

chemicals.

 

This accumulation of toxins can wreak havoc on our

normal

metabolic processes.

 

Enhancing detoxification primarily involves promoting

improved liver

function. Our modern environment seriously overloads

our liver,

resulting in increased levels of circulating toxins in

the blood, which

damage most of our body's systems.

 

A toxic liver sends out alarm signals, which manifests

as psoriasis,

acne, chronic headaches, inflammatory and autoimmune

diseases, and

chronic fatigue.

 

Are You Toxic?

 

Diagnosing toxicity can involve measuring hair, blood,

or fatty tissue

for suspected chemicals. However, perhaps the best

recommendation that

I

can give you to help you determine if your liver is

functioning up to

par is to look over the following list.

 

If any factor applies to you, I recommend following

the guidelines for

improving liver function given below:

 

Are you more than 20 pounds overweight?

Do you have diabetes?

Have you or do you have of gallstones?

Do you have a history of heavy alcohol or drug use?

Dou you have psoriasis?

 

Are you taking natural or synthetic steroid hormones

like

Anabolic steroids?

Estrogens?

Oral contraceptives?

 

Have you been exposed to high levels of certain

chemicals or drugs

like:

 

 

 

Cleaning solvents?

Pesticides?

Antibiotics?

Diuretics?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs?

Thyroid hormone?

Do you or have you ever had hepatitis?

 

Why is the liver so important in detoxification?

 

The liver is a complex organ that plays a key role in

most metabolic

processes, especially detoxification. The liver is

constantly bombarded

with toxic chemicals, both those produced internally

and those coming

from the environment.

 

The metabolic processes that make our bodies run

normally produce a

wide range of toxins for which the liver has evolved

efficient

neutralizing mechanisms.

 

However, the level and type of internally produced

toxins increases

greatly when metabolic processes go awry,

typically as a result of nutritional deficiencies.

 

Many of the toxic chemicals the liver must detoxify

come from our

environment: the content of our bowel, the food we

eat, the water we

drink, and the air we breathe.

 

The polycyclic hydrocarbons (e.g., DDT; dioxin;

2,4,5-T; 2,4-D; PCB;

and PCP), which are components of various herbicides

and pesticides,

are

one example.

 

Yet, as mentioned above, even those eating unprocessed

organic foods

need an effective detoxification system because even

organically grown

foods contain naturally occurring toxic constituents.

 

The liver plays several roles in detoxification: It

filters the blood

to

remove large toxins, synthesizes and secretes bile

full of cholesterol

and other fat-soluble toxins, and enzymatically

disassembles unwanted

chemicals.

 

How does the liver get rid of toxins?

 

Once the liver has modified a toxin, it needs to be

eliminated from the

body as soon as possible.

 

One of the primary routes of elimination is through

the bile.

 

However, when the excretion of bile is inhibited

 

(a condition called cholestasis),

 

toxins stay in the liver longer.

 

 

 

Cholestasis has several causes, including obstruction

of the bile ducts

and impairment of bile flow within the liver.

 

The most common cause of

obstruction of the bile ducts is the presence of

gallstones.

 

Currently,

it is conservatively estimated that 20 million people

in the U.S. have

gallstones. Nearly 20% of the female and 8% of the

male population over

the age of 40 are found to have gallstones on biopsy

and approximately

500,000 gallbladders are removed because of stones

each year in the

U.S.

 

 

 

The prevalence of gallstones in this country has been

linked to the

high-fat, low-fiber diet consumed by the majority of

Americans.

 

Impairment of bile flow within the liver can be caused

by a variety of

agents and conditions.

 

These conditions are often associated with alterations

of liver

function in laboratory tests (serum bilirubin,

alkaline phosphatase, SGOT, LDH, GGTP, etc.)

signifying cellular

damage.

 

 

 

However, relying on these tests alone to evaluate

liver function is not

adequate, since, in the initial or subclinical stages

of many problems

with liver function, laboratory values remain normal.

 

Among the symptoms people with enzymatic damage may

complain of are

fatigue, general malaise, digestive disturbances,

allergies and

chemical

sensitivities, premenstrual syndrome, and

constipation.

 

Causes of Cholestasis

 

Presence of gallstones

Alcohol

Endotoxins

Hereditary disorders such as Gilbert's syndrome

Hyperthyroidism or thyroxine supplementation

Viral hepatitis

Pregnancy

 

Certain chemicals or drugs:

 

Natural and synthetic steroidal hormones:

 

[comp: indent all following entries]Anabolic steroids

Estrogens

Oral contraceptives [all the following are not

hormones and should not

be indented]

Aminosalicylic acid

Chlorothiazide

Erythromycin estolate

Mepazine Phenylbutazone

Sulphadiazine

Thiouracil

 

Perhaps the most common cause of cholestasis and

impaired liver

function

is alcohol ingestion.

 

In some especially sensitive individuals, as little as

1 oz of alcohol

can produce damage to the liver, which results

in fat being deposited within the liver.

 

All active alcoholics demonstrate fatty infiltration

of the liver.

 

---

 

What do you recommend to support the liver and proper

detoxification?

 

A rational approach to aiding the body's

detoxification involves:

 

 

(1)

eating a diet which focuses on fresh fruits and

vegetables, whole

grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds;

 

(2) adopting a healthy lifestyle including avoiding

alcohol and

exercising regularly;

 

(3) taking a high potency multiple vitamin and mineral

supplement;

 

(4) using special nutritional and herbal supplements

to protect the

liver and enhance liver function; and

 

(5) going on a 3 day fresh juice fast at the change of

each season.

 

====================================================================

 

How does diet impact detoxification?

 

The first step in supporting proper liver function is

following a

health

promoting diet low in animal foods and sugar,

 

and high in whole plant foods such as organic

vegetables, whole grains,

legumes, fruits, nuts, and seeds.

 

Such a diet will provide a wide range of essential

nutrients the liver

needs to carry on its important functions.

 

If you want to have a healthy liver, there are three

things you

definitely want to stay away from: (1) saturated fats;

(2) refined

sugar; and (3) alcohol. A diet high in saturated fat

increases the risk

of developing fatty infiltration and/or cholestasis.

 

In contrast, a diet rich in dietary fiber,

particularly the

water-soluble fibers, promotes increased bile

secretion.

 

Special foods rich in factors which help protect the

liver from damage

and improve liver function include:

 

 

high sulfur containing foods like garlic, legumes,

onions,

and organic eggs;

 

good sources of water-soluble fibers such as pears,

oat bran,

apples, and legumes;

 

cabbage family vegetables especially broccoli,

Brussels sprouts, and

cabbage;

 

and artichokes, beets, carrots, dandelion,

 

and many herbs and spices like turmeric, cinnamon, and

licorice.

 

---

 

Can I drink alcohol or is it always harmful to the

liver at any level?

 

Alcohol stresses detoxification processes and can lead

to liver damage

and immune suppression,

 

but it is related to how much you drink and how

healthy your liver is.

 

Avoid alcohol if you suffer from impaired liver

function and only drink

in moderation (no more than two glasses of wine or

beer, no more than 2

ounces of hard liquor per day).

 

 

 

What supplements should I take to support the liver?

 

A high potency multiple vitamin and mineral is a must

in trying to deal

with all the toxic chemicals we are constantly exposed

to.

 

Antioxidant vitamins like vitamin C, beta-carotene,

and vitamin E are

obviously quite important in protecting the liver from

damage as well

as

helping in detoxification mechanisms, but even simple

nutrients like B

vitamins, calcium, and trace minerals are critical in

the elimination

of

 

heavy metals and other toxic compounds from the body.

 

 

 

Choline, betaine, methionine, vitamin B6, folic acid,

and vitamin B12

are important.

 

 

These nutrients are referred to as " lipotropic

agents. "

 

 

 

Lipotropic agents are compounds which promote the flow

of fat and bile

to and from the liver. In essence, they produce a

" decongesting " effect

on the liver and promote improved liver function and

fat metabolism.

 

Formulas containing lipotropic agents are very useful

in enhancing

detoxification reactions and other liver functions.

 

Lipotropic formulas have been used for a wide variety

of conditions by

nutrition-oriented physicians including a number of

liver disorders

including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and chemical-induced

liver disease.

 

 

 

Most major manufacturers of nutritional supplements

offer lipotropic

formulas.

 

The important thing, when taking a lipotropic formula,

is to

take enough of the formula to provide a daily dose of

1,000 mg of

choline and 1,000 mg of either methionine and/or

cysteine.

 

--

Are there any herbs that I can take to support my

liver and proper

detoxification?

 

There is a long list of plants that exert beneficial

effects on liver

function.

 

However, the most impressive research has been done on

a

special extract of milk thistle (Silybum marianum)

known as

 

silymarin -

a group of flavonoid compounds.

 

These compounds exert tremendous effect on protecting

the liver from

damage as well as enhancing detoxification processes.

 

Silymarin prevents damage to the liver by acting as an

antioxidant.

 

Silymarin is many times more potent in antioxidant

activity than

vitamin E and vitamin C. The protective effect of

silymarin against

liver damage has been demonstrated in a number of

experimental studies.

 

Experimental liver damage in animals is produced by

extremely toxic

chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride, amanita toxin,

galactosamine,

and praseodymium nitrate.

 

Silymarin has been shown to protect against

liver damage by all of these agents

 

-

 

Besides acting as an antioxidant, are there other ways

in that

silymarin

 

aids detoxification?

 

One of the key manners in which silymarin enhances

detoxification

reaction is preventing the

 

depletion of glutathione.

 

As discussed above, the level of glutathione in the

liver is critically

linked to the liver's ability to detoxify.

 

The higher the glutathione content, the greater the

liver's capacity to

detoxify harmful chemicals.

 

Typically, when we are exposed to chemicals which can

damage the liver

including alcohol,

 

the concentration of glutathione in the liver is

substantially reduced.

 

This reduction in glutathione makes the liver cell

susceptible to

damage. Silymarin not only prevents the depletion of

glutathione

induced

by alcohol and other toxic chemicals, but has been

shown to increase

the

level of glutathione of the liver by up to 35%.5 Since

the ability of

the liver to detoxify is largely related to the level

of glutathione in

the liver,

 

the results of this study seem to indicate that

silymarin can

increase detoxification reactions by up to 35%.

 

 

 

Can silymarin help in hepatitis and other liver

disorders?

 

Yes. In human studies, silymarin has been shown to

have positive

effects

 

in treating liver diseases of various kinds, including

hepatitis;

cirrhosis; fatty infiltration of the liver (chemical

and alcohol

induced

fatty liver); and inflammation of the bile duct.6-9

 

 

 

What is the form of silymarin that you recommend?

 

Recently, a new form of silymarin has emerged that may

provide the

greatest benefit. The new form binds silybin the key

component of

silymarin to phosphatidylcholine, the key component of

our cellular

membranes throughout the body.

 

The result is a product known as SILIPHOS

(available from Natural

Factors as Silybin Phytosome).

Current research indicates that SILIPHOST is better

absorbed and

produces better results than other silymarin or milk

thistle extracts.

 

What is the evidence to support the claim that

SILIPHOST is better?

Several human and animal studies have shown SILIPHOST

is better

absorbed. In one study, the excretion of silybin in

the bile was

evaulated in patients undergoing gallbladder removal

because of

gallstones.

 

 

A special drainage tube, the T-tube, was used to get

the samples of

bile necessary. Patients were given either a single

oral dose of the

SILIPHOST or silymarin. The amount of silybin

recovered in the bile

within 48 hours was 11% for the SILIPHOST group and 3%

for silymarin

group.10

 

One of the significant features of this study is the

fact that

silymarin

 

has been shown to improve the solubility of the bile.

 

Since more silymarin is being delivered to the liver

and gallbladder

when the phosphatidylcholine-bound silymarin is used,

this form is the

ideal form for individuals with gallstones or

fatty-infiltration of the

liver - two conditions characterized by decreased bile

solubility.

 

In another study designed to assess the absorption of

SILIPHOST, plasma

silybin levels were determined after administration of

single oral

doses

of SILIPHOST and a similar amount of silymarin to 9

healthy volunteers.

The authors concluded SILIPHOST was absorbed roughly 7

times greater

than regular milk thistle extracts standardized to

contain silymarin

(70-80%).11

 

Are there any studies showing better results with

SILIPHOST?

 

Several clinical studies have also shown SILIPHOST to

produce better

results than regular silymarin extracts.12-14 In one

study of 232

patients with chronic hepatitis (viral, alcohol, or

drug induced)

treated with SILIPHOST at a dosage either 120 mg twice

daily or 120 mg

three times daily for up to 120 days, liver function

returned to normal

faster in the patients taking SILIPHOST compared to a

group of controls

(49 treated with a commercially available milk thistle

extract

standardized to contain 70% silymarin; 117 untreated

or given

placebo).14,

 

Better results were also seen in a preliminary study

in patients with

chronic viral hepatitis (3 with hepatitis B, 3 with

both hepatitis B

and

hepatitis C, and 2 with hepatitis C) given SILIPHOST

for 2 months.12

After treatment, serum malondialdehyde levels (an

indicator of lipid

peroxidation)

 

decreased by 36%, and the quantitative liver function

evaluation, as expressed by galactose elimination

capacity, increased

by

15%.

 

A statistically significant reduction of liver enzymes

was also seen:

AST decreased 17% and ALT decreased 16%.

 

In another study designed primarily to evaluate the

dose-response

relationship of SILIPHOST , positive effects were

again displayed at a

level better than those reported for milk thistle

extracts containing

70-80% silymarin.

 

In the study, patients with chronic hepatitis due to

either a virus or

alcohol were given different doses of SILIPHOST : 20

patients received

80 mg twice daily, 20 pts received 120 mg twice daily,

and 20 patients

received 120 mg three times daily for two weeks. At

all tested doses,

SILIPHOST produced a remarkable and statistically

significant decrease

of mean serum and total bilirubin levels.

When used at the dose of 240 or 360 mg per day, it

also resulted in a

remarkable and statistically significant decrease of

the ALT and GGTP

liver enzymes. These results indicate that even

short-term treatment of

viral or alcohol-induced hepatitis with relative low

doses of

phosphatidylcholine bound silymarin can be effective,

but for the best

results higher doses are indicated.

 

 

 

How does SILIPHOST compare with Milk Thistle

Phytosome?

 

Milk Thistle Phytosome is a less potent version as it

contains all

three

 

flavonoids of silymarin and the ratio of to

phosphatidylcholine to

silymarin is 2:1. In comparison, SILIPHOST contains

only silybin is the

most potent of these active substances of silymarin in

a one to one

ratio with phosphatidylcholine. One 150 mg capsule of

Milk Thistle

Phytosome is slightly less potent than the 120 mg

capsule of SILIPHOST.

 

What is the dosage recommendation for SILIPHOST ?

For general support for the liver and detoxification,

120 mg of

SILIPHOST is recommended. When additional support is

needed, the dosage

recommendation is 240 to 360 mg per day.

 

Summary

Detoxification of harmful substances is a continual

process in the

body.

 

The ability to detoxify and eliminate toxins largely

determines an

individual's health status.

 

A number of toxins (heavy metals, solvents,

pesticides, microbial

toxins, etc.) are known to cause significant health

problems.

 

Milk thistle extracts standardized for silymarin

content (usually

70-80%) can dramatically improve the liver's ability

to detoxify

harmful

 

compounds and function more optimally. A new form of

silymarin,

SILIPHOST, is proving to be even more effective.

 

References:

 

Flora SJS, Singh S and Tandon SK: Prevention of lead

intoxication by

vitamin B complex. Z Ges Hyg 30:409-11, 1984.

Shakman RA: Nutritional influences on the toxicity of

environmental

pollutants: A review. Arch Env Health 28:105-33, 1974.

 

Flora SJS, et al.: Protective role of trace metals in

lead

intoxication.

 

Toxicology Letters 13:51-6, 1982.

Hikino H, et al.: Antihepatotoxic actions of

flavonolignans from

Silybum

 

marianum fruits. Planta Medica 50:248-50, 1984.

Valenzuela A, et al.: Selectivity of silymarin on the

increase of the

glutathione content in different tissues of the rat.

Planta Med

55:420-2, 1989.

Canini F, Bartolucci, Cristallini E, et al.: Use of

silymarin in the

treatment of alcoholic hepatic steatosis. Clin Ter

114:307-14, 1985.

Salmi HA and Sarna S: Effect of silymarin on chemical,

functional, and

morphological alteration of the liver. A double-blind

controlled study.

Scand J Gastroenterol 17:417-21, 1982.

Boari C, et al.: Occupational toxic liver diseases.

Therapeutic effects

of silymarin. Min Med 72:2679-88, 1985.

Ferenci P, et al.: Randomized controlled trial of

silymarin treatment

in

 

patients with cirrhosis of the liver. J Hepatol

9:105-13, 1989.

Schandalik R, Gatti G, and Perucca E: Pharmacokinetics

of silybin in

bile following administration of silipide and

silymarin in

cholecystectomy patients. Arzneim Forsch 42(7):964-8,

1992.

Barzaghi N, et al.: Pharmacokinetic studies on IdB

1016, a

silybin-phosphatidylcholine complex, in healthy human

subjects. Eur J

Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 15(4):333-8, 1990.

Mascarella S, et al.: Therapeutic and

antilipoperoxidant effects of

silybin-phosphatidylcholine complex in chronic liver

disease:

Preliminary results. Curr Ther Res 53(1):98-102, 1993.

 

Vailati A, et al.: Randomized open study of the

dose-effect

relationship

 

of a short course of IdB 1016 in patients with viral

or alcoholic

hepatitis. Fitoterapia 44(3):219-28, 1993.

Marena C and Lampertico: Preliminary clinical

development of silipide:

A

 

new complex of silybin in toxic liver disorders.

Planta Medical

57(S2):A124-5, 1991.

 

 

www.doctormurray.com

_________________

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

DietaryTi-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes

 

 

 

 

AIM Barleygreen

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html

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Kel, good article. Don't forget that the best way to detoxify the liver is through coffee enemas (according to Dr. Gerson). Take care, Amelia

 

 

On Behalf Of Kelly W.Saturday, June 11, 2005 9:40 AM Subject: Helping the liver to detoxify

Fri, 10 Jun 2005 15:29:09 -0700 (PDT) JoAnn Guest <angelprincessjoDetoxification: Nature's Potent LiverRemediesDetoxification: Nature's Potent Liver Remedies JoAnnGuest Jun 10, 2005 15:28 PDT Introduction Toxic substances are everywhere. In the air webreathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. Even our bodies and thebacteria in the intestines produce toxic substances.These toxins can damage the body in an insidious andcumulative way. Your ability to detoxify these harmful chemicals is amajor factor in determining your level of health. When the detoxification system becomes overloaded,toxic metabolites accumulate, and we become progressively more sensitiveto other chemicals.This accumulation of toxins can wreak havoc on ournormal metabolic processes. Enhancing detoxification primarily involves promotingimproved liver function. Our modern environment seriously overloadsour liver, resulting in increased levels of circulating toxins inthe blood, which damage most of our body's systems. A toxic liver sends out alarm signals, which manifestsas psoriasis, acne, chronic headaches, inflammatory and autoimmunediseases, and chronic fatigue. Are You Toxic? Diagnosing toxicity can involve measuring hair, blood,or fatty tissue for suspected chemicals. However, perhaps the bestrecommendation that I can give you to help you determine if your liver isfunctioning up to par is to look over the following list. If any factor applies to you, I recommend followingthe guidelines for improving liver function given below: Are you more than 20 pounds overweight? Do you have diabetes? Have you or do you have of gallstones? Do you have a history of heavy alcohol or drug use? Dou you have psoriasis? Are you taking natural or synthetic steroid hormoneslike Anabolic steroids? Estrogens? Oral contraceptives? Have you been exposed to high levels of certainchemicals or drugs like: Cleaning solvents? Pesticides? Antibiotics? Diuretics? Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs? Thyroid hormone? Do you or have you ever had hepatitis? Why is the liver so important in detoxification? The liver is a complex organ that plays a key role inmost metabolic processes, especially detoxification. The liver isconstantly bombarded with toxic chemicals, both those produced internallyand those coming from the environment. The metabolic processes that make our bodies runnormally produce a wide range of toxins for which the liver has evolvedefficient neutralizing mechanisms.However, the level and type of internally producedtoxins increases greatly when metabolic processes go awry, typically as a result of nutritional deficiencies. Many of the toxic chemicals the liver must detoxifycome from our environment: the content of our bowel, the food weeat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. The polycyclic hydrocarbons (e.g., DDT; dioxin;2,4,5-T; 2,4-D; PCB; and PCP), which are components of various herbicidesand pesticides, are one example. Yet, as mentioned above, even those eating unprocessedorganic foods need an effective detoxification system because evenorganically grown foods contain naturally occurring toxic constituents. The liver plays several roles in detoxification: Itfilters the blood to remove large toxins, synthesizes and secretes bilefull of cholesterol and other fat-soluble toxins, and enzymaticallydisassembles unwanted chemicals. How does the liver get rid of toxins? Once the liver has modified a toxin, it needs to beeliminated from the body as soon as possible. One of the primary routes of elimination is throughthe bile. However, when the excretion of bile is inhibited (a condition called cholestasis), toxins stay in the liver longer. Cholestasis has several causes, including obstructionof the bile ducts and impairment of bile flow within the liver. The most common cause of obstruction of the bile ducts is the presence ofgallstones. Currently, it is conservatively estimated that 20 million peoplein the U.S. have gallstones. Nearly 20% of the female and 8% of themale population over the age of 40 are found to have gallstones on biopsyand approximately 500,000 gallbladders are removed because of stoneseach year in the U.S. The prevalence of gallstones in this country has beenlinked to the high-fat, low-fiber diet consumed by the majority ofAmericans. Impairment of bile flow within the liver can be causedby a variety of agents and conditions.These conditions are often associated with alterationsof liver function in laboratory tests (serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, SGOT, LDH, GGTP, etc.)signifying cellular damage. However, relying on these tests alone to evaluateliver function is not adequate, since, in the initial or subclinical stagesof many problems with liver function, laboratory values remain normal. Among the symptoms people with enzymatic damage maycomplain of are fatigue, general malaise, digestive disturbances,allergies and chemical sensitivities, premenstrual syndrome, andconstipation. Causes of Cholestasis Presence of gallstones Alcohol Endotoxins Hereditary disorders such as Gilbert's syndrome Hyperthyroidism or thyroxine supplementation Viral hepatitis Pregnancy Certain chemicals or drugs: Natural and synthetic steroidal hormones: [comp: indent all following entries]Anabolic steroids Estrogens Oral contraceptives [all the following are nothormones and should not be indented] Aminosalicylic acid Chlorothiazide Erythromycin estolate Mepazine Phenylbutazone Sulphadiazine Thiouracil Perhaps the most common cause of cholestasis andimpaired liver function is alcohol ingestion. In some especially sensitive individuals, as little as1 oz of alcohol can produce damage to the liver, which results in fat being deposited within the liver. All active alcoholics demonstrate fatty infiltrationof the liver. ---What do you recommend to support the liver and properdetoxification? A rational approach to aiding the body'sdetoxification involves: (1) eating a diet which focuses on fresh fruits andvegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds; (2) adopting a healthy lifestyle including avoidingalcohol and exercising regularly; (3) taking a high potency multiple vitamin and mineralsupplement; (4) using special nutritional and herbal supplementsto protect the liver and enhance liver function; and (5) going on a 3 day fresh juice fast at the change ofeach season. ====================================================================How does diet impact detoxification? The first step in supporting proper liver function isfollowing a health promoting diet low in animal foods and sugar,and high in whole plant foods such as organicvegetables, whole grains, legumes, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Such a diet will provide a wide range of essentialnutrients the liver needs to carry on its important functions. If you want to have a healthy liver, there are threethings you definitely want to stay away from: (1) saturated fats;(2) refined sugar; and (3) alcohol. A diet high in saturated fatincreases the risk of developing fatty infiltration and/or cholestasis. In contrast, a diet rich in dietary fiber,particularly the water-soluble fibers, promotes increased bilesecretion. Special foods rich in factors which help protect theliver from damage and improve liver function include: high sulfur containing foods like garlic, legumes,onions, and organic eggs; good sources of water-soluble fibers such as pears,oat bran, apples, and legumes; cabbage family vegetables especially broccoli,Brussels sprouts, and cabbage; and artichokes, beets, carrots, dandelion, and many herbs and spices like turmeric, cinnamon, andlicorice. ---Can I drink alcohol or is it always harmful to theliver at any level? Alcohol stresses detoxification processes and can leadto liver damage and immune suppression, but it is related to how much you drink and how healthy your liver is. Avoid alcohol if you suffer from impaired liverfunction and only drink in moderation (no more than two glasses of wine orbeer, no more than 2 ounces of hard liquor per day). What supplements should I take to support the liver? A high potency multiple vitamin and mineral is a mustin trying to deal with all the toxic chemicals we are constantly exposedto. Antioxidant vitamins like vitamin C, beta-carotene,and vitamin E are obviously quite important in protecting the liver fromdamage as well as helping in detoxification mechanisms, but even simplenutrients like B vitamins, calcium, and trace minerals are critical inthe elimination of heavy metals and other toxic compounds from the body. Choline, betaine, methionine, vitamin B6, folic acid,and vitamin B12 are important. These nutrients are referred to as "lipotropicagents." Lipotropic agents are compounds which promote the flowof fat and bile to and from the liver. In essence, they produce a"decongesting" effect on the liver and promote improved liver function andfat metabolism. Formulas containing lipotropic agents are very usefulin enhancing detoxification reactions and other liver functions. Lipotropic formulas have been used for a wide varietyof conditions by nutrition-oriented physicians including a number ofliver disorders including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and chemical-inducedliver disease. Most major manufacturers of nutritional supplementsoffer lipotropic formulas. The important thing, when taking a lipotropic formula,is to take enough of the formula to provide a daily dose of1,000 mg of choline and 1,000 mg of either methionine and/orcysteine. --Are there any herbs that I can take to support myliver and proper detoxification? There is a long list of plants that exert beneficialeffects on liver function. However, the most impressive research has been done ona special extract of milk thistle (Silybum marianum)known as silymarin - a group of flavonoid compounds. These compounds exert tremendous effect on protectingthe liver from damage as well as enhancing detoxification processes. Silymarin prevents damage to the liver by acting as anantioxidant. Silymarin is many times more potent in antioxidantactivity than vitamin E and vitamin C. The protective effect ofsilymarin against liver damage has been demonstrated in a number ofexperimental studies. Experimental liver damage in animals is produced byextremely toxic chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride, amanita toxin,galactosamine, and praseodymium nitrate.Silymarin has been shown to protect against liver damage by all of these agents -Besides acting as an antioxidant, are there other waysin that silymarin aids detoxification? One of the key manners in which silymarin enhancesdetoxification reaction is preventing the depletion of glutathione. As discussed above, the level of glutathione in theliver is critically linked to the liver's ability to detoxify. The higher the glutathione content, the greater theliver's capacity to detoxify harmful chemicals. Typically, when we are exposed to chemicals which candamage the liver including alcohol, the concentration of glutathione in the liver issubstantially reduced. This reduction in glutathione makes the liver cellsusceptible to damage. Silymarin not only prevents the depletion ofglutathione induced by alcohol and other toxic chemicals, but has beenshown to increase the level of glutathione of the liver by up to 35%.5 Sincethe ability of the liver to detoxify is largely related to the levelof glutathione in the liver, the results of this study seem to indicate thatsilymarin can increase detoxification reactions by up to 35%. Can silymarin help in hepatitis and other liverdisorders? Yes. In human studies, silymarin has been shown tohave positive effects in treating liver diseases of various kinds, includinghepatitis; cirrhosis; fatty infiltration of the liver (chemicaland alcohol induced fatty liver); and inflammation of the bile duct.6-9 What is the form of silymarin that you recommend? Recently, a new form of silymarin has emerged that mayprovide the greatest benefit. The new form binds silybin the keycomponent of silymarin to phosphatidylcholine, the key component ofour cellular membranes throughout the body. The result is a product known as SILIPHOS(available from Natural Factors as Silybin Phytosome). Current research indicates that SILIPHOST is betterabsorbed and produces better results than other silymarin or milkthistle extracts. What is the evidence to support the claim thatSILIPHOST is better? Several human and animal studies have shown SILIPHOSTis better absorbed. In one study, the excretion of silybin inthe bile was evaulated in patients undergoing gallbladder removalbecause of gallstones. A special drainage tube, the T-tube, was used to getthe samples of bile necessary. Patients were given either a singleoral dose of the SILIPHOST or silymarin. The amount of silybinrecovered in the bile within 48 hours was 11% for the SILIPHOST group and 3%for silymarin group.10 One of the significant features of this study is thefact that silymarin has been shown to improve the solubility of the bile. Since more silymarin is being delivered to the liverand gallbladder when the phosphatidylcholine-bound silymarin is used,this form is the ideal form for individuals with gallstones orfatty-infiltration of the liver - two conditions characterized by decreased bilesolubility. In another study designed to assess the absorption ofSILIPHOST, plasma silybin levels were determined after administration ofsingle oral doses of SILIPHOST and a similar amount of silymarin to 9healthy volunteers. The authors concluded SILIPHOST was absorbed roughly 7times greater than regular milk thistle extracts standardized tocontain silymarin (70-80%).11 Are there any studies showing better results withSILIPHOST? Several clinical studies have also shown SILIPHOST toproduce better results than regular silymarin extracts.12-14 In onestudy of 232 patients with chronic hepatitis (viral, alcohol, ordrug induced) treated with SILIPHOST at a dosage either 120 mg twicedaily or 120 mg three times daily for up to 120 days, liver functionreturned to normal faster in the patients taking SILIPHOST compared to agroup of controls (49 treated with a commercially available milk thistleextract standardized to contain 70% silymarin; 117 untreatedor given placebo).14, Better results were also seen in a preliminary studyin patients with chronic viral hepatitis (3 with hepatitis B, 3 withboth hepatitis B and hepatitis C, and 2 with hepatitis C) given SILIPHOSTfor 2 months.12 After treatment, serum malondialdehyde levels (anindicator of lipid peroxidation) decreased by 36%, and the quantitative liver function evaluation, as expressed by galactose eliminationcapacity, increased by 15%. A statistically significant reduction of liver enzymeswas also seen: AST decreased 17% and ALT decreased 16%. In another study designed primarily to evaluate thedose-response relationship of SILIPHOST , positive effects wereagain displayed at a level better than those reported for milk thistleextracts containing 70-80% silymarin. In the study, patients with chronic hepatitis due toeither a virus or alcohol were given different doses of SILIPHOST : 20patients received 80 mg twice daily, 20 pts received 120 mg twice daily,and 20 patients received 120 mg three times daily for two weeks. Atall tested doses, SILIPHOST produced a remarkable and statisticallysignificant decrease of mean serum and total bilirubin levels. When used at the dose of 240 or 360 mg per day, italso resulted in a remarkable and statistically significant decrease ofthe ALT and GGTP liver enzymes. These results indicate that evenshort-term treatment of viral or alcohol-induced hepatitis with relative lowdoses of phosphatidylcholine bound silymarin can be effective,but for the best results higher doses are indicated. How does SILIPHOST compare with Milk ThistlePhytosome? Milk Thistle Phytosome is a less potent version as itcontains all three flavonoids of silymarin and the ratio of tophosphatidylcholine to silymarin is 2:1. In comparison, SILIPHOST containsonly silybin is the most potent of these active substances of silymarin ina one to one ratio with phosphatidylcholine. One 150 mg capsule ofMilk Thistle Phytosome is slightly less potent than the 120 mgcapsule of SILIPHOST. What is the dosage recommendation for SILIPHOST ? For general support for the liver and detoxification,120 mg of SILIPHOST is recommended. When additional support isneeded, the dosage recommendation is 240 to 360 mg per day. Summary Detoxification of harmful substances is a continualprocess in the body. The ability to detoxify and eliminate toxins largelydetermines an individual's health status. A number of toxins (heavy metals, solvents,pesticides, microbial toxins, etc.) are known to cause significant healthproblems. Milk thistle extracts standardized for silymarincontent (usually 70-80%) can dramatically improve the liver's abilityto detoxify harmful compounds and function more optimally. A new form ofsilymarin, SILIPHOST, is proving to be even more effective. References: Flora SJS, Singh S and Tandon SK: Prevention of leadintoxication by vitamin B complex. Z Ges Hyg 30:409-11, 1984. Shakman RA: Nutritional influences on the toxicity ofenvironmental pollutants: A review. Arch Env Health 28:105-33, 1974.Flora SJS, et al.: Protective role of trace metals inlead intoxication. Toxicology Letters 13:51-6, 1982. Hikino H, et al.: Antihepatotoxic actions offlavonolignans from Silybum marianum fruits. Planta Medica 50:248-50, 1984. Valenzuela A, et al.: Selectivity of silymarin on theincrease of the glutathione content in different tissues of the rat.Planta Med 55:420-2, 1989. Canini F, Bartolucci, Cristallini E, et al.: Use ofsilymarin in the treatment of alcoholic hepatic steatosis. Clin Ter114:307-14, 1985. Salmi HA and Sarna S: Effect of silymarin on chemical,functional, and morphological alteration of the liver. A double-blindcontrolled study. Scand J Gastroenterol 17:417-21, 1982. Boari C, et al.: Occupational toxic liver diseases.Therapeutic effects of silymarin. Min Med 72:2679-88, 1985. Ferenci P, et al.: Randomized controlled trial ofsilymarin treatment in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. J Hepatol9:105-13, 1989. Schandalik R, Gatti G, and Perucca E: Pharmacokineticsof silybin in bile following administration of silipide andsilymarin in cholecystectomy patients. Arzneim Forsch 42(7):964-8,1992. Barzaghi N, et al.: Pharmacokinetic studies on IdB1016, a silybin-phosphatidylcholine complex, in healthy humansubjects. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 15(4):333-8, 1990. Mascarella S, et al.: Therapeutic andantilipoperoxidant effects of silybin-phosphatidylcholine complex in chronic liverdisease: Preliminary results. Curr Ther Res 53(1):98-102, 1993.Vailati A, et al.: Randomized open study of thedose-effect relationship of a short course of IdB 1016 in patients with viralor alcoholic hepatitis. Fitoterapia 44(3):219-28, 1993. Marena C and Lampertico: Preliminary clinicaldevelopment of silipide: A new complex of silybin in toxic liver disorders.Planta Medical 57(S2):A124-5, 1991. www.doctormurray.com_________________JoAnn Guest mrsjo- DietaryTi- www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes AIM Barleygreen "Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future" http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html

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