We hear about the latest “detox” diet, program or trend in the media practically every day. But what does “detoxification” really mean? Does it work? And if so, how do you properly “detoxify” your body?
Your body converts all types of substances into less toxic “metabolites”—molecules that are byproducts of normal metabolism. These substances are then eliminated via bile and urine. However, when it comes to particularly toxic foreign substances—from Tylenol to alcohol to heavy metals to pesticides and more—special processes are needed.
This is where your liver comes in. It is responsible for “conjugating” or modifying these toxic foreign substances so that they can be safely excreted from your system.
Like any of us, your poor liver can’t do its job as well when it’s overworked. When too many toxins enter your body at one time, the liver stores them for later excretion. But since we are constantly bombarded by toxic substances it never gets around to the job. So the toxins remain in your body, which can lead to long-term health complications.
This is especially likely to happen if you are fatigued, stressed out, suffer from fatty liver, drink large quantities of alcohol, smoke, or suffer from other toxic exposures. Your liver also gets overworked when you are on an active weight loss program since heavy metals and toxic organic compounds accumulate in fat and are released into circulation as the fat is lost.
Making sure that your liver is functioning optimally is crucial. And the good news is that you can give your liver a helping hand in its war on toxins. This IV is a perfect way to do that.
We start with phosphatidylcholine (PC), an abundant natural compound found in all cell membranes, and the chief molecule that forms the protective barrier around your cell and mitochondrial membranes.
These membranes (along with fat deposits) may store much of the toxic load in our body. They also allow transport of substances in and out of the cell and mitochondria. So you can see why giving them the support they need is so important.
We also add in a little glutathione (GSH)—the body’s master antioxidant. GSH attaches to toxic substances like heavy metals and xenobiotics to help neutralize them until they are eliminated.
Use this IV to support healthy liver function. It’s an ideal therapy if you are stressed out, fatigued, have “brain fog”, have difficulty concentrating,if you smoke or drink, or if you are on an active weight loss program. In addition to the health benefits of improved liver function you may also experience increased energy and focus as a result of higher acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter) levels when you undergo this treatment.
References
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- Mitzscherling K, Volynets V, Parlesak A. Phosphatidylcholine reverses ethanol-induced increase in transepithelial endotoxin permeability and abolishes transepithelial leukocyte activation. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2009 Mar;33(3):557-62
- Navder KP, Baraona E, Lieber CS. Polyenylphosphatidylcholine decreases alcoholic hyperlipemia without affecting the alcohol-induced rise of HDL-cholesterol. Life Sci. 1997;61(19):1907-14
- Jenkins PJ, Portmann BP. Use of polyunsaturated phosphatidyl choline in HBsAg negative chronic active hepatitis: results of prospective double-blind controlled trial. Liver 1982;2:77-81
- Visco G. Polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine (EPL) associated with vitamin B-complex in the treatment of acute viral hepatitis-B. La Clinica Terapeutica 1985;114:183-188
- Ilic V, Begic-Janev A. Therapy for HBsAg positive chronically active hepatitis. Med Welt 1991;42:523-525
- Niederau C, Strohmeyer G, Heintges T, Peter K, Gapfert E. Polyunsaturated phosphatidyl-choline and interferon alpha for treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C: a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Hepatogastroenterology. 1998 May-Jun;45(21):797-804.
