By Keith I. Block, MD
In the first blog article of this three-part series on detoxification, I explained the concept of the total load, and the different types of toxins the body has to deal with. In the second article, I explored how to take care of your body’s central detoxification organ, the liver. Here I will focus on ways to support several other key detox systems, namely the GI tract, kidneys, blood and lymphatics. Each of these systems plays integral roles in removing toxins and pollutants from the body, and thus in maintaining your health during and after chemotherapy and other treatments.
Let’s start with the gastrointestinal (GI) system. There are many dimensions to this system, including, the balancing of phase I and phase II enzymes that are highly active in the mucosal cells lining the GI tract (see previous blog article for more on these enzymes). Other key aspects of GI function that relate to detoxification include the following: intestinal flora (beneficial bacteria that are greatly depleted by chemotherapy); digestive enzymes needed to ensure that food is broken down properly into digestible forms, rather than into substances that putrefy or ferment in the intestine; the physical integrity of the intestinal wall, without which toxins will flow steadily into the bloodstream; and the daily removal of toxic fecal material through regular bowel movements.
Supplementing with high-potency probiotics (at least 30-40 billion organisms per capsule) and digestive enzymes is a good starting point for restoring GI integrity. Without probiotics, various “bad bacteria” or pathogens multiply in the gut, generating toxins and siphoning away valuable nutrients. Without digestive enzymes, much of our food ends up only partially absorbed while the rest sits in the intestine and generates various toxins. An important solution that works for many people is to use digestive enzyme aids, such as bromelain and papain, as well as other enzyme preparations that contain various pancreatic enzymes. These are typically taken 10 or 15 minutes before eating solid foods. Probiotics can be taken as you begin eating.
Chemotherapy, stress, alcohol and poor diet can damage the mucosal lining that can cause a worrisome syndrome of gut permeability. When healthy, this lining provides a natural and important barrier in the GI tract. But when breached, the mucosal lining can lead to a leaky gut syndrome, which can allow whole proteins and toxins to abnormally enter the bloodstream. Upon entry, these proteins are seen as foreign and are attacked by antibodies. This immune assault leads to the development of immune complexes that appear as porcupine like molecules that promote immune dysfunction and inflammation. The sooner the gut wall is repaired, the less inflammation and immune dysfunction will occur. Considerable evidence demonstrates that L-glutamine can improve and rebuild intestinal integrity. Along with taking L-glutamine, I advise my patients to include probiotics. These strategies, along with a well-rounded, plant-based diet, will help fortify the mucosal lining and reverse a leaky gut situation.
Many patients also suffer from constipation after chemotherapy. Fiber, increased hydration and physical activity are two of the best ways to ensure regular bowel movements. In cases of extreme constipation, deep abdominal massage may be helpful along with massage between the neck and shoulders. These points have considerable benefit for combating a stagnant bowel.
Next, let’s look at the kidneys, the two bean-shaped organs that filter toxins from the blood on a constant basis. These delicate organs are responsible for removing many of the toxic metabolites and residues from chemotherapy and other drugs. The single most effective way to support your kidneys is by maintaining adequate fluid intake—from 60 to 64 ounces of water and other fluids each day. Adequate fluid intake is important not only during detoxification, but also during treatment. Adequate water is a major way to stave off nausea and eliminate the toxic metabolites from chemotherapy.
The fluid of choice is filtered or purified water; however, some substitutes such as tea and juice (unsweetened – no added sugar) may be used for variety, for about half of your total fluid intake. Options include fruit juices diluted with 50% water, vegetable juices, non-caffeine herbal teas (especially ginger, chamomile, goldenrod or passionflower, all of which support various aspects of detoxification), green, white or black tea and non caffeinated kukicha tea. The rest should consist of water.
Finally, we come to the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is, like the kidneys, another major filtering mechanism for the blood, aiding in the steady removal of toxins as well as debris from the immune system’s activities. Unlike the circulatory system, however, the lymphatics have no “pump” per se. Instead, the lymphatic fluids are moved by your own bodily movements, which can include the simple act of breathing as well as physical exercise. By exercising then, you boost both blood circulation and lymphatic flow, which in turn helps cleanse your blood. A cleansing, largely vegan diet further supports this effect.
Another effective way of cleansing the blood is simply to be conscious of what you put into it. A “clean diet” is one consisting of whole, natural foods, with most food choices centered around plant-based proteins, whole grains, legumes, and vegetables (especially crucifers). The ideal diet should be low in saturated fats and devoid of trans fats (but relatively high in omega-3 and omega-9 fats, found in cold water fish such as salmon and avocado) and devoid of refined flours and sugars, and without artificial flavorings and colorings. This type of diet, in conjunction with regular physical activity and proper support for the liver and kidneys, is the best way to help clean your blood.
Putting It All Together:
Over the years, hundreds of patients have walked into the Block Center after having completed an intensive detoxification program (this generally followed the completion of their course of treatment). Unfortunately, very few such regimens seemed tailored to the patient’s individual needs, and some appeared to do more harm than good. This is because they hyper-stimulated the detoxification process, unleashing a tidal wave of toxins from the liver and from the body’s fatty tissues. When this occurs too soon following chemotherapy or radiation therapy, a barrage of toxic metabolites can be released leaving one weak, sickly and with a general malaise. Most patients will feel feckless, torpid, moody and generally miserable. Moreover, this toxic surge weakens the immune system, which can lead to greater difficulty in tolerating additional treatment should it be needed, while lowering one’s chances of sustaining a remission.
However, this is not to say that a well-designed, individually tailored detoxification regimen can’t be of value. I favor an approach that supports a broad spectrum of detoxification functions, one that both strengthens and maintains critical bodily functions over the long term. The detox process itself should be done gradually, not rapidly. In my experience, those patients who typically do better following a detoxification session are those that have followed a primarily healthy diet – consuming a nutrient-rich diet affords essential support to the body’s detoxification systems – have exercised regularly, and are not overweight.
With proper guidance and support, many of our patients have reported improved energy levels, reduced stress, stronger immunity, and even enhanced responsiveness to standard treatments following a detoxification program. Effective detoxification is largely a matter of providing balanced support for those organs and systems that are integral to this process. Whereas some programs focus only on the liver, the LOC program addresses a broader set of related organs and emphasizes strategies to enhance the full range of detoxification systems.
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