Easy Does It!

Detoxification as a term may be defined as efficient removal of toxins. This process may be simple or complex, long or short, focused on one organ at a time such as the liver, or may encompass the body as a whole. This last would concentrate on multiple body systems and require various herbs or superfoods as well as nutrients including amino acids, minerals or related substances. In this newsletter we will guide you on ways in which you may gently detoxify your body on a daily basis with supplements. By gently we mean nothing with a laxative or harsh diuretic effect. By concentrating on the body as a whole no specific system will be taxed. Take it nice and easy!

Triphala

Triphala is a formula, composed of three different fruits, each with actions of their own, and when taken together providing incredible benefits. In India, Ayurvedic physicians often use triphala alone for healing patients, and recommend it for general health and disease prevention. It benefits the digestive system on the whole by regulating the bowel, improving digestion and elimination. It detoxifies the digestive tract in this capacity. Triphala benefits more than the digestive system, however. In addition to improving blood pressure and cholesterol levels, it may be beneficial for diabetes. Research has proven it to have strong antioxidant activity. It is considered a blood purifier, and benefits the liver as well. All in all this formula may be considered a true tonic: something to be taken daily which will benefit the body greatly.

Evergreen carries several triphala (also spelled trifala) products. From legendary company Himalaya comes Organic Triphala, which is described as one of the most famous formulas of the Indian medical system. This product is vegan and gluten free and like all Himalaya products contains no binders or fillers. Organic India has an organically grown triphala that is also Non-GMO Project certified and is made from forest fruits gathered from wild regions certified as organic. Organic India is a Certified B Corporation.

N-Acetyl Cysteine

The amino acid N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is best known for its detoxification properties, which work in several pathways. First, it binds toxins and draws them out of the body; second, it activates major detoxification enzymes; and third, it protects cell membranes through its potent free-radical scavenging activity. NAC accumulates and is stored in the highest amounts in four organs, the lungs, liver, kidneys, and bone marrow, and has a special affinity with each. It is also the main precursor to glutathione, the body’s master detoxifier, working primarily in the lungs and liver to protect those organs from toxins inhaled or otherwise ingested.

Additionally, NAC is vital to the immune system. It helps to activate antibodies, improves the function of white blood cells, helps to inhibit replication of the Hepatitis B virus, helps to prevent influenza infection, and may help to prevent various cancers due to its antimutagenic activity. It also has been shown to prevent metastasis of many types of cancer. It has been shown helpful in cognitive performance aspects of Alzheimer’s disease. It may help to prevent Parkinson’s disease. It improves lung function in people with pneumonia and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). NAC also counteracts the toxic effects of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic. With all the benefits this amino acid offers and its inexpensive price tag, it should be part of a healthy daily detox regimen.

Evergreen carries several brands of N-acetyl cysteine including our own Evergreen brand which has 600 mg of NAC per vegetarian capsule. It is free of common allergens as well as artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.

Chlorella

This green algae, sometimes referred to as a seaweed but actually from fresh water, contains the most detoxifying, alkalinizing chlorophyll of any plant. By virtue of this alone chlorella is a powerful detoxifier, but its powers do not end there. It is justly famous for its ability to bind to heavy metals such as mercury and facilitate their removal from body tissues. It is a nutritional powerhouse along with its detoxifying abilities, containing abundant amino acids, B vitamins and iron. Studies have shown chlorella to support your body’s immune system, support healthy digestion, support natural detoxification processes and maintain levels of blood pressure and cholesterol already in the healthy range. It is also well-known as an energy booster, aiding athletic performance.

Evergreen carries powders and tablets of this amazing superfood. Pure Planet has a chlorella tablet version with no binders, fillers, preservatives or gluten. From HealthForce comes Chlorella Manna, available in powder or tablet form. According to the company, it sets the industry standard regarding chlorella purity. Chlorella Manna is grown indoors in tanks filled with purified water in a carefully sterilized and controlled system from start to finish, resulting in a product free from heavy metals, pesticides, microbes, and other pollutants (such as chemtrails and radiation).

Milk Thistle / Liver Support

No detox regimen would be complete without supporting the liver, the body’s main organ of purification and toxin transformation/removal. The liver never stops working on its job of elimination of toxins, particularly at night while we sleep. Everything mentioned above helps the liver to some extent, but the following are some very organ-specific compounds and formulas to assist the multiple detoxification processes and pathways your liver uses.

Certainly the most well-known liver-supportive compound, milk thistle’s fame is justified although people may not understand exactly what this herb does for them. Milk thistle does not detoxify the liver directly. It is essentially a “shield” protecting the liver. It works by raising levels of the liver’s most powerful antioxidant substance, glutathione. Glutathione may be seen as the “master protector” of the liver. As mentioned above, the amino acid NAC works to detoxify partly by raising glutathione levels. Some liver toxins such as poisonous mushrooms work their destruction by simply reducing levels of this important protective compound.

Evergreen’s own label offers 350 mg of milk thistle (standardized to 80% silymarin) per gluten-free capsule. The Ultimate Extract® process makes our milk thistle easier to digest and more available than plain powdered herb. It provides long-term liver support and has antioxidant and liver-cleansing activity and can be effective against heavy metals, alcohol, drugs and other toxins. Also from our own label is Liver Detox Complex, a formula which in addition to milk thistle contains burdock and artichoke. This product assists liver function on multiple levels, including helping the flow of bile which the body uses to excrete toxins.

Another comprehensive liver-support formula comes from Enzymedica. Purify Liver Detox aids detoxification with ingredients that include NAC, glutathione, milk thistle, schisandra and licorice, along with taurine, which is a main constituent of bile. Enzymedica says that this product provides unparalleled support for liver detoxification and function.

Last, but certainly not least, is Himalaya’s LiverCare, formulated over 60 years ago and the top-selling liver care formula in the world with over 180 clinical studies to validate it. With its blend of seven herbs, LiverCare helps detoxify the liver and supports the normal liver functions.

When supporting detoxification it is important to drink plenty of pure water, consume lots of fresh fruits and veggies and make sure you are getting adequate fiber, all of which will aid the body’s elimination of toxins.

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