If you are like many of us, eating processed food, foods full of preservatives, additives approved and allowed by the FDA, you could still be taking in more toxins than you realize.

Silent Poisons

Where do these silent poisons come from?

• Atmospheric pollution
• Smoking/second hand smoke
• Alcohol use
• Through pesticides on your foods
• By eating unhealthy convenience foods loaded with preservatives
• Drinking chlorinated water; water with low level heavy metal impurities
• Skin care products you use
• Aluminum containing deodorants, and your own metabolic wastes

Although normally present in small amounts, it’s easy to see how toxins from these many sources can accumulate over a period of time. 

Toxic Metabolism

Our eating metabolic processing of food also contributes to this process.  The toxic supersaturation of the body in­creases with each day that we eliminate less than what we have eaten.

Each our body has cells that die every­day. These cells, in addition to the wastes healthy cells create in­volves the poisoning of the body every single minute of the day. So, as healthy as you may feel, your body is continually battling these poisons.

Understanding Detoxification

Your liver plays an important role in fat metabolism, and production of cholesterol, lipoproteins, and phospholipids. In a complex process catalyzed by a series of enzymes, your liver converts amino acids (proteins) and lipids into glucose. It’s the central processing plant of  your body, producing life essential chemicals including but not limited to albumin, bile, blood clotting factors, cholesterol, and vitamin E.

Your liver helps regulate normal blood sugar levels, by creating glucose tolerance factor (GTF) from chromium and glutathione. Sugars not needed immediately are stored in the liver and converted back into sugar when needed for energy. Excess food is converted to fat in the liver and carried to your body’s fatty tissues for storage. When needed, it provides energy for the brain, heart and muscles.

In addition to its important digestion and energy production functions, your liver treats 1.4 liters of blood per minute, acting as your body’s detoxifier by eliminating various harmful chemicals from your body These include but are not limited to:

• Ammonia produced from protein digestion and bacterial fermentation of food in the intestines
• Insecticide/pesticide residues
• Chlorine from water
• Alcohol,
• Environmental pollutants and
• Other harmful chemicals from various sources including preservatives from the foods we eat every day.
  

Your liver combines these toxic substances with less toxic ones (enzymes, acids, etc.)  then excretes them via the kidneys. So for the liver to function properly, you must also have capable kidney function.

The Intestine Connection

The process of digestion involves performing 28,000 different chemical reactions – making it critically important for you to support your intestinal health and help it usher toxins out of your system. How important?

• The intestines are the nutritional uptake center of your body. 
• Your intestinal nervous system contains just as many neurons as the nervous system in the spinal cord providing life essential communication to billions of cells in your body. It is this “second brain” that has a huge impact on how the rest of your body functions.
• Eighty percent of your immune system is in the intestines. 

Bottom line: A well-functioning intestine equals an effective immune system, enabling you to live optimally and with vitality..

The Importance of Cleansing (Body Detoxification)

• Improved digestive and overall health
• Improvements in energy level
• Healthier skin, hair and nails
• Less stress, greater relaxation, calmer stomach
• Improved cognitive function
• Improved general health

Trapping and Binding Toxins 

Trapping and binding toxins secreted by your liver and secreted through the bile for transport from the body is crucial for effective support of your body's internal detoxification and cleansing functions.

Natural Cleansing Techniques

All-natural dietary fibers that are gentle on your system, for a natural cleanse without synthetic stimulants or chemicals. Fibers trap toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, binding them and their metabolites for transport from your body. Dietary fibers are capable of absorbing non-functional metals, environmental pollutants and even impurities your own body creates in your GI tract.  Binding of toxins stop re-absorption and recirculation by your body. Here are just a few examples:

• Alginate. Alginate hydrates in the intestine to form a gel, which tightly binds harsh environmental compounds and prevents their absorption (or re-absorption if they have already been cleared by the liver and eliminated into the intestine through the bile). Thus, it contributes to the overall cleansing effect of Colon Formula, as well as maintaining a soft, hydrated stool.
• Flax Seed. Flaxseed contains generous quantities of both soluble and insoluble fiber; its soluble fiber is predominantly mucilaginous. Flaxseed fiber is one of the richest sources of lignans, a type of phytoestrogen (also known as isoflavone), providing 75-800 times more plant lignans than most plant sources. Flaxseed lignans are converted to the mammalian lignans enterodiol and enterolactone by beneficial bacteria in the colon. It is also a ource of omega-3s. Readily absorbs water in your stomach and intestines to increase bulk and movement of stool.
• Guar gum. Guar gum slows the absorption of dietary sugars. This absorption helps to maintain and promote already healthy blood sugar and insulin levels.
• Maltodextrin
• Pea Fiber. A fermentation-resistant fiber with the ability to trap impurities for removal from your body.
• Psyllium

Other Natural Cleansers

• Alfalfa. Alkalizes and detoxifies your body. 
• Aloe, fennel, ginger, peppermint and basil have been studied for their ability to facilitate healthy digestion.
• Chlorella. Widely studied for its ability to bind with environmental toxins.
• Dandelion. Cleanses your bloodstream and liver. Increases production of bile.
• Fenugreek. Lubricates your intestines and acts as a laxative.
• Licorice. Supports colon cleansing.
• Cascara sagrada, psyllium, and senna. Acts as a stimulant laxative. These need to be used sparingly since they are powerful stimulant laxatives that can irritate the delicate layer of the intestine causing cramping, and bloating. 

The key is to find a gentle natural formula with a digestive botanical blend that works while you sleep to promote a healthy, comfortable bowel movement soon after waking in the morning without causing discomfort, from cramping, irritation and bloating. 

Prebiotics and Probiotics

Probiotics and prebiotics are components present in foods, or that can be incorporated into foods, which yield health benefits related to their interactions with the gastrointestinal tract (GI).

Prebiotics

Prebiotics encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria  in the colon, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, and may be used in tandem with, or in place of, probiotics.

Enzymatic Therapy - Probiotics 

The term probiotics actually comes from the Greek, “for life”. Probiotics support your best immune health by replenishing microflora in your intestine for optimal balance, supporting bowel and intestinal health, and optimizing vitamin and mineral absorption from your healthy diet.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Bulgaricus, Lactobacillus Bifidus, and Lactobacillus Salivarius.are part of the gut flora - bacteria that are actually beneficial to the human body. They aid in the digestive process and are vital in immune balance and the maintenance of good health. This beneficial bacterial colony of the colon actually makes up the second largest organ in the body (after the liver), with a weight of several pounds, and needs replenishing after cleansing, antibiotic use and other serious health challenges.