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Detoxification nutrients

Vitamins and minerals, obtained from the diet or nutritional supplements, are required in the chemical reactions of the detoxification process. Detoxification of xenobiotics (foreign chemicals) requires large amounts of energy, and this energy and the required nutrients usually come from the food we eat. However, if our diets do not contain sufficient nutrients, the concentration of Phase I and Phase II enzymes, amino acids, and peptides is decreased. With lowered enzyme concentrations, the metabolism of xenobiotics decreases.

The body detoxifies naturally every day, and ideally, a wholesome, balanced diet of quality food would supply the needed nutrients. However, many people have such a poor-quality diet or such a restricted diet that their body does not have access to the vitamins and minerals required by the detoxification pathways. Many people eat processed foods in which vitamins and minerals are either removed or destroyed during the processing procedures. Some manufacturers attempt to add them back, and while this can help, their levels, balance, and quality are never what they were in the original food.

Even a superior diet may not supply the necessary vitamins and minerals. Many of the foods we purchase at the supermarket are of poor quality. Crops are often raised on soil deficient in nutrients, picked green and artificially ripened, transported long distances, and stored for varying lengths of time. Their vitamin and mineral content can be quite low. Without nutrient supplementation to compensate for the deficits, detoxification will not take place at an adequate level.

In addition, vitamins and minerals are destroyed in the body by drugs, sugar, alcohol, tobacco, and other chemicals such as pollutants and food additives. Not only does this lead to an overall deterioration of health and increased susceptibility to disease, but the nutrients needed for detoxification are not available. If a person has a heavy toxic burden, the nutrient levels needed for detoxification may be high.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants protect cells against free radicals that can damage tissues and combat free radicals released by damaged tissue. They protect against oxidation damage (the removal of an electron), neutralizing free radicals by binding to their free electrons. They are sometimes called free radical scavengers or free radical quenchers, and include any molecules that neutralize free radicals. Antioxidants can also help combat the effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Antioxidants are very important in the detoxification process, and belong to two classes. The first class consists of essential nutrients obtained from the diet or supplementation:

The second class of antioxidants consists of enzymes normally found in the body. These include superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase. Their manufacture in the body depends on the availability of nutrients. Only superoxide dismutase and catalase are available as a supplement.

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