Endocrine Disruptors - What are they?

The group of molecules identified as endocrine disruptors is highly heterogeneous and includes synthetic chemicals used as industrial solvents/lubricants and their byproducts [polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), dioxins], plastics [bisphenol A (BPA)], plasticizers (phthalates), pesticides [methoxychlor, chlorpyrifos, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT)], fungicides (vinclozolin), and pharmaceutical agents [diethylstilbestrol (DES)].                 

Natural chemicals found in human and animal food (e.g., phytoestrogens, including genistein and coumestrol) can also act as endocrine disruptors. These substances, whereas generally thought to have relatively low binding affinity to ERs, are widely consumed and are components of infant formula (1, 2). A recent study reported that urinary concentrations of the phytoestrogens genistein and daidzein were about 500-fold higher in infants fed soy formula compared with those fed cow’s milk formula (3). Therefore, the potential for endocrine disruption by phytoestrogens needs to be considered.

It is difficult to predict whether a compound may or may not exert endocrine-disrupting actions. Nevertheless, in very broad terms, EDCs such as dioxins, PCBs, PBBs, and pesticides often contain halogen group substitutions by chlorine and bromine. They often have a phenolic moiety that is thought to mimic natural steroid hormones and enable EDCs to interact with steroid hormone receptors as analogs or antagonists. Even heavy metals and metalloids may have estrogenic activity, suggesting that these compounds are EDCs as well as more generalized toxicants. Several classes of EDCs act as antiandrogens and as thyroid hormone receptor agonists or antagonists, and more recently, androgenic EDCs have been identified.

Exposure occurs through drinking contaminated water, breathing contaminated air, ingesting food, or contacting contaminated soil.

Source: http://edrv.endojournals.org/content/30/4/293.full

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement

If this doesn't one thinking about what's going in their body or the need to do a purification program yearly read again!

Review: Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement (2009)

Abstract
There is growing interest in the possible health threat posed by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which are substances in our environment, food, and consumer products that interfere with hormone biosynthesis, metabolism, or action resulting in a deviation from normal homeostatic control or reproduction. In this first Scientific Statement of The Endocrine Society, we present the evidence that endocrine disruptors have effects on male and female reproduction, breast development and cancer, prostate cancer, neuroendocrinology, thyroid, metabolism and obesity, and cardiovascular endocrinology. Results from animal models, human clinical observations, and epidemiological studies converge to implicate EDCs as a significant concern to public health. The mechanisms of EDCs involve divergent pathways including (but not limited to) estrogenic, antiandrogenic, thyroid, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, retinoid, and actions through other nuclear receptors; steroidogenic enzymes; neurotransmitter receptors and systems; and many other pathways that are highly conserved in wildlife and humans, and which can be modeled in laboratory in vitro and in vivo models. Furthermore, EDCs represent a broad class of molecules such as organochlorinated pesticides and industrial chemicals, plastics and plasticizers, fuels, and many other chemicals that are present in the environment or are in widespread use. We make a number of recommendations to increase understanding of effects of EDCs, including enhancing increased basic and clinical research, invoking the precautionary principle, and advocating involvement of individual and scientific society stakeholders in communicating and implementing changes in public policy and awareness.

Outline of what is covered in the position statement:

I. General Introduction to Endocrine Disruption

• A. Important issues in endocrine disruption
• B. The role of endocrinologists in discerning effects of EDCs

II. Overview of Endocrine Disruption and Reproductive Health from a Clinical Perspective                                            

• A. Clinical aspects of endocrine disruption in humans
• B. Clinical dimorphism of EDCs on male and female reproduction
• C. Experimental and clinical evidence of EDCs and potential mechanisms

III. Clinical and Translational Impacts of EDCs on Female Reproduction                                            

• A. Introduction to female reproductive development and function
• B. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• C. Premature ovarian failure, decreased ovarian reserve, aneuploidy, and granulosa steroidogenesis
• D. Reproductive tract anomalies
• E. Uterine leiomyomas
• F. Endometriosis

IV. Endocrine Disruptors, Mammary Gland Development, and Breast Cancer                                            

• A. Windows of vulnerability to carcinogenic agents and “natural” risk factors
• B. Theories of carcinogenesis
• C. Susceptibility of the breast during puberty and adulthood
• D. Susceptibility of the mammary gland during the perinatal period
• E. Perinatal exposure to environmentally relevant levels of endocrine disruptors

V. Male Reproductive and Developmental Health: The Human Evidence                                            

• A. Introduction to male reproductive health
• B. Male reproductive function and development
• C. Semen quality: temporal trends and EDC exposure
• D. Male urogenital tract malformations
• E. Testicular germ cell cancer
• F. Conclusions

VI. Prostate Cancer                                            

• A. Introduction to prostate cancer
• B. Evidence and mechanisms for EDC effects on the prostate

VII. Neuroendocrine Targets of EDCs                                            

• A. Endocrine disruption of reproductive neuroendocrine systems
• B. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) effects of EDCs
• C. Thyroid, metabolism, and growth
• D. Hormonal targets of neuroendocrine disruption

VIII. Thyroid Disruption                                            

• A. Introduction to thyroid systems
• B. Environmental chemicals impacting thyroid function
• C. Environmental chemicals impacting thyroid hormone transport, metabolism, and clearance
• D. Environmental chemicals impacting the thyroid hormone receptor

IX. Environmental Chemicals, Obesity, and Metabolism                                            

• A. Introduction to EDCs and the obesity epidemic
• B. Environmental estrogens and obesity
• C. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ and organotins
• D. Phytoestrogens
• E. Endocrine disruptors, diabetes, and glucose homeostasis
• F. Endocrine disruptors and cardiovascular systems
• G. Estrogenic EDCs and cardioprotection
• H. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs)
• I. Conclusions

Don

Purification - Standard Process

Standard Process 21 Day Purification Program

Health Effects of Vegetables and Fruit: Assessing Mechanisms of Action in Human Experimental Studies

Epidemiologic data support the association between high intake of vegetables and fruits and low risk of chronic disease.There are several biologically plausible reasons why consumption of vegetables and fruit might slow or prevent the onset of chronic diseases. Vegetables and fruit are rich sources of a variety of nutrients, including vitamins, trace minerals, and dietary fiber, and many other classes of biologically active compounds. These phytochemicals can have complementary and overlapping mechanisms of action, including modulation of detoxification enzymes, stimulation of the immune system, reduction of platelet aggregation, modulation of cholesterol synthesis and hormone metabolism, reduction of blood pressure, and antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral effects.....................................
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 70, No. 3, 475S-490S, September 1999

A Comprehensive Approach
The Purification Program provides comprehensive nutritional (Whole Food Complexes) and botanical (Herbal) support to maintain proper functioning of the various detoxification pathways. By incorporating the nutrients mentioned above, it is able to address both phase I and phase II detoxification pathways.

Gastrointestinal support for detoxification is provided by Whey Protein, Psyllium Husk Powder, Rice Bran, Beet Root, Carrot Root, Oat Fiber, and Apple Pectin. Vitamins and minerals and amino acids required in phase II reactions such as L-glutamine, L-lysine HCL, glycine, L-carnitine and taurine, also support detoxification. Furthermore, specific ingredients such as milk thistle, citrus bioflavonoids and spanish black radish have been shown to aid in various aspects of detoxification. Cruciferous vegetables provide sulfur metabolites, contain selenium, protect against reactive oxygen species, and induce phase II enzymes. Also toxin binding is assisted with modified apple pectin.

Standard Process Purification Program

SP Cleanse

A powerful combination of over 20 whole foods and botanicals that possess detoxifying properties. They contain nutrients which support the body’s natural efforts to remove toxins and other waste materials.

• Encourages healthy kidney function
• Supports blood purification processes & lymphatic system function
• Encourages healthy gastrointestinal elimination
• Promotes healthy liver detoxification functions

Contents and Actions:

• Barley Grass Powder – Source of chlorophyll and other phytonutrients that support the antioxidant system and toxin removal. 
• Spanish Black Radish Root - Increases the activity of glutathione, quinone, and thioredoxin – enzymes involved in phase II detox; Great source of phytonutrient antioxidants such as C complex – protection against free radicals.
• Oregon Grape Root Powder - good source of antioxidants
• Fenugreek Seed Powder - cholesterol metabolisms; improve glucose tolerance by delaying carbohydrate digestion and absorption while increasing insulin activity.
• Juniper Berry Powder - natural diuretic; Essential oils that help the body excrete uric acid and other waste materials
• Red Clover Flower - promotes cleansing of the blood
• Apple Pectin - excellent source of natural fiber; Stimulate intestinal bacterial enzyme activity
• Burdock Root Powder - Natural diuretic to support healthy elimination through the kidneys
• Cayenne Pepper - Stimulate gastric secretions ; Supports liver detox by reducing oxidative stress; Reverses the depletion of glutathione in the liver
• Milk Thistle – contain flavanoids that are free radical scavengers; Hepatorestorative and Hepatoprotective – protection against toxins
• Globe Artichoke - Gallbladder and liver support; Support normal bile production and secretion; Globe Artichoke (Cynara) has a powerful effect on the production of bile and fat-digesting enzymes, stimulating liver functions and lowering cholesterol levels; Promotes digestion especially of fatty foods and normal bowel movement
• Dandelion Leaves - Healthy fluid levels ; Stimulate healthy urinary flow
• Tillandsia - Efficient chelating properties
• Broccoli, Kale, Brussel Sprouts - Contains phytochemicals that stimulate enzymatic activity for liver detoxification processes; Improve cholesterol metabolism and decrease markers of oxidative stress; Brassica vegetables provide high amounts of vitamin C and soluble fiber and contain multiple nutrients with potent cancer preventing properties: 3,3'-Diindolylmethane, sulforaphane and selenium
• Carrot Root Powder - Carrots contains a very complete nutrition to provide our body the essential enzymes, vitamins and minerals; source of B-vitamins, such as folic acid, a group of vitamin B, which has good effect to fight against free radicals (substances that cause cancer) in our body; source of Carotenoids, which can inversely affect insulin resistance and thus lower blood sugar.

SP Complete
A nutritional shake mix combining over 20 different whole foods ingredients to support the body during purification, as well as every day for a well-balanced diet.

• Provides multiple nutrient in a highly bio-available form
• Supports a healthy cardiovascular system
• Encourages healthy nervous system function
• Delivers strong antioxidant protection to promote cellular health
• Supports healthy digestive system function
• Supports healthy liver function

Contents and Actions:

• Whey Protein - high in minerals & nutrients that offer a particularly high quality source of protein
• Buckwheat - rich in rutin that helps to support vascular walls
• Barley grass - rich in Chlorophyll which assists in the natural cleansing of impurities from the blood
• Alfalfa - contains saponins which support healthy blood
• Brown rice - contains a concentrated amount of B-complex vitamins to support healthy nerves & proper brain function
• Grape Seed & Red Wine Extracts - bio-available sources of antioxidants
• Kale & Brussels Sprouts - high in fiber, Indoles, minerals, and vitamins A, C, & E complexes
• Flax Meal Powder - contains soluble/insoluble fibers and provides a healthy dose of plant lignans assisting in immune function & inhibit abnormal cell growth
• Carrot Root Powder - Carrots contains a very complete nutrition to provide our body the essential enzymes, vitamins and minerals; source of B-vitamins, such as folic acid, a group of vitamin B, which has good effect to fight against free radicals (substances that cause cancer) in our body; source of Carotenoids, which can inversely affect insulin resistance and thus lower blood sugar.

Gastro-Fiber

Provides dietary fiber from botanical and other whole food sources, delivering powerful support to the gastrointestinal system and helping detoxify the body.

• Cleanses the gastrointestinal tract
• Encourages a healthy intestinal environment
• Supports & maintain gastrointestinal lining
• Stimulates proper gastric juice flow & peristalsis
• Maintains regular intestinal evacuation
• Enhances the cleansing activities of the liver

Contents and Actions:

• Psyllium (husk) Powder - natural diuretic/stool softener; high in soluble fiber 
• Collinsonia (root) Powder - promotes cleansing of the blood
• Apple Pectin - excellent source of natural fiber
• Fennel Seed - supports digestive environment & gastric healing
• Fenugreek Seed Powder - healthy digestion & cholesterol metabolism

Whole Food Fiber

Combines six (6) whole food ingredients that play a vital role in the health of the intestinal tract.

• Contains more insoluble fiber which creates a feeling of fullness
• Encourages healthy intestinal bacteria growth
• Cleanses the gastrointestinal tract
• Promotes healthy blood glucose and lipid levels
• Enhances the cleansing activities of the liver
• Provides phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids

Contents and Actions:

• Rice Bran - regulates healthy elimination with antioxidant qualities
• Beet Root - protects from free radical damage
• Carrot Root - aids in normal elimination
• Oat Fiber - enhances the growth of “good” bacteria in the intestines
• Apple Pectin - excellent source of natural fiber, aids in digestion and healthy bowel elimination

SP Green Food

Contains five (5) organically grown whole food concentrates providing nutrients to help detoxify the liver and support the immune system.

• Provides vitamins, minerals, micronutrients, & other phytochemicals from natural, whole-food sources to promote nutritional balance.
• Supports healthy physical, mental, & emotional development.
• Supplies aggressive antioxidant protection to help maintain cellular health & stability.
• Assists with liver detoxification & promote the consistent removal of cellular debris.

Contents and Actions:

• Buckwheat Juice Powder - natural diuretic/stool softener; high in soluble fiber
• Barley Grass Juice Powder - promotes cleansing of the blood
• Brussels Sprout Powder - excellent source of natural fiber
• Kale Powder - supports digestive environment & gastric healing
• Alfalfa Sprout Powder - healthy digestion & metabolism

REFERENCES

1 Rogers SA. Chemical Sensitivity: Breaking the Paralyzing Paradigm. Internal Medicine World Report 1992; February 1-14:15-16.

2 Lawson L. Staying Well in a Toxic World. Chicago: The Nobel Press, Inc.; 1993.

3 Rogers SA. Chemical Sensitivity: Breaking the Paralyzing Paradigm. Internal Medicine World Report 1992; February 1-14:15-16.

4 Gibson PR. Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Oakland, California: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.; 2000.

5 Lawson L. Staying Well in a Toxic World. Chicago: The Nobel Press, Inc.; 1993.

6 Pizzorno Jr JE, Murray MT. Textbook of Natural Medicine, 3rd. ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone; 2005.

7 Organic Food Standards and Labels: The Facts. The Organic National Food Program. Accessed on May 25, 2005 from http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/Consumers/brochure.html.

8 Kristensen ES. Food safety in an organic perspective. 14th IFOAM Congress, Victoria, Canada; August 22nd 2002. Accessed on May 25, 2005 from http://orgprints.org/19/03/Kristensen_IFOAM_2002.ppt.

9 Magkos F, Arvaniti F, Zampelas A. Organic food: nutritious food or food for thought? A review of the evidence. International journal of food sciences and nutrition 2003; 54(5):357-71.

10 Holmboe-Ottesen G. [Better health with ecologic food?] Bedre helse med okologisk mat? Tidsskrift for den Norske laegeforening (Norway) 2004; 124(11):1529-31.

11 Bailey C. The Ultimate Fit or Fat. Boston: Houghton Mifflin; 2000

12 Murray Rk, Granner DK, Mayes PA, Rodwell VW. Harper's Biochemistry, 25th ed. New York: McGraw Hill; 200:780-786.

13 Lüllmann H. Mohr K, Ziegler A, Bieger D. Color Atlas of Pharmacology, 2nd ed. Stuttgart: Thieme; 2000:32-39.

14 Roundtree R. The Use of Phytochemicals in the Biotransformation and Elimination of Environmental Toxins. IN Medicines from the Earth 2003: Official Proceedings. Brevard, North Carolina: Gaia Herbal Research Institute; 2003:115-128.

15 Murray Rk, Granner DK, Mayes PA, Rodwell VW. Harper's Biochemistry, 25th ed. New York: McGraw Hill; 200:780-786.

16 Lüllmann H. Mohr K, Ziegler A, Bieger D. Color Atlas of Pharmacology, 2nd ed. Stuttgart: Thieme; 2000:32-39.

17 Murray Rk, Granner DK, Mayes PA, Rodwell VW. Harper's Biochemistry, 25th ed. New York: McGraw Hill; 200:780-786.

18 Lüllmann H. Mohr K, Ziegler A, Bieger D. Color Atlas of Pharmacology, 2nd ed. Stuttgart: Thieme; 2000:32-39.

19 Vailati A, Aristia L, Sozze E, et al. Randomized open study of the dose-affect relationship of a short course of IdB 1016 in patients with viral or alcoholic hepatitis. Fitoterapia 1993; 64:219-27.

20 Lirussi F, Okolicsanyi L. Cytoprotection in the nineties: experience with ursodeoxycholic acid and silymarin in chronic liver disease. Acta Physiol Hung 1992; 80:363-7

21 Magliulo E, Gagliardi B, Fiori GP. Results of a double blind study on the effect of silymarin in the treatment of acute viral hepatitis carried out at two medical centers. Med Klin 1978; 73:1060-5.

22 Bode JC, Schmidt U, Durr HK. Silymarin for the treatment of acute viral hepatitis? Report of a controlled trial. Med Klin 1977; 72:513-8.

23 Schuppan D, Strösser W, Burkard G, Walosek G. Legalon® lessens fibrosing activity in patients with chronic liver diseases. Zeits Allgemeinmed 1998; 74:577-84.

24 Campos R, Garido A, Guerra R, et al. Silybin dihemisuccinate protects against glutathione depletion and lipid peroxidation induced by acetaminophen on rat liver. Planta Med 1989;55:417-419.

25 Valenzuela A, Aspillaga M, Vial S, Guerra R. Selectivity of silymarin on the increase of the glutathione content in different tissues of the rat. Planta Med 1989; 55(5):420-2.

26 Crinnion WJ. Environmental Medicine, Part 2 - Health Effects of and Protection from Ubiquitous Airborne Solvent Exposure. Alternative Medicine Review 2000; 5(2):133-143

27 Blumenthal M. Herbal Medicine, Expanded Commission E Monographs, 1st ed. Austin: American Botanical Council; 2000.

28 Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, 2nd ed. Sandy (OR): Eclectic Med; 1998.

29 Bishayee A, Sarkar A, Chatterjee M. Hepatoprotective activity of carrot (Daucus carota L.) against carbon tetrachloride intoxication in mouse liver. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 1995; 47(2): 69-74.

30 Kiyofumi N, et al. Potent anti-obese principle from Rosa canina: structural requirements and mode of action of trans-tiliroside. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters 2007; 17(11):3059-64.

31 Taraxaci folium: Dandelion Leaf. March 1996: Taraxaci folium pp. 1-6. IN ESCOP Monographs: The Scientific Foundation for Herbal Medicinal Products, 2nd ed. Stuttgart: Thieme; 2003.

32 Felter WF. The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Online version http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/felter/agropyron.html; 1922.

33 Petersen FJ. Materia Medica and Clinical Indications. Online version http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/petersen/agropyron.html; 1905.

34 Ellingwood F. The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy. Online version http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/ellingwood/agropyron.html; 1919.

35 Hoffman D. The Herbal Handbook: A User's Guide to Medical Herbalism. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press; 1988.

36 Burdock Root. Natural Herbs Guide. 2008. Retrieved on June 6, 2008 from http://www.naturalherbsguide.com/burdock.html.

37 Lin CC, Lin JM, Yang JJ, et al. Anti-inflammatory and radical scavenge [sic] effects of Arctium lappa. Am J Chin Med 1996;24:127-37.

Purification - Background

Detoxification

As we move into Spring the thought of cleansing and detoxing comes to mind. What's involved, does it need to be hard, will I lose weight, were do I start and what do I do if it's not working for me......

Detoxification is the process in which the body eliminates or neutralizes toxic substances. Toxins come from various sources including the air, diet, drugs, alcohol, smoking, as well as metabolic by-products. Thus, lifestyle factors play a significant role in the accumulation of toxins. The build-up of toxins results in cellular damage, and eventually chronic disease.

A little back ground info. Cleansing and detoxes come in all size shapes and colors. Picking one that will work an cover all the bases and does no harm yet is easy to implement is no easy task.

Our General Dextoxification Systems
•Respiratory--lungs, bronchial tubes, throat, sinuses, and nose
•Gastrointestinal--liver, gallbladder, colon, and whole GI tract
•Urinary--kidneys, bladder, and urethra
•Skin and dermal--sweat and sebaceous glands and tears
•Lymphatic--lymph channels and lymph nodes

Among its many functions, the most important role of the liver is that of detoxification. The liver detoxifies harmful substances by a complex series of chemical reactions. The role of these various enzyme activities in the liver is to convert fat soluble toxins into water soluble substances that can be excreted in the urine or the bile depending on the particular characteristics of the end product.

When optimum nutrition is provided the liver operates efficiently. A great many people however, do not eat the right kinds of foods to provide the liver with everything it needs for the elimination of the extra toxins our bodies are exposed to on a daily basis. If nutrition is compromised through poor dietary and lifestyle habits, this will have implications on detoxification processes, and other organ functions will suffer as the body retains the toxins it cannot eliminate.

Detox Pathways and Support
The liver is the primary detoxification pathway responsible for processing all of the endogenous and exogenous chemicals within the body. Each minute, nearly one-third of the total body blood flow is pumped through the liver. The liver filters the blood and removes harmful substances such as drugs, bacteria, toxins and foreign proteins. There are two primary detoxification enzymatic pathways in the liver in which chemicals are eliminated or neutralized, known as Phase I and Phase II reactions.

Phase I
Phase I reactions primarily process chemicals to undergo phase II reactions. Phase I converts toxins via oxidative, hydrolytic and reductive reactions. The most common reactions are oxidation, utilizing the microsomal cytochrome P450 monooxygenase family of enzymes. The cytochrome (CYP) family of enzymes plays an important role in the detoxification of drugs, as well as drug interactions. The phase I metabolites are highly reactive and may cause damage if not properly removed from the body in phase II reactions.

Other nutrient cofactors required for cytochrome P450 reactions include riboflavin, niacin, magnesium, iron and certain phytonutrients such as indoles from cruciferous vegetables and quercetin have been shown to support Phase I detoxification.

Phase II
Phase II reactions involve several pathways in which molecules undergo conjugation in the liver. The substances being metabolized are attached to endogenous molecules such as acetate, glucuronate, glycine or sulfate to form water-soluble metabolites. These water-soluble metabolites are then excreted from the body in the urine or in the bile.

Other nutrients which play vital roles in the Phase II pathway include amino acids glycine, cysteine, glutamine, methionine, taurine, glutamic acid and aspartic acid. Glutamine plays a chief role in ammonia detoxification as well as helping to maintain mucosal integrity of the gastrointestinal tract.

Vitamins and minerals – particularly the B vitamins – play a major role, acting as cofactors for many enzyme systems including those of liver detoxification, therefore ensuring a plentiful supply of the B complex group of vitamins is of prime importance for optimum detoxification. Therefore, including plenty of whole grains which contain B vitamins in the diet as well as taking a Cataplex G complex supplement will aid the liver in this crucial role.

Supporting All Aspects of Detoxification
In order to optimize detoxification, nutrients, precursors and enzymatic cofactors must be constantly replenished and both phase I and phase II must be supported. Below are some processes involved in detoxification and the nutrients needed to support those processes.

Glucuronidation
Glucuronidation is a critical detoxification process where glucuronic acid is coupled (conjugated) with numerous drugs, hormones, bilirubin, pollutants and bile acids. The enzyme UDP-glucuronosyltransferase catalyzes this reaction while the enzyme beta-glucuronidase minimizes it. Research has shown that micro nutrients found in various fruits and vegetables including oranges, apples, grapefruit and cruciferous vegetables inhibit beta-glucuronidase, thereby supporting detoxification. Silymarin, a constituent of milk thistle, also inhibits the enzyme beta-glucuronidase. Elevated beta-glucuronidase activity is associated with an increased risk for various cancers, particularly hormone-dependent cancers such as breast, prostate and colon cancers.

Glutathione
Glutathione is an antioxidant compound synthesized from the precursor amino acids glutamate, cysteine and glycine. It is mainly involved in detoxification mechanisms of xenobiotics (foreign chemicals) and carcinogens through conjugation reactions via the enzyme glutathione transferase. Heavy metals such as mercury are removed from the body by conjugation with glutathione. Numerous substances have been shown to support glutathione levels in addition to the amino acid precursors including N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), S-adenosyl-methionine (SAMe), milk thistle and vitamin C complex. Increased free radical metabolite production during phase I reactions can result in depleted glutathione levels and glutathione conjugation in phase II detoxification.

Acetylation
Acetylation is a process in which toxins are conjugated by N-acetyltransferase with acetyl coenzyme A. This pathway is responsible for metabolizing numerous drugs and carcinogens. Variations in acetylation (“slow acetylators”) are associated with drug interactions such as reactions to sulfa drugs. Research suggests that Thiamine (vitamin B1), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and vitamin C (complex) support acetylation.

Amino-Acid Conjugation
Numerous amino acids such as arginine, glutamine, glycine, ornithine and taurine, are conjugated with toxins for neutralization. Most commonly, glycine is involved in phase II detoxification.

Methylation
Methylation is the addition of a methyl group to any substrate. Betaine is a primary methyl donor and requires adequate levels of Methionine, Choline, Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid for synthesis. Methylation is important for the metabolism of several pharmaceuticals as well as neurotransmitters.

Sulfation and Sulfoxidation
The addition of a sulfur-containing compound by sulfur transferases is used to eliminate hormones, neurotransmitters and numerous medications including acetaminophen. The amino acids methionine and cysteine are important sources of inorganic sulfate. Sulfation is also an important detoxification pathway of bile acids resulting in increased bile acid solubility, decreased intestinal absorption, and enhanced fecal and urinary excretion. Additionally, bile acid-sulfates are also less toxic than their un-sulfated counterparts. The enzyme sulfite oxidase transforms sulfites to sulfate to promote detoxification by sulfoxidation. Molybdenum is a cofactor for sulfite oxidase and thus required for optimal detoxification. Sulfites are used as a preservative and are found in many processed foods, wine and some medications.

Next ......................Standard Process Purification Program: 21 Days