The UltraMind Solution (128 page)

Curcuminoids (turmeric and curry)

One to two cups of green tea a day boosts liver detoxification (increases GST or glutathione enzymes).

High-quality sulfur-containing proteins or foods—eggs, garlic (a few cloves a day), onions

There are many detoxification pathways—or routes for toxins to get out of the body. But these pathways require many helpers. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, special nutrients, and a whole range of phytonutrients from the foods noted above are needed for our detox system to function day in and day out.

As I explained in chapter 10, the most important factor for our detoxification system is keeping our glutathione levels up. Glutathione is the main detoxifier in the body (an antioxidant and immune booster). Our body needs to regenerate it all the time. That is why we need to keep the sulfation train and the methylation train running smoothly. Our brains and our health depend on it.

The main nutrients helpful in boosting glutathione are all the methylation nutrients, zinc, and selenium that are part of your basic supplement program.

In fact, as far as my personal supplement program goes, besides taking a multivitamin and fish oil, supporting my glutathione levels is the most important thing I do every day for my health.

Here are some additional supplements you can take to do that:

N-acetylcysteine or NAC, 500 mg twice a day

This is a special amino acid that dramatically increases glutathione. It is even used in the emergency room to treat liver failure from Tylenol overdose.

Buffered ascorbic acid (vitamin C), 1,000 mg twice a day
in addition to what is in your basic multivitamin

Buffered vitamin C with mineral ascorbates in powder, capsule, or tablets during periods of increased detoxification is especially useful.

Too much vitamin C may cause diarrhea. Simply reduce the dose.

Milk thistle (silymarin), 140 mg twice a day of a standardized extract

This herb has long been used in liver disease and helps boost glutathione levels.

Saunas and heat therapies are an ancient method of cleansing. The Native American sweat lodge was a tool for physical and spiritual purification. Today, the Environmental Protection Agency has shown that sauna therapy increases excretion of heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, and fat-soluble chemicals—PCBs, PBBs, and HCBs). It seems science has finally caught up with these historical practices for maintaining health.

The process of liberating fat-stored toxins through sweating must be done carefully and sometimes under a doctor’s supervision to prevent complications.

Follow these guidelines for safe detoxification.

Saunas or Steam Baths

Find a health club or gym near you that has a sauna or steam room.

Drink at least sixteen ounces of purified water before entering the sauna.