Lifestyle, environment, and dietary factors are essential in creating the body's total toxic load. The use of alcohol, caffeine, and prescription drugs is a lifestyle factor that increases the toxic burden. Environmental factors include exposure to volatile organic compounds such as solvents and formaldehyde, which are found in products ranging from automotive fuel to household cleaners and building materials. Foods represent the most common source of exposure to toxins; approximately 3,000 chemicals are used by the food industry for various types of food processing. Another 12,000 chemicals are used in food packaging materials. Numerous studies have found pesticide residues in a significant percentage of food samples. Organically grown and unprocessed or minimally processed foods may be an option to reduce toxin exposure. Avoiding exposure may necessitate significant changes in lifestyle and the Enhancing gastrointestinal function improves digestion and, consequently, increases absorption of nutrients. Gastrointestinal function is inadequate if the proper digestive enzymes and pH are unbalanced. Enzymes such as lipase, amylase, pancreatin, pepsin, and protease may be inactive in those patients with gastric or pancreatic hypofunction. This will lead to malabsorption of nutrients, food intolerance, and food allergy. Foods that aren't completely digested can putrefy in the intestine, producing toxins. Using plant enzymes can assist in promoting digestion and absorption of nutrients in those individuals with imbalances of gastrointestinal pH.Lifestyle factors also influence digestive function. Thorough chewing of food is imperative to adequate digestion because it provides mechanical breakdown of foods and the necessary surface area for enzymatic activity to take place. Normal digestive secretions and motility may be impaired by depression and anxiety. Raw foods promote digestion because of their naturally occurring enzymes.Fiber is essential for the maintenance of normal gastrointestinal function. Soluble fiber is fermented by colonic microflora, resulting in the production of short chain fatty acids such as butyric acid, which is essential for normal colonic functioning. Dietary fiber helps to bind to toxins and aids with elimination through the bowel. Oral use of bentonite clay has also been shown to help bind toxins and prevent their systemic absorption.The gastrointestinal tract is considered one of the largest immune systems of the body. Faulty bowel mucosa compromises not only digestive and absorptive functions, but also vital immune functions. Defects of permeability can be caused by intestinal parasites, dysbiosis, impaired digestion, pancreatic insufficiency, food allergies, and the use of alcohol or NSAIDS.Normal bowel flora help to prevent the establishment of intestinal pathogens through competitive inhibition. Probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria species contribute to a healthy intestinal environment by maintaining optimum pH and producing important nutrients and enzymes. Elimination of intestinal pathogens is necessary for a healthy intestinal tract because they are often responsible for production of toxins, thereby placing an additional burden on the system. Preparations 10 restore balance to the intestinal flora include formulas containing plant extracts from Artemisia annua, allicin, berberine, Hydrastis canadensis, and Allium sativa. Enemas or colonic irrigations may be advised to facilitate toxin removal.Glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, beta carotene, vitamin E, selenium, and N -acetylcysteine are substances essential to detoxification. Vitamin and mineral co-factors required for cytochrome P-450 reactions include riboflavin, niacin, magnesium, iron, and several trace minerals. Cruciferous vegetables and quercetin have also been shown to support Phase I detoxification. Phase II detoxification is promoted by usage of calcium d-glucarate, which is a natural ingredient in certain fruits and vegetables and results in increased elimination of toxins. Other helpful agents include amino acids such as glycine, cysteine, glutamine, methionine, taurine, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid. Dietary supplementation may help to replace depleted supplies of nutrients needed for detoxification.Dietary support to encourage hepatic detoxification includes emphasis on freshly prepared natural, organic, unrefined, and unprocessed foods containing a minimum of additives and chemical residues. Fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and unrefined starches should constitute a significant portion of the diet. Red meats, animal fats, sugar and other simple and refined carbohydrates, salt, alcohol and caffeine should be consumed in moderation or, preferably, avoided. Elimination of allergenic foods can facilitate mucosal healing and decrease the body's total load of toxins.The total body burden of toxins and resulting tissue damage tends to accumulate over time, leading to a cascade of illnesses. A comprehensive approach is needed to address reduction of toxin exposure, healing of the gastrointestinal tract, and support of the hepatic detoxification process.HazardsAs the toxin load of the body decreases, there may be symptoms of headaches, fatigue, irritability, body aches, and strong cravings for foods removed from the diet.Clinical considerationsPatients with serious medical concerns should consult with a medical practitioner before making any dietary, lifestyle, or prescription changes.Caution patient that detoxification should be carried out only under the guidance of a qualified medical practitioner.Training Resources for special training, which is advisable to facilitate optimal outcome, can be found through HealthComm International, Inc., Clinical Research Center, P.O. Box 1729, 5800 Soundview Drive, Gig Harbor, Washington 98335; Attn: Jeffrey S. Bland, PhD; or through Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratories, Ashville, NCResearch summaryToxicity overload is becoming epidemic and is responsible for a host of chronic degenerative diseases. Reducing exposure to toxins, improving digestion, replacing intestinal pathogens with healthy bacteria, and support of detoxification with appropriate methods all contribute to lessening the toxic burden and promoting healing and optimal health.