Cleansing Essentials
The following ingredients should feature in your cleansing program, as
recommended by healthcare professionals, for their superior cleansing and
energising properties.
Amino acids
The chief detoxification amino acids are cysteine, glycine, glutamine, methionine
and taurine. These are the key amino acids needed for liver detoxification, and
their inclusion ensures that harmful toxins are dealt with promptly and
efficiently.
St Mary’s Thistle
Could be considered the liver’s police offer. It aims to protect and serve. St
Mary’s Thistle, or Milk Thistle, is named after the herb’s most active constituent
and has been and still is one of the most revered liver herbs. The part of the plant
containing most of these constituents is the fruit of the thistle. It has antioxidant,
liver protective and restorative properties as well as the ability to assist bile
production. It is often used to aid the digestion of fat in the small intestine and
bile is necessary for us to be able to excrete substances our body no longer needs
such as old sex hormones. Without enough bile, these hormones can get recycled
which can lead to poor energy and weight gain, amongst other things.
Dandelion root
A favourite among healthcare practitioners for its cleansing action, dandelion
root (Taraxacum officinale) assists with fluid retention and helps to improve
digestion, particularly of fatty foods by increasing bile flow, and acts as a liver
and gallbladder tonic.
Globe artichoke
A favourite in the Mediterranean kitchen, globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus) has
also been used medicinally for hundreds of years. It can improve liver function
and help with symptoms such as constipation, flatulence, belching, bloating and
stomach discomfort.8,9 Globe artichoke contains antioxidants and is a
hepatoprotective herb, meaning it helps to protect the liver from damage that
may occur through toxin exposure.
Broccoli sprouts
They may be small in size but broccoli sprouts pack a punch when it comes to
their nutritional value. These nutrient-packed sprouts are high in vitamins,
minerals, and antioxidants. Broccoli sprouts also contain a high amount of
special compounds that help fight disease and improve general wellbeing. These
phytochemicals in broccoli sprouts, in particular sulforaphane, can help the liver
in its role as chief detox organ, and can protect against damage to the body’s
cells.
Spirulina
One of nature’s original superfoods, spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is a
nutritional algae that has been consumed by humans for hundreds of years. Its
high protein level, coupled with its abundance of vitamins and minerals, makes
spirulina a vital ingredient to maintain an all-round nutritional profile during
cleansing.
Cracked chlorella
Chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) is a nutritious microalgae with a rich green hue
and an abundance of vitamins, minerals and high-quality protein. The green
colour of chlorella is due to the pigment chlorophyll. This phytonutrient has the
ability to bind to toxins, reducing their uptake by the body.12 It’s important to
choose a cleansing formula that contains cracked chlorella, where the
indigestible cell wall of the chlorella has been cracked open, allowing the
nutrients of chlorella to be quickly absorbed by the body.
Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll protects against a whole host of carcinogens found in fungus-laden foods
such as nuts and grains, the toxins from cooked meats, and air-borne carcinogens
(from pollu4on). It blocks the metabolism in the body of harmful chemicals known as
pro-carcinogens that damage DNA. Studies published in the journals Carcinogenesis
and Food and Chemical Toxicology clearly display that chlorophyll inhibits
carcinogenesis.
Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory: containing high levels of the vitamins A, C and E,
chlorophyll has strong an4oxidant capacity and has also been found to
help reduce inflammation.
Chelalation of Heavy Metals: chlorophyll is one of the most important chelates in
nature. It’s ability to bind to and remove toxic heavy metals such as mercury makes it
an extremely powerful healer.
Antiseptic: while chlorophyll doesn’t actually have an4sep4c properties of its own, it,
quite remarkably, DOES have the ability to aid our body’s 4ssue in destroying germs.
By strengthening 4ssue, it increases the disease resistance of cells and, at the same
time, prevents the growth of bacteria!
Treats Bad Breath: This one is a real bonus and really works! Chlorophyll has a
double-action remedy for bad breath. Firstly, as a deodoriser, it will eliminate odours
in the mouth and throat, but secondly (and more importantly) it promotes a healthy
digestive tract - which is the primary reason for bad breath.
Rapid Delivery of Magnesium: this has a highly alkalising effect on the body
and helps to deliver much needed oxygen to cells and 4ssues.
Contains vitamin K, C, folic acid, iron, calcium, protein:
which are all also essential in building and repairing red blood cells and boos4ng our
immune system.
Green coffee bean
Green coffee bean extract is a popular, nutritional ingredient in the weight loss
arena, and has received an abundance of attention in the media and through
research. Green coffee is an antioxidant and contains the active ingredient
chlorogenic acid, as well as polyphenols.
Green tea
Green tea extract contains polyphenols, which are potent antioxidants, and
caffeine.11
L-carnitine
L-carnitine is required in normal healthy lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and
helps to transport fatty acids into cells where it is involved in the production of
cellular energy, thereby assisting the body in utilising stored fats for energy.
Probiotics
Probiotic species such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis
may help to maintain normal healthy intestinal flora. An imbalance of good and
bad bowel bacteria is found in the digestive systems of many people, including
those who are overweight.
Chia seeds
Chia seeds are the ancient wholegrain that are fast becoming a mainstay in
Australian kitchens, and with good reason too. Chia seeds are a rich plant source
of omega-3 fatty acids and are high in fibre. Chia seeds have the ability to absorb
many times their weight in water, making them a filling food with little calories.
Hemp Seeds
50% protein, high in omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids (EFAs). Hemp
seeds are very high in phosphorous, for maintaining pH balance of body fluids
during the detox. Good source of B vitamins particularly Niacin (B3), Thiamine
(B1), Folate (B6) and vitamin (B6). The vitamin B complex is essential for
energy production, a healthy nervous system and good digestion.
Chromium
Chromium is an essential trace mineral that the body uses in normal regulation
of blood sugar metabolism. Chromium works by increasing the sensitivity of our
cells to insulin so that glucose (sugar) is taken up into our cells to be used by the
body.
Iodine
Without iodine the body cannot manufacture the all-important thyroid
hormones; they are responsible for controlling our metabolic rate and dictate
how efficiently we burn carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Magnesium
Magnesium proves essential for energy production by helping to break down
carbohydrates and fats. Magnesium is one of the most important minerals for
those undertaking regular exercise and is needed for muscle contraction and
relaxation.
Fibre
Most of us know that fibre is good for us. It is required for healthy bowel function
and assists in incresing elimination of toxins from the body. However, some of us
may not know that fibre also feeds and encourages the growth of good gut
bacteria. Inulin is a soluble fibre found in many fruits, vegetables and herbs. It
has a prebiotic effect, meaning it is not digested or absorbed, and it promotes the
growth of specific types of bacteria in the large intestine, preferentially
bifidobacteria.