In this Issue:
Greetings [[firstname]],
Milk Thistle: Detoxifier, Liver Helper &
Glutathione Booster!
Mention “toxins” and many people think of banned chemicals like DDT or other
particularly dangerous ones like dioxins, common by-products from pesticide
manufacturing as well as pulp and paper bleaching, and also found in the
infamous Agent Orange.
When Cindy shared an article regarding the need for periodic detoxification,
her husband, Steve, said somewhat dismissively, “I don’t have any toxins in my
body. Toxins are poisonous and I’m not sick.”
Some of you may have similar conversations at home.
According to the The Detox Book by Bruce Fife, N.D.:
"Toxins are created in the body from metabolic waste and free-radical
formation. They also enter the body through our lungs, skin, and mouth...They
are hidden in our everyday foods and drinks. These toxins include biological
contaminants (bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.) and industrial contaminants
(preservatives, solvents, chemical food additives, heavy metals, etc.).
Pollutants from industry are a major concern because they find their way into
our food from animal products we eat, crops we grow, and water we drink."
Invisible toxins -- from an increasing number of sources -- make your body
work harder than ever to keep clean and healthy.
Toxins not regularly removed can irritate and inflame your cells and tissues,
setting the stage for problems over time.
Your liver leads critical detoxification efforts by eliminating toxins
circulating through your bloodstream. Antioxidants play a supporting role and
help neutralize toxins processed by the liver.
Milk thistle, rich in liver-protecting bioflavonoids, has been relied upon by
herbalists for centuries for detoxification.
Fast fact: Interestingly enough, the seeds of milk thistle from
the southern U.S. are more potent than those from Europe or Asia!
Silymarin has a
stimulatory effect on key cells of the immune
system,
and
offers
substantial protection for cell membranes against
oxidative stress from
environmental contaminants.
Silibinin—one of the highly active flavanoid components of silymarin—stabilizes
cell membranes by preventing toxic chemicals from entering cells, exports cell
toxins before damage ensues, and promotes the growth of healthy new cells.
Milk thistle has been shown to stimulate production of new liver cells,
inhibit the production of liver-damaging leukotrienes, and protect against
hepatotoxic drugs (such as popular over-the-counter acetaminophen, used
regularly for headaches and pain).
Further, milk thistle has been shown to have positive effects in protecting
the kidneys, the brain, and other organs from toxins; increasing bile
production; blocking some inflammatory reactions; and acting as an
anti-allergenic compound.
Milk Thistle -- Glutathione Booster & Cell Protector
Milk thistle boosts intracellular glutathione -- the most powerful
antioxidant produced in your body. Glutathione also enhances immune system
response, improves detoxification functions, and prevents cellular damage from
toxins.
Glutathione supports liver health by binding to fat-soluble toxins -- like
heavy metals and pesticides -- and converting them to water-soluble compounds
that can be excreted by your kidneys. Yeah for glutathione!
Fast fact: Contrary to what most marketing rats will tell you,
the body
does not convert oral glutathione supplements into glutathione inside
cells. Instead, the body must produce glutathione endogenously, so glutathione
boosters -- like milk thistle, n-acetyl-cysteine, whey, curcumin, selenium, etc. -- are critical to
increased glutathione levels in your body.
Promising Research: Milk Thistle & Cancer
Much promising
research on milk thistle continues to emerge in the fields of oncology
and integrative
cancer
therapies. Recent studies highlight milk thistle’s ability to
protect cells from toxic damage induced by chemotherapy.
Milk thistle is considered very safe and is well-tolerated by most people.
This is especially important for patients undergoing chemotherapy, who suffer
taxing side-effects and have particularly sensitive systems.
For more on
Milk Thistle and other antioxidants, visit our
products page.
Health in the News
Kat's Notes
Meanwhile, Cindy’s and Stephen’s father passed away on July 8th, so the
atmosphere is quite a bit heavier than usual.
Cindy will be writing in her blog eventually, but if you want to send a note
near-term, please send to:
cindy@ourhealthcoop.com
stephen@ourhealthcoop.com
Thank you to all who offer such support to our Co-op, during good times as
well as bad.
Still purringly yours,
Guido
Guido Housemouser
Chief Kat and Community Manager
Our Health Co-op
4188 Westroads Drive,
Unit 123
Riviera Beach, FL 33407
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