1. Copyright ©2015 holistic moms network16
As our family heals from chemical sensitivities, others
frequently ask, “What did you do?” They are shocked
to learn that I did not do a “detox” diet, liver cleanse, or
other quick method to heal. Rather, I decided to research,
find the source of my issues, and heal from deep inside.
Through countless hours of research, I learned about
epigenetics, mitochondria, mast cells, genetic SNPs,
genetic mutations such as MTHFR and GSS, methylation
pathways, liver phases, CYP450 chromosomes, the gut
microbiome, neurotransmitters, the Krebs cycle, ATP, and
so much more.
Individual cells and processes in our bodies are influenced
by our senses. For example, the skin and lungs contain
CYP450 enzymatic genes, just as the liver, which are
responsible for metabolic processing of natural and
synthetic substances. Dermal dendritic cells connect the
external world to the immune system. Langerhans cells
The Science Behind
Detoxing the Bodyby Amanda Plunkett

2. Copyright ©2015 holistic moms network 17
migrate substances between layers of the skin and lymph
nodes. Surprisingly, the skin also contains olfactory
receptors that sense the chemical composition of the
world around us to send signals to the limbic and auto-
nomic nervous systems.
I discovered that toxic “chemical body burden” is very
real. Toxins contribute to deficiencies in antioxidants,
such as glutathione, and to detoxification pathway blockages.
It seems daunting, but the concepts on detoxing the body
are actually very simple.
• “Green” your life. Gradually remove synthetic
chemicals and toxins from personal care, cleaning
products, and diet.
• Integrate holistic healing methods. To reduce our
use of toxins, we began learning about complementary
healing methods such as homeopathy, herbalism,
aromatherapy, etc.
• Heal your gut. Scientists estimate that 90% of the
cells within us are not technically ours. We have a
microbiome within us that we need to feed and nourish.
Detoxification systems begin in the gut. Probiotics and
common herbs are known for improving digestive
health. Some such herbs are slippery elm, dandelion,
chamomile, ginger, and valerian.
• Eat a balanced anti-inflammatory diet. A wide variety
of vitamins and minerals are essential in the
detoxification pathways. Eating a well-balanced diet or
supplementing with food based supplements, can ensure
we have all of the nutrients needed for detoxification.
• Focus on glutathione. This master antioxidant is
essential to detoxification and mitochondrial function.
If an individual has specific gene mutations, are
exposed to certain substances, or are nutritionally
deprived, they may have a deficiency which renders
cells more susceptible to the toxic effects of chemicals.1
What depletes glutathione? Diet choices, toxins and
pollution2
, some medications, stress, and lifestyle choices.
Glutathione assists in the regulation of cell growth and
division, DNA synthesis and repair, protein synthesis,
amino acid transport, enzyme catalysis and activation,
metabolism of toxins and carcinogens, and so much more.
Quickly research your condition “and glutathione” in
PubMed3
. The results are astounding. This shows the
impact this important antioxidant has on our health.
Some herbs and essential oils have been found to protect the
liver, glutathione stores, or induce glutathione production:
milk thistle4
, dandelion5
, chamomile, lemon balm, basil,
and many more6
. “Examples of phytochemicals that
stimulate glutathione transferase activity include
phthalides, found in umbelliferous herbs; sulfides, found
in garlic and onions, curcumin in turmeric and ginger;
and terpenoids, i.e, limonene, geraniol, menthol, and
carvone found in commonly used herbs.”7
Long term detoxification may not be the image one
conjures in the mind when they hear the term “detox”,
but true detoxification takes a holistic approach and
involves our entire way of life. Detoxing the body means
detoxing your life and healing the mind, body, and soul.
Amanda Plunkett, a co-leader of the HMN Temecula Valley
Chapter, is finishing her aromatherapy certification at the East
West School of Herbal and Aromatic Studies and will then pursue
education in herbalism. She loves helping others “detox” their
life and find their holistic path, educating her children at home,
organic sustainable gardening, and volunteering for the Gerson
Institute.
1.
Kedderis, G. (1996) Biochemical Basis of Hepatocellular Injury Toxicol Pathol Jan
1996 24: 77-83
2.
Kato, T., et al. (2006), Endocrine disruptors that deplete glutathione levels in APC
promote Th2 polarization in mice leading to the exacerbation of airway inflammation.
Eur. J. Immunol., 36: 1199–1209
3.
Al-Yafee, Y., et al. (2011) Novel metabolic biomarkers related to sulfur-dependent
detoxification pathways in autistic patients of Saudi Arabia. BMC Neurology 2011,
11:139
4.
Abenavoli, L., et al. (2011) Milk thistle for treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Hepat Mon. 2011; 11(3):173-177
5.
You, Y., et al. (2010) In vitro and in vivo hepatoprotective effects of the aqueous extract
from Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) root against alcohol-induced oxidative stress.
Food Chem Toxicol. 2010 Jun; 48(6):1632-7
6.
Tisserand, Robert Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals
7.
Craig, W. (1999) Health promoting properties of common herbs. Am J Clin Nutr
September 1999 vol. 70 no. 3 491s-499s