• More then 4 billion pounds of chemicals were released into U.S. croplands, forests, lawns, and fields (60% from the 400+ pesticides currently sanctioned by the EPA and FDA).
• Nearly 2 billion pounds of air emissions were pumped into the atmosphere.

Completing the scenario is the possible negative health impact of the estimated 6 lbs of xenobiotic (foreign to biologic systems) food additives consumed by the average American every year. To suggest an absence of risk from our polluted (albeit, regulated) environment is living with one's head in the sand. To the contrary, infiltration of exogenous toxins in the human body is strongly tied to the following conditions:

Headaches Cancer Mineral imbalances (zinc and calcium) Panic attacks Kidney dysfunction Memory loss Fertility problems Parkinson's disease Abnormal pregnancy outcome Broad mood swings Immune system depression Fatigue Multiple chemical sensitivities Chronic fatigue syndrome Fibromyalgia Muscle weakness Recurrent yeast infections Unusual response to medications or supplements Tinnitus Increasing sensitivity to exogenous exposures: odors, medications, etc. Contact dermatitis Worsening of symptoms after anesthesia or pregnancy Learning disorders

Likely, most of us would benefit by periodic detoxification. The three principles to effective detoxification make intuitive good sense:

1. Provide the right nutrients to maximize both the phase 1 and phase 2 reactions. Feed those hepatocytes . . . well!. Since both the oxidation and conjugation reactions of liver detoxification require vitamin and mineral co-factors, it is imperative that consumption of low-nutrient foods (like canned vegetables) be minimized. . And, since the nutritional quality of today's foods (including produce) has declined significantly over the past half century, supplementation with detox nutrient blends (shakes, bars) is 100% essential.

2. Avoid consuming foods that will compete with endogenous toxins for hepatic reconfiguration. Since food antigens require the same 2-phase reconfiguration as dieldrin, PCB's, and other toxins, avoidance of high allergenic foods and known pro-inflammatants will increase detox effectiveness.

3. Consume foods supportive of optimal intestinal health. Yeasts and other unwanted intestinal micro flora contribute to a condition endured by many and known as "leaky gut syndrome". Leaky guts are infamous for absorbing more toxins and pro-inflammatory substances. Encouraging intestinal repopulation (in favor of health-supportive Lactobacillus microbes) by avoidance of sugar, white flour, etc., promotes the healing of "leaks". A good detoxification program is both active (causes toxin removal) and proactive (encourages GI health).

In a few cases, some individuals may detoxify very quickly in phase 1 and/or very slowly in phase 2. This causes a build-up of oxidized intermediates which frequently contribute to the discomfort of a "healing crisis". (Note: Those who have participated in juice or water fasts usually complain of ill-feeling, i.e healing crisis, in the beginning stages. It is now believed that this is caused by the absence of nutritional support for phase 2 detoxification.) Even with vitamin and mineral support, however, some will be slow phase 2 "pathological detoxifiers". This condition is determined easily by urine testing (low sulfate/creatinine ratio) and minimized by incorporation of conjugating donors (glycine, taurine, methionine, and other aminos) into supplement program support.

Here are some general guidelines for a detoxification menu:

• Fresh, frozen, juiced, and freshly prepared produce are included.
• Corn is excluded since zein (the major corn protein) is a renowned food allergen.
• Canned fruits and vegetables are generally excluded (with a few exceptions).
• Oranges and orange juice are excluded (high glycemic effect).
• Dried fruit such as raisins, dates, and figs are excluded unless rehydrated (by soaking or cooking in a liquid).
• Major food allergens (gluten grains - wheat, spelt, kamut, barley, rye; casein; peanuts; shellfish; soy; eggs; corn) are excluded. Non-glutenous grains (rice, oats, millet, quinoa, amaranth, teff, tapioca, buckwheat) were allowed, as were tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.) and fish (but not shellfish)
• Meats contributing to high uric acid levels (beef, pork) were excluded. Chicken, turkey, wild game, fish, and lamb are allowed.
• Foods with ingredients denatured in the 2-step pathway (which inherently compete with and slow detoxification) are excluded. Examples: caffeinated foods, alcoholic beverages.
• Carbohydrates which encourage the growth of yeast and other unwanted micro flora are excluded. Examples: table sugar, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, milled flours. However, natural sweeteners (stevia, fructose), brown rice syrup, and blackstrap molasses were utilized.
• Processed fats (hydrogenated oils, margarines, etc.) are excluded.

Many current studies attest to the effectiveness of clinical detox programs. Ultimately, however, the best gauge is how you feel. Everyone who has ever been on a program of internal spring cleaning will nearly always feel more alert, more energetic; and it is likely that major disease risk will be kept at arm's length.