Flame Retardant Chemical Now In Breast Milk and Detoxification Methods

Flame Retardants: Dangerous chemical now in breast milk

06 December 2007

Flame retardant chemicals, which are in household furniture, textiles and electronic equipment, have found their way into human breast milk. Scientists aren’t sure how this may affect the developing child, but it’s feared it may cause neurological problems and disrupt thyroid function.

One study has found that the level of the retardant PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) has increased 200 times in breast milk in women in North America, while another study in Sweden has discovered the level has increased 60 times in a span of 25 years.

PBDEs have regularly been included in a range of household and office items since the 1970s, but scientists have only recently discovered just how dangerous the chemical can be. Regulators across Europe and the US have banned some elements of the chemical, and the brominated mix will be removed under new legislation that comes into force in 2008.

But items of furniture and furnishings that contain the original compound are still in millions of homes. Unlike other pollutants such as PCBs and DDT, the PBDEs particularly affect infants. Scientists have found a direct link between breast milk and household dust, and they estimate that toddlers’ exposure to PBDEs from household dust is 100 times greater than that for adults because of breast milk and more hand-to-mouth contact.

(Source: The Lancet, 2007; 370: 1813-4)

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Detoxification – for Your Health Stimulating your detoxification systems can be done through a number of nutrients.

phase 1 Stimulation · Thngeretin (from tangerines) · Riboflavin and carotenoids (such as beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and astaxanthin) Phase 1 stimulation can render some chemicals toxic – the following nutrients protect against this toxicity.

phase 1 Inhibition · Hesperidin (oranges) · Naringenin (grapefruit) · Resveratrol (grape skins) · Quercetin (onions, teas, apples, and most vegetables) · Apigenin (celery, parsley, and ginkgo biloba) · Ferulic acid (fruits) · Chlorogenic acid (Mackintosh apples, blueberries, eggplant)

phase 2 Stimulation · Indole-3-carbinol (broccoli, Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables) · Isothiocyanates and sulforaphane (broccoli and Brussels sprouts) · Thurine (an amino acid – available as a supplement) · Glutathione (supplied by N-acetyl L-cysteine, ellagic acid and alpha-lipoic acid – all available as supplements) · Glycine (an amino acid supplement – high intakes can cause excitotoxicity) · MSM (methylsulfonylmethane – a supplement) · Quercetin (teas, onions, cranberries, and most vegetables)

Stinlulation for Both Phase 1 and phase 2

· Curcumin (from the spice turmeric, also a supplement) · Astaxanthin and canthaxanthin (from all vegetables and fruits and also available as a supplement called mixed carotenoids

Six Additional Supplements That Improve Liver Health Your liver plays a crucial role in your overall health. Here are nutrients that focus on protecting the liver. · Lecithin (phosphatidylcholine) · Curcumin also protects the liver from free radical damage and improves bile flow · Alpha-lipoic acid has been shown to protect the liver from some extremely powerful toxins and from hepatitis C and A damage. · Silymarin (extracted from the milk thistle plant) protects the liver and brain and stimulates liver regeneration. · Vitamin C (as magnesium ascorbate) protects the liver from free radical damage · Magnesium protects the liver from free radicals and inflammation and increases glutathione levels   THE LIVER AND DETOXIFICATION The liver keeps us clean on the inside and prevents dangerous chemicals from penetrating their way deeper into our bodies. The liver is the gateway to the body and in this day and age has an enormous workload that frequently overloads its detoxification systems. The liver must cope with every toxic chemical in our food chain as well as excessive amounts of unhealthy fats and animal protein that are ubiquitous in fast foods. Let us examine in more detail the mechanisms by which the liver keeps our internal body clean. THE LIVER FILTER If we examine the liver under a microscope we see rows of liver cells separated by spaces called sinusoids. Sinusoids are structured like a filter or sieve through which the blood stream is filtered. During this process the filter removes unwanted particulate matter, microorganisms and metabolic waste products. These noxious thing are ingested by specialized cells in the sinusoids called “Kupffer cells” which break down and destroy these things, rendering them harmless. The sinusoids and Kuffer cells are like a “garbage disposal unit” inside the liver. Thus you can see that the liver is the filter and cleanses the blood stream which is of vital importance. DETOXIFICATION PATHWAYS Inside the liver cells (hepatocytes) we find sophisticated enzyme pathways or chemical pathways that have evolved over millions of years, to breakdown toxic substances. Every drug, artificial chemical, pesticide and hormone is broken down or metabolized by these pathways inside the liver cells. Basically there are two major detoxification pathways inside the liver cells which are called the Phase One and Phase Two pathways. PHASE ONE This is called the cytochrome P450 enzyme system where a liver cell takes a toxic chemical and through a process of oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis or hydroxylation turns it into a less harmful substance. During this process oxygen free radicals are generated, so there is a need for antioxidants, especially Vitamin C, to prevent cellular damage. For efficient phase one detoxification to occur the liver requires adequate amounts of the nutrients selenium, folic acid, vitamins B2, B3, B6, phophatidyl choline and bioflavonoids. If these nutrients are lacking, toxic chemicals will become far more dangerous. Fast foods and processed foods are deficient in these vital liver nutrients. Thus although many people are over-eating they are still suffering with malnutrition which exacerbates toxic overload. Dr. Sandra Cabot’s Liver Cleansing Diet reduces the toxic load on the liver and also provides the vital nutrients required by the liver for detoxification. PHASE TWO This is called the conjugation pathway whereby the liver cells add either a glycine or sulphate molecule to a chemical to make it water soluble. It can then be excreted from the body via fluids such as urine or bile. Through conjugation the liver is able to turn drugs (xenobiotics and hormones), neurotransmitters and phenolic compounds into excretable substances. For efficient phase two detoxification the liver requires Vitamin E, carotene, sulphur containing amino acids (taurine, methionine, cysteine), glycine, glutamine, choline and inositol. Cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts) are a good source of natural sulphur compounds for the liver. These things can spike up and support the phase two detoxification system. The liver cleansing diet has been designed to support and enhance the phase one and two liver detoxification systems. If the phase one and two detoxification pathways become overloaded, there will be a build up of toxins in the body. Many of these toxins are fat soluble and incorporate their way into the fatty cell membranes where they may stay for years, if not a lifetime. Some of these toxins, such as pesticides, petrochemicals and aspartame are highly toxic to the nervous system and endocrine glands producing chronic neurological and hormonal dysfunction. They are also carcinogenic and have been implicated in the rising incidence of breast, prostrate and brain cancer. If the filtering and/or detoxification system in the liver are inefficient this will cause harmful substances and micro-organisms to build up in the blood stream. This will increase the workload of the immune system, which may then become overloaded and hyperstimulated. This often is so in symptoms of immune dysfunction such as allergies, inflammatory states, recurrent infections, swollen glands, chronic fatigue or auto-immune disease. These disorders are very common today and usually get treated on a symptomatic basis with drugs. Unfortunately thousands of people visit doctors everyday complaining of these symptoms and rarely does anyone think of the liver. The simplest and most effective way to take the load off the immune system, is to improve liver function. Dr. Sandra Cabot has been able to help many people with chronic immune and liver dysfunction through her LIVER CLEANSING DIET BOOK. In this book she fully explains that you cannot have a healthy immune system if your liver is dysfunctional. This is a revelation for millions of people struggling with poor health. Should the reader be interested, Dr. Cabots book may be ordered by calling 1-888-782-7014. The Liver Doctor Calcium-D-glucarate Introduction Calcium-D-glucarate is the calcium salt of D-glucaric acid, a substance produced naturally in small amounts by mammals, including humans. Glucaric acid is also found in many fruits and vegetables with the highest concentrations to be found in oranges, apples, grapefruit, and cruciferous vegetables. (1) Oral supplementation of calcium-D-glucarate has been shown to inhibit beta-glucuronidase, an enzyme produced by colonic microflora and involved in Phase II liver detoxification. Elevated beta-glucuronidase activity is associated wire an increased risk for various cancers, particularly hormone-dependent cancers such as breast, prostate, and colon cancers. (2) Other potential clinical applications of oral calcium-D-glucarate include regulation of estrogen metabolism and as a lipid-lowering agent. Pharmacokinetics Upon ingestion and exposure to the acidic environment of the stomach, calcium-D-glucarate is metabolized to form D-glucaric acid. D-glucaric acid is further metabolized in the gastrointestinal tract into three compounds existing in equilibrium and comprised of approximately 40-percent D-glucaric acid, 30-percent D-glucaro-1,4-lactone, and 30-percent D-glucaro-6,3-lactone. These compounds are then transported to the blood and various internal organs, and are subsequently excreted in the urine and bile. Although D-glucaro-1,4-lactone seems to be the most pharmacologically active of the three, it is not commercially available. Also, calcium-D-glucarate administration results in longer inhibition of beta-glucuronidase (five hours versus one hour) than does D-glucaro-1,4-lactone, so it is the compound used. (3) Mechanism of Action Calcium-D-glucarate’s detoxifying and anticarcinogenic properties are attributed to its ability to increase glucuronidation and excretion of potentially toxic compounds. During Phase II detoxification, chemical carcinogens, steroid hormones, and other lipid-soluble toxins are conjugated with glucuronic acid in the liver (glucuronidation), and excreted through the biliary tract. Beta-glucuronidase is capable of deconjugating these potential toxins, making it possible for them to be reabsorbed rather than excreted. D-glucaro-1,4-lactone is the metabolite that has been shown to inhibit beta-glucuronidase activity, increasing excretion of conjugated xenobiotic compounds and decreasing activity of harmful substances that are most active in their deconjugated state. (4,5) Inhibition of beta-glucuronidase ultimately results in potentially decreasing the risk of carcinogenesis. (6) In addition, by reducing the beta-glucuronidase viability and activity of intestinal bacteria, salts of D-glucaric acid have been shown to enhance enterohepatic circulation and reduce steady state levels of cholesterol synthesis, resulting in decreased serum lipid levels. (7) Deficiency States Calcium-D-glucarate is not an essential nutrient so, technically, no deficiency state exists. However, since it is only produced in small amounts by humans, it is important that dietary intake be adequate. Diets low in fruits (particularly oranges, apples, and grapefruit) and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, and brussel sprouts) may result in a relative deficiency of calcium-D-glucarate and its metabolites. Research has shown a low level of D-glucaric acid correlates with a higher level of beta-glucuronidase, which in turn is associated with an increased risk for various cancers. (2) Clinical Indications Cancer The anticarcinogenic properties of D-glucaric acid and its salts have been studied in various animal tumor models, including colon, (8,9) prostate, (2) lung, (10) liver, (11,12) skin, (13) and breast (14-18) cancer, with the mechanism of action for tumor inhibition being very similar in each. These studies demonstrated decreases in beta-glucuronidase activity, carcinogen levels, and tumorigenesis. The preponderance of research, however, has been conducted on mammary tumors in the rat, the animal model most frequently used for breast cancer research. Breast Cancer A number of studies have shown calcium-D-glucarate alone, and in combination with retinoids, inhibits mammary carcinogenesis in rats by as much as 70 percent. (3) Natural retinoids have been shown to be effective chemopreventive agents at high doses, but unfortunately the cumulative toxic effects of high doses have restricted their prolonged use. Several studies have demonstrated low-dose retinoids in combination with calcium glucarate interact synergistically to inhibit mammary tumor growth in both animal models and human cell lines. (14-18) The mechanisms responsible for the chemopreventive effects of these two agents may be similar. Both retinoids and calcium-D-glucarate inhibit carcinogenesis during the promotion and initiation phases. Calcium-D-glucarate inhibits protein tyrosine kinase-C activity and induces transformation growth factor beta, possibly resulting in an increase in cellular differentiation and slower progression through the cell cycle. (15) Retinoids induce many of these same biochemical effects. (19) Additionally, calcium-D-glucarate enhances glucuronidation and subsequent excretion of carcinogens and other cancer-promoting agents. Published human studies on calcium-D-glucarate and breast cancer are few but, due to the encouraging results of the animal studies, the National Cancer Institute has initiated a Phase I trial in patients at high risk for breast cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. This trial is examining the use of calcium-D-glucarate as an alternative to tamoxifen’s blocking of estrogen receptors. Preliminary results are quite encouraging and due to calcium-D-glucarate’s excellent safety profile, it may be a more effective option than tamoxifen, which has numerous side effects. (3) Other human trials are being conducted at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas and AMC Cancer Research Center in Denver, Colorado. Colon Cancer Studies in rats have shown D-glucarate salts to inhibit colon carcinogenesis alone and in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). In one study, D-glucarate markedly inhibited azoxymethane-induced colon carcinogenesis as evidenced by a 60-percent reduction in both tumor incidence and multiplicity. It was hypothesized that malignant cell proliferation was suppressed by inhibition of beta-glucuronidase. Another possible mechanism may involve alterations in cholesterol synthesis or its conversion to bile acids. (8) The second study demonstrated that salts of D-glucarate, in combination with 5-FU in rat colon tumor explants, resulted in a potentiation of 5-FU’s antitumor activity. D-glucarate alone also showed antitumor activity. (9) Liver Cancer Hepatocarcinogenesis is thought to be preceded by premalignant hepatic foci that are subsequently transformed to malignant cells. Two separate rat studies by a group of researchers at Ohio State University have demonstrated calcium-D-glucarate delays the appearance of altered hepatic foci and significantly inhibits hepatocarcinogenesis, if given during both the initiation and promotion phases. Maximal inhibition was obtained when calcium-D-glucarate was administered by gavage prior to the carcinogenic agent, diethylnitrosamine. (11,12) Lung Cancer A study conducted on mice demonstrated calcium-D-glucarate inhibits benzo[a]pyrene’s ability to bind DNA and induce pulmonary adenomas. (10) Another unpublished phase I clinical trial of 62 patients found D-glucaric acid levels were approximately 29-percent lower in smokers than non-smokers. Regardless of gender, K-ras (an oncogene linked to lung cancer) mutations were found to be present in 38 percent of subjects who smoked, while no K-ras mutations were found in the non-smoking control subjects. It was hypothesized that D-glucaric acid deficiency correlates with K-ras mutations and might be indicative of a higher risk for developing lung cancer. (20) Skin Cancer The efficacy of dietary calcium-D-glucarate as a chemopreventative agent has also been studied in the mouse skin tumorigenesis system. Mice were given 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) to induce skin tumorigenesis and were fed either a regular chow diet or a chow diet fortified with calcium-D-glucarate. When fed the calcium-D-glucarate chow through both the initiation and promotion phases, papilloma formation was inhibited by over 30 percent. The data indicate that supplementation of calcium-D-glucarate results in a marked alteration in the retention, activity, and metabolism of carcinogenic substances. (13) Estrogen Metabolism Calcium-D-glucarate’s inhibition of beta-glucuronidase activity allows the body to excrete hormones such as estrogen before they can become reabsorbed. Oral administration of large doses of calcium-D-glucarate have been shown to lower serum estrogen levels in rats by 23 percent. (21) Because many breast cancers are estrogen-dependent, calcium-D-glucarate’s ability to affect estrogen and other hormone levels has led to Phase I clinical trials at several major cancer centers in the United States. Results of these studies are pending. Lipid Lowering Side effects of currently available hypolipidemic agents present a need for safe and effective lipid-lowering agents. D-glucarates have been shown to significantly reduce total serum cholesterol in rats by as much as 12-15 percent and LDL-cholesterol by 30-35 percent. Preliminary results in humans show D-glucarate reduced total serum cholesterol up to 12 percent, LDL-cholesterol up to 28 percent, and triglycerides up to 43 percent. The lipid-lowering effect of calcium-D-glucarate may be attributed to improved enterohepatic circulation, resulting in increased excretion of bile acids and a reduction in steady state levels of cholesterol biosynthesis. (7) Drug/Nutrient Interactions There are no known drug interactions with calcium-D-glucarate, but many drugs and hormones are metabolized in the liver via glucuronidation. Therefore, taking calcium-D-glucarate may increase elimination of these substances, possibly reducing their effectiveness. Side Effects and Toxicity No adverse effects have been observed after prolonged feeding to rats or mice at concentrations of 70, 140, or even 350 mmol/kg. (6) Preliminary results of clinical trials in humans have shown calcium-D-glucarate is without adverse effects. Dosage The recommended oral dosage of calcium-D-glucarate is generally in the range of 1500-3000 mg daily. Until human trials have been completed the optimal dosage remains elusive. References (1.) Dwivedi C, Heck WJ, Downie AA, et al. Effect of calcium glucarate on beta-glucuronidase activity and glucarate content of certain vegetables and fruits. Biochem Med Metab Biol 1990;43:83-92. (2.) Walaszek Z, Szemraj J, Narog M, et al. Metabolism, uptake, and excretion of a D-glucaric acid salt and its potential use in cancer prevention. Cancer Detect Prev 1997;21:178-190. (3.) Heerdt, AS, Young CW, Borgen PI. Calcium glucarate as a chemopreventive agent in breast cancer, Isr J Med Sci 1995;31:101-105. (4.) Horton D, Walaszek Z. Conformations of the D-glucarolactones and D-glucaric acid in solution. Carbohydr Res 1982;105:95-109. (5.) Walaszek Z, Hanausek-Walaszek M. D-glucaro-1,4-lactone: its excretion in the bile and urine and effect on biliary excretion of beta-glucuronidase after oral administration in rats. Hepatology 1988;9:552-556. (6.) Selkirk JK, Cohen GM, MacLeod MC. Glucuronic acid conjugation in the metabolism of chemical carcinogens by rodent cells. Arch Toxicol 1980;139:S171-S178. (7.) Walaszek Z, Hanausek-Walaszek M, Adams AK, Sherman U. Cholesterol lowering effects of dietary D-glucarate. FASEB 1991;5:A930. (8.) Yoshimi N, Walaszek Z, Moil H, et al. Inhibition of azoxymethane-induced rat colon carcinogenesis by potassium hydrogen D-glucarate. Int J Oncol 2000;16:43-48. (9.) Schmittgen TD, Koolemans-Beynen A, Webb TE, et al. Effects of 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and glucarate in rat colon-tumor explants. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 1992;30:25-30. (10.) Walaszek Z, Hanausek-Walaszek M, Webb TE. Dietary glucarate-mediated reduction of sensitivity of murine strains to chemical carcinogenesis. Cancer Lett 1986;33:25-32. (11.) Oredipe OA, Barth RF, Hanausek-Walaszek M, et al. Effects of an inhibitor of beta-glucuronidase on hepatocarcinogenesis. Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res 1987;28:156. (12.) Oredipe OA, Barth RF, Hanausek-Walaszek M, et al Effects of calcium glucarate on the promotion of diethylnitrosamine-initiated altered hepatic loci in rats. Cancer Lett 1987;38:95-99. (13.) Dwivedi C, Downie AA, Webb TE. Modulation of chemically initiated and promoted skin tumorigenesis in CD-1 mice by dietary glucarate. J Environ Path Toxicol Oncol 1989;9:253-259. (14.) Abou-Issa H, Koolemans-Beynen A, Meredith TA, Webb TE. Antitumour synergism between non-toxic dietary combinations of isotretinoin and glucarate. Eur J Cancer 1992;28:784-788. (15.) Webb TE, Abou-Issa H, Stromberg PC, et al. Mechanism of growth inhibition of mammary carcinomas by glucarate and the glucarate:retinoid combination. Anticancer Res 1993; 13:2095-2100. (16.) Bhatnagar R, Abou-Issa H, Curley RW, et al. Growth suppression of human breast carcinoma cells in culture by N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide and its glucuronide and through synergism with glucarate. Biochem Pharmacol 1991 ;41:1471-1477. (17.) Curley RW, Humpries KA, Koolemans -Beynan A, et al. Activity of d-glucarate analogues: synergistic antiproliferative effect in cultured human mammary tumor cells appear to specifically require the d-glucarate structure. Life Sci 1994;54:1299-1303. (18.) Abou-Issa H, Moeschberger M, Masry EI, et al. Relative efficacy of glucarate on the initiation and promotion phases of rat mammary carcinogenesis. Cancer Res 1995;15:805-810. (19.) DeLuca LM. Retinoids and their receptors in differentiation, embryogenesis and neoplasia. FASEB J 1991;5:2924-2933. (20.) Walaszek Z, Raich PC, Hanausek M, et al. Role of D-glucaric acid in lung cancer prevention. Unpublished research. AMC Cancer Research Center, Denver, CO. (21.) Walaszek Z, Hanausek-Walaszek M, Minto JP, Webb TE. Dietary glucarate as anti-promoter of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced mammary tumorigenesis. Carcinogenesis 1986;7:1463-1466. COPYRIGHT 2002 Thorne Research Inc. COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group Activated Charcoal Universal Antidote and Detoxifier By Richard C. Kaufman, Ph.D. Activated charcoal is a highly absorbent gritty black material commonly found in air and water filters. Activated charcoal is created by carbonizing organic matter in a kiln under anaerobic conditions and activating the material with oxidizing gases like steam or air at high temperatures. This oxidative process erodes the charcoals internal surfaces and increases its adsorption capacity by creating an internal network of very fine pores. Usually bone char, coconut shells, peat, coal, petroleum coke, and sawdust are the starting materials for making activated charcoal.Early Uses Of Charcoal The medical uses for charcoal date back to the Egyptian Papyrus of 1550 B.C. During the time of Hippocrates (400 B.C.) physicians treated epilepsy and anthrax with charcoal. In the 1700s charcoal was often prescribed for bilious problems (excessive bile excretion). After the development of the charcoal activation process (1870 to 1920), many reports appeared in medical journals about activated charcoal as an antidote for poisons and a cure for intestinal disorders.Contemporary Charcoal Use Modern research has validated most of the early uses for charcoal and discovered exciting new applications. This article will discuss the many important therapeutic uses for activated charcoal;(1,6) Universal antidote for drugs, chemicals and poisons. Systemic clearance of drugs and intoxicants. General detoxification. Anti-aging and life extension. Reducing cholesterol, coronary disease and arteriosclerosis. Counteracting pathogens. Intestinal complaints. Antidote For Drugs, Chemicals and Poisons Activated charcoal has the well-earned reputation of being a universal antidote. It can adsorb most organic chemicals, many inorganic chemicals and countless poisonous substances before they can cause harm. How well activated charcoal really works in practical situations depends on several different factors:(8) The type of toxicant (its chemical structure and physical properties) The amount and type of charcoal ingested. The length of time from toxin ingestion to activated charcoal ingestion. The contents of your intestinal fluids and intestinal transport efficiency. As a general rule, a single large dose of activated charcoal should be taken as soon as possible after ingesting a poison. The amount of activated charcoal should exceed the toxic substance by a factor of eight (a ratio of 8:1). In other words, if youre poisoned with 5 grams of a chemical, you need to take at least 40 grams of activated charcoal. Other researchers recommend different dosages. Some experts believe a 10 to 1 ratio is correct. Still other experts recommend a fixed amount of 50 to 100 grams. I recommend ingesting a minimum of 50 grams of activated charcoal as a counterpoison, because ingesting large amounts of activated charcoal is harmless, and taking too little is ineffective. Besides, how often in the case of an emergency can you precisely determine the amount of the poison?The actual effectiveness of the activated charcoal will vary, so take more than you think you require. Activated charcoal should be taken within 30 minutes of ingesting the poison. The longer the delay, the less effective activated charcoal will be. On some poisons delaying more than 30 minutes decreases the effectiveness of the activated charcoal as an antidote by up to 60%. The bottom line is plain and simple. Keeping activated charcoal in your medicine cabinet and taking it if you are poisoned could save your life and your money too. It has been estimated that use of activated charcoal for treating poisonings could reduce the stay in intensive care from 3 or 4 days to one, saving over $100,000,000 in health care costs and preventing unnecessary disability and death.(11)Systemic Clearance of Drugs and Intoxicants Nowadays, activated charcoal is often used to clear drugs and intoxicants that can enter the body through the intestinal tract, and even by injection and other routes. The systemic clearance of toxic substances or detoxification by activated charcoal is accomplished by taking multiple daily doses. Activated charcoal detoxifies the body in several manners:(4) Purifies the 6-8 liters of digestive fluids that are secreted daily which in turn helps remove foreign substances from the blood. Absorbs the intoxicant substance and its metabolites that are excreted into the small intestine from the biliary (bile) tract, preventing their reabsorption. Absorbs drugs that diffuse back into the stomach and intestines. Decreases the detoxification work load of the liver. Activated charcoal shortens the time it takes an intoxicant to leave the system and decreases the duration and intensity of symptoms.(15) People who take activated charcoal after drinking alcohol or taking recreational drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines recover quicker. I recommend activated charcoal as part of a drug recovery program to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce drug craving. Other nutrients that help are the neurotransmitter precursors L-Tyrosine, L-Tryptophan, L-Phenylalanine, Choline and DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol).Even experts disagree on the best way of using multiple doses of activated charcoal to remove intoxicants. Most protocols are based on experience with drug overdosages. In actual clinical situations, the activated charcoal regimen is optimized to the patient. The doctor considers the type of toxic substance, severity of intoxification, digestive functions and electrolyte balance. For mild overdoses and intoxification, I suggest up to 80-100 grams divided into 4-6 daily doses of powdered activated charcoal until the symptoms are eliminated. Consult an expert who can optimize your regimen. For a dangerous overdosage call your physician or hospital imwww.ely.General Detoxification Very few health practitioners realize that activated charcoal is the best single supplement for enhancing detoxification. Detoxification is an on-going biological process that prevents toxins (from infectious agents, food, air, water, and substances that contact the skin) from destroying health. Chronic exposure to toxins produces cellular damage, diverse diseases, allergic like reactions, compromised immunity and premature aging.(14)To use activated charcoal in a detoxification plan, I recommend about 20 grams a day of powdered activated charcoal be taken in divided daily doses for several months or the duration of the detoxification program. In addition to activated charcoal, the ideal detoxification prescription includes sauna baths, exercise, a special diet, and supplements (unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin C, niacin, proteolytic (protein digesting) enzymes, liver support phytonutrients and a comprehensive multiple nutrient formula.(9) Anti-Aging and Life Extension Dr. V. V. Frolkis, a famous Russian Gerontologist, and his colleagues have discovered that activated charcoal is a potent life-extending agent. Activated charcoal has been found to increase the mean lifespan of older test animals by approximately 40% and their maximum lifespan by approximately 34%.(2) Activated charcoal decreases the age-related increase in the brains sensitivity to drugs and toxins. Activated charcoal normalizes cholesterol and lipid metabolism. The regular use of activated charcoal improves the adaptive functioning of essential organs (the liver, kidneys, and adrenals). That translates into better defense mechanisms. Microscopic tissue analysis shows that activated charcoal prevents many cellular changes associated with aging-decreased protein synthesis, lower RNA activity, arteriosclerosis, and organ fibrosis. So the cumulative effects from activated charcoal are longer life and improved overall health.(19)A recommended protocol for anti-aging and life extension benefits is as follows: On two consecutive days each week, take about 30 grams each day of powdered activated charcoal in divided daily doses. Take charcoal in the morning, at midday and before bed on an empty stomach. Avoid excessive calories or unhealthy foods on those days.Reducing Cholesterol and Coronary Artery Disease You can help your heart and circulatory system by taking activated charcoal. Activated charcoal lowers the concentration of total lipids, cholesterol, and triglycerides in the blood serum, liver, heart and brain. In one study that was reported in the British journal, Lancet, on patients with high cholesterol, 8 gm of activated charcoal taken three times a day lowered total cholesterol 25%, lowered LDL cholesterol 41% and doubled their HDL/LDL (high-density lipoprotein/low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol ratio. Microscopic tissue examination studies have shown that a daily dose of activated charcoal may prevent sclerotic changes in the heart and coronary blood vessels. To help your heart and blood vessels, I suggest the following: 12-17 grams of activated charcoal twice a day for one month under the guidance of a physician who can measure cardiovascular improvements and cholesterol levels.(5,15)Counteracting Pathogens Activated charcoal reduces the activity of some viruses. So if you catch a cold or the flu, try activated charcoal. You may suffer less and heal faster. Activated charcoal also prevents the poisonous activity of many harmful bacteria in the human body by adsorbing the toxins and enzymes that they generate. Studies have shown that activated charcoal is an effective treatment for dysentery, cholera, and many infectious conditions of the digestive tract.(16,17) Systemic Candidiasis Activated charcoal can be an effective adjunct to any regimen for the treatment of systemic Candida albicans infections. Activated charcoal adsorbs much of the toxins that Candida produces that otherwise would be absorbed by the blood and carried throughout the body. These toxins produce pathological changes in tissues and organs and interfere with proper immune function. Candida toxins cause allergic reactions and are responsible for the debilitating symptoms of Candidiasis. Activated charcoal also suppresses the growth of intestinal-based yeasts.(3) Activated charcoal counteracts the Herxheimer reaction–a severe, short-term exacerbation of Candida symptoms caused by the copious amount of toxins produced by dying yeast cells. The Herxheimer reaction is often so unpleasant that patients abandon treatment before completion. Activated charcoal is one method for alleviating the symptoms of yeast die-off so people can continue their treatment and not suffer. I suggest 20-30 grams of powdered activated charcoal a day in divided dosages on an empty stomach until the problem is eliminated. The larger amount is taken for more severe situations. Again, a reminder: do not take required medications within 2 hours of taking activated charcoal. Intestinal Complaints Activated charcoal has been used by physicians since the last century to treat various intestinal complaints. Abdominal distension (bloating) and flatulence respond favorably to treatment with activated charcoal. Diarrhea caused by food poisoning, bacteria, nervousness and other factors is usually alleviated by taking activated charcoal.(10) Some physicians have used activated charcoal to stop bleeding from ulcerative colitis and calm spastic colons.(12) Activated charcoal is the best intestinal deodorant available. Taking activated charcoal counteracts decomposition products from food (such as beans) that cause flatulence and diarrhea. Individuals with malodorous stools should reach for activated charcoal. Travelers to foreign countries would be wise to pack activated charcoal. In my opinion, activated charcoal is the most practical way to effectively counteract food poisoning. To alleviate intestinal disorders with activated charcoal, I recommend the following. As an antidote for food poisoning, take 20 grams of activated charcoal two to three times daily. For other intestinal complaints, 5 to 10 grams of powdered activated charcoal twice daily. Charcoal Is Safe Toxicology studies have proven that activated charcoal is basically harmless. Ingesting high dosages does not interfere with sleep, appetite or well being–or cause major problems. There are several undesirable effects of using activated charcoal that can be avoided by complying with the following directions. Activated charcoal is highly adsorbent; when it is ingested at the same time as medication, supplements and foods it may decrease their absorption and utilization. Therefore, always allow 2 hours before and wait 2 hours after using activated charcoal to eat, take supplements or swallow medication. Activated charcoal has a natural tendency to cause constipation. That can be counteracted by taking a mild herbal laxative with the activated charcoal. Finally activated charcoal harmlessly blackens your stools. Although black-gray stools look strange, they can be used to calculate your bowel transit time. Just measure the length of time from taking activated charcoal to the appearance of darkened stools. Not All Charcoal is Alike Numerous companies manufacture activated charcoals, each of which can have different adsorptive capacities. Different source materials and manufacturing procedures give each brand of activated charcoal its own pore diameters and internal volume that determine its adsorption capacity. The U.S.P. (United States Pharmacopoeia) standard for activated charcoal specifies an internal surface area of 1000 m2/g (square meters per gram). Recently, several companies have begun manufacturing Super activated charcoals, with up to 3 times the internal surface area per gram and far greater adsorption power than standard activated charcoal.(3) Powders, Capsules, or Tablets? Because of the large volume of charcoal that is needed, it is easiest to take liquid preparation of charcoal powder. For example, to take 30 grams of charcoal a day in capsules would require that you swallow about 60 capsules. Furthermore, activated charcoal tablets are not effective. They take too long to disintegrate and release the activated charcoal. Ideal Charcoal Preparation Unfortunately, a simple water and charcoal mixture is unpalatable and messy. It tastes like a charcoal briquette, and blackens your teeth, gums and tongue. These problems can be avoided by ingesting a powdered activated charcoal complex that contains a thickening agent like bentonite, with added flavors and mild sweeteners. Research studies showed that that the addition of bentonite significantly improved the palatability of an activated charcoal and water slurry. Bentonite acts as thickening agent that reduces powdery mouth-feel and improves the taste without reducing the efficacy of activated charcoal. In fact, bentonite is an enterosorption agent and a poison antidote in its own right. For example, bentonite has been shown to bind and reduce the poison paraquat. The addition of chocolate further enhances the palatability of activated charcoal in research studies and practical experience.(12,13) Reprinted with permission of Journal Of The Megahealth Society, Vol. 5, No. 3, Issue #23 ISSN 0891-5334. Copyright 1989 by MegaHealth Society, now Cognitive Enhancement Research Institute (CERI), publishers of Smart Life News. CERI explores the latest research and treatment for Alzheimerss, Parkinsons, Downs syndrome and age-associated mental impairment in normal, healthy adults. References D.O. Cooney, Activated Charcoal Antidotal and other Medical Uses. Marcel Dekker, New York and Basel, 1983. V. Frolkis, et al., Enterosorption in prolonging old animal life. Exp. Gerontol. 19; 217-25, 1984. E.P. Krenzelok and M. B. Heller, In vivo comparative effectiveness of five commercial activated charcoal products. Vet. Hum. Toxicol, 28; 498, 1986. K. Kulig, et al., Management of acutely poisoned patients without gastric emptying. Ann. Emerg. Med. 114:562-67, 1985. P. Kuusisto, et al., Effect of activated charcoal on hypercholesterolemia. Lancet 16: 366-67, August 1986. J. Mattson and H. J. Mark, Activated Carbon. Marcel Dekker, New York and Basel, 1971. G. Park, et al., Expanded role of charcoal in the poisoned and overdosed patient. Arch. Int. Med. 146: 969-73, 1986. Reduction of Human Organchalide Burdens, Foundation for Advancements in Science and Education, Los Angeles, California, 1983. J. A. Riese and F. Damrac, Use of activated charcoal in gastroenterology: value for flatulence and nervous diarrhea. J. Am. Ger. Soc. 12: 500, 1964. W. Watson, Factors influencing the clinical efficacy of activated charcoal. Drug Intelligence and Clinical Pharmacy 21: 160-66, 1987. Navarro RP; Navarro KR; Krenzelok EP Relative efficacy and palatability of three activated charcoal mixtures. Vet Hum Toxicol, 19(8):6-9 1980 Feb. Gwilt PR; Perrier D Influence of thickening agents on the antidotal efficacy of activated charcoal. Clin Toxicol, 19(8):89-92 1976. Topuzov EG; Beliakov NA; Malachev MM; Umerov AK; Solomennikov AV; Gritsenko IV; Kokaia AA Use of enterosorption in biliary tract cancers complicated with mechanical jaundice. Vopr Onkol, 42(2):100-3 1996. Beloshitski(r)i VV A clinico-biochemical basis for the use of enterosorption in severe craniocerebral trauma Lik Sprava, 42(5):145-8 1997 Sep-Oct. Krylov AA; Beliakov NA; Sapego AV; Stolov SV Enterosorption in ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract with concomitant intestinal dysbacteriosis Ter Arkh, 68(2):24-7 1996. Riechkina OO A clinical assessment of the detoxifying effect of enterosorption in treating tuberculosis of the respiratory organs in children Lik Sprava, 5(5):62-4 1998 Aug. Andreichyn MA; Lutsuk OS; Andreichyn SM; Kopcha VS [The enterosorption treatment of patients with acute intestinal infections and chronic colitis with diarrhea Lik Sprava, EA-(7-9):147-51 1996 Jul-Sep. Andreichyn MA; Lutsuk OS; Andreichyn SM; Kopcha VS Enterosorption as a method for prolonging life. Fiziol Cheloveka, 22(7-9):131-5 1996 May-Jun. Check out these sites for more Information about detoxification. In addition search the internet for Pectin,chlorela,cilantro,DMSA,EDTA,Humic Acid and Calcium bentonite clay, these are also very good detoxifying agents along with sodium Alginate which binds with radioactive substances. Soon I hope to do a more indepth post about detoxification http://healingtools.tripod.com/char3.html http://www.iherb.com/ProductDetails.aspx?c=1&pid=1089&at=0 http://home.earthlink.net/~moriam/ http://www.nydetox.org/elements.htm http://www.liverdoctor.com/