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Detoxification isn't just a trendy concept but a critical ongoing process in our bodies, masterfully orchestrated primarily by the liver, along with the assistance from the kidneys, lungs and even our skin.
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If you want to break the mold of traditional pharmacy and healthcare, you are in the right place.
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Welcome to the Pivoting Pharmacy with Nutrigenomics podcast, part of the Pharmacy Podcast Network.
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Here's a little truth bomb.
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We're all unique, down to our DNA, so it's no wonder we react differently to the same medications, foods and environment.
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Here's a million dollar question how can you discover exactly what your body needs, which medication, what foods or supplements and which exercises are right for you?
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How can you manage chronic conditions like diabetes without more medications?
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How can you lose weight and keep it off?
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How do you tap into your genetic blueprint so you can stop surviving and start thriving in health and life?
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That is the question, and this podcast will give you the answer.
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I'm your host, dr Tamar, lawful doctor of pharmacy.
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Let's pivot into genomics and bring healthcare to higher levels.
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Welcome to Pivoting Pharmacy with Nutrigenomics.
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I'm your host, dr Tamar, lawful Doctor of Pharmacy and Certified Nutritional Genomics Specialist.
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Today we're untangling the web of detox diets and cleanses.
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Are they the miraculous health overhaul they claim to be, or is there more to the story?
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You know, in our busy lives we're filled with responsibilities and the constant quest for balance.
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So the allure of a quick fix to flush out toxins and hit the reset button on our health is understandably tempting.
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But let's explore what science says about detoxification and how you, with your unique genetic makeup, can navigate these waters.
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Detoxes and cleanse have become almost synonymous with health and wellness, with bold claims of shedding weight, boosting energy, curing ailments.
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It's easy to see why many are drawn in.
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But here's a twist your body is already a detoxifying powerhouse.
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Detoxification isn't just a trendy concept, but a critical ongoing process in our bodies, masterfully orchestrated primarily by the liver.
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Ongoing process in our bodies, masterfully orchestrated primarily by the liver, along with the assistance from the kidneys, lungs and even our skin.
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So let's zoom in on the liver today, the body's unsung hero in detoxification.
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Each day, your liver processes everything from nutrients from our food to the various chemicals we encounter in our environment and those naturally produced by our body.
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Here's a deeper look into how your liver detoxes your body.
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The liver performs detoxification through two main phases, known as Phase I and Phase II detoxification.
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In Phase I, the liver uses enzymes, primarily from the cytochrome P450 family of enzymes, to chemically transform toxic substances into less harmful ones.
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This phase can sometimes make substances temporally more reactive, which is where phase two jumps in.
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So phase one is trying to make these chemicals less harmful.
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So then phase two kicks in, where these chemicals are now transformed, undergoing further modification to make them water soluble.
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This transformation is crucial because it enables the toxins to be dissolved into water and excrete it from the body through urine or bile.
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The liver uses compounds like amino acids and sulfur groups in phase two to neutralize and prepare toxins for safe elimination.
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So the efficiency of these two phases can be influenced by several factors, including your diet, lifestyle and even your genetic makeup.
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For instance, certain foods can enhance liver's enzyme production, thus supporting both phases of detoxification.
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This detail underlines why nutrition plays such a pivotal role in aiding your body's natural detox processes.
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By understanding these fundamental principles of how our bodies naturally handle potential toxins, it becomes clear that nurturing our natural detox systems, particularly the liver, through proper nutrition and lifestyle changes holds the key to sustaining our health and wellness.
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But what exactly do we mean by the term toxins?
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Well, toxins are part of a wide spectrum, including both naturally occurring substances and synthetic chemicals.
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These can be found in the food we eat, the air we breathe and the water we drink.
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They range from pesticides on our produce and pollutants like heavy metals in our environment to byproducts of pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals like BPA from plastics.
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And the creation of toxins isn't always external.
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Our bodies are busy factories producing toxins such as lactic acid and free radicals as byproducts of normal metabolic processes.
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These internal toxins, along with the external ones like alcohol, caffeine and drugs, are all subjects for detoxification.
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So what role does nutrition play in all of this?
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Imagine your detoxification system as a high-tech facility.
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It runs on key nutrients, vitamins and minerals to power its operations.
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Vitamins and minerals to power its operations.
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Quality nutrition keeps this facility in top form, enabling your body to maintain its natural detox processes efficiently.
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For the machinery of detoxification to run smoothly, certain nutrients are indispensable Vitamin B complex, for instance, including B1, which is thiamine, b2, riboflavin, b3, niacin, b6, pyridoxine, b12, cobalamin and folate.
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They play pivotal roles in both phases of liver detoxification, aiding in the conversion of toxins into less harmful substances, then preparing them to leave the body.
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Antioxidant vitamins like vitamin C and E are crucial warriors against oxidative stress generated during the detoxification processes, protecting cells from damage.
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Minerals such as zinc, selenium and magnesium offer support as cofactors for detoxification enzymes, enhancing their ability to neutralize toxins.
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Then we have glutathione, often called a master antioxidant.
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It's another critical detoxifying agent.
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It's replenished by amino acids like cysteine, which is found in high protein foods, foods rich in sulfur like garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables think broccoli, brussel sprouts and cauliflower.
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These boost glutathione levels and fortify the liver's detox pathways.
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By ensuring these vitamins and minerals are abundant in our diet, we provide our internal detox facility with the best possible inputs.
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The result Our body's detoxification processes run as smoothly and efficiently as a state-of-the-art plant, keeping us in optimal health.
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Now, if you want to get more specific on what your body actually needs for detoxification and personalize your health, this is where nutrigenomics comes into play.
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As you've known, if you've been listening to this podcast, nutrigenomics is the intersection of nutrition and genetics.
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This revolutionary area of study examines how our genes interact with nutrients and can significantly impact our detoxification process.
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Our genetic makeup influences how efficiently we detoxify, so we may have variations in our DNA that can affect the performance of these detox enzymes, impacting how our body process toxins.
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Nutrigenomic testing steps in by uncovering these genetic traits, guiding us to optimize our detoxification system through tailored nutrition and lifestyle choices.
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For example, by identifying a genetic predisposition toward lower antioxidant production, one could adjust their diet to include more antioxidant-rich foods, directly supporting their body's detoxibility.
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Directly supporting their body's detoxibility.
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This targeted approach not only enhances detoxification, but also prevents potential health issues related to toxin buildup.
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Now let's pivot to the heart of today's topic detox diets and cleanses.
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They come in various shapes and sizes fasting juice, cleanses and diets restricting certain foods, claiming to reset your detox system.
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But here's the catch Cutting out a wide array of foods can, ironically, deprive you of the nutrients needed for your detox pathways.
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And what about those detox supplements and teas?
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Beyond their appealing packaging, some carry risk, including potential side effects and unsafe ingredients.
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The verdict from science?
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There is a significant lack of high-quality research demonstrating that these detox programs do more for your body's toxin elimination than what your body naturally accomplishes, meaning your body could probably do it better.
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Do it better.
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Initial weight loss observed from these diets often stems from reduced calorie intake and is typically temporary, so you will gain that weight right back.
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But here's a silver lining Many feel better on these detox plans, likely due to consuming more nutritious foods and less processed junk.
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So yes, during these detox plans they usually come with a diet plan to eat more vegetables, you know.
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To eat more vegetables, you know, or eat more protein during that period of time.
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So you may feel better because you may be eating a little bit cleaner or healthier for a short period of time and for certain medical conditions, eliminating specific foods is indeed beneficial.
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So how can you support your body's detoxification without resorting to extreme diets and cleanses?
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The answer is simpler and more delicious than you might think.
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I'm going to share six ways with you.
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Here we go.
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First, minimize toxin exposure.
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That means moderating substances like alcohol and tobacco.
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Second, stay hydrated, because water is your body's favorite way to flush out those toxins.
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Right in phase two they become water soluble, so we can pee them out in the bile or urine.
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They can just leave the body.
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Third, fruits and vegetables.
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They're going to be your best friends.
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Aim for at least five servings a day to get a wide range of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
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Fourth, don't forget fiber whole grains, beans, legumes, legumes.
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They help keep things moving in your GI tract, your stomach, and carry those toxins out.
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Fifth, cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts contain compounds that support detox pathways, as we mentioned earlier, and then, finally, lean proteins and fermented foods.
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They play a vital role in supporting your body's detoxification efforts.
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Now, before we wrap up, a word of advice Always consult with a healthcare professional before making drastic changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially if you're considering a detox or cleanse.
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Personalized, research-based nutrition advice is key to supporting your health, lifestyle and wellness goals.
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And that's all I have for you today.
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As we dove into science of detox diets and how you can support your body's natural detoxification processes, remember, your body is remarkable.
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It's a system capable of doing wonderful things, including detoxification.
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Feeding it a varied, nutritious diet is the best support you can give it.
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If you would like to know how you can detox your body without strict dieting and low calories, reach out to me on social media at Dr Tamar Lawful, or visit wwwthelifebalancecom.
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And life is spelled L-Y-F-E.
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If you found this episode helpful, I invite you to leave a five-star review sharing your thoughts and share this episode with someone who could benefit from learning the truth about detox diets and cleanses.
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Thank you for joining me.
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I'll talk to you next Friday.
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Until then, always remember to raise the script on health, because together we can bring healthcare to higher levels.