Detoxification & GI Restoration:
Complementing Inflammation Management
Helping the body to rid itself of toxins and restoring the balance of the gastrointestinal tract are often complementary approaches to inflammation management. Every day people are exposed to multiple toxins that exceed the body’s ability to detoxify, causing a buildup of toxins. A detoxification program may be a simple first approach of those suffering from symptoms and conditions associated with metabolic toxicity or inflammation.
Detoxification occurs in three sequential steps—Phase I, Phase II & Phase III. Each of these phases involves reactions mediated by a number of different detoxifying enzymes. Phase I reactions generate many reactive intermediate metabolites as well as reactive oxygen species that are potentially damaging. Phase II reactions convert these reactive intermediate metabolites into water-soluble, non-harmful products that are eliminated from the body in Phase III.
The GI system serves multiple roles in the body, including digestive, immune, and barrier functions—all of which dramatically influence health. Anything that negatively impacts the health of the GI tract, such as a high fat/low fiber diet, food intolerance, certain medications, chronic stress, or nutritional deficiencies, can lead to a disruption in GI function—potentially impacting many aspects of health, such as joint health, bowel regularity, immune function, weight energy level, mood, respiratory function, skin/complexion, digestion, and mental acuity. A comprehensive GI restoration program can support overall health. Advanced gastrointestinal distress such as leaky gut syndrome—associated with digestive disorders, dysbiosis, irritable bowel syndrome, and exposure to environmental toxins—may benefit from specialized nutritional support.
Targeted nutritional support for metabolic detoxification and GI restoration may include:
- Medium chain triglycerides. A source of easy-to-digest, readily metabolized energy.
- Antioxidant nutrients.Promote hepatic (liver) and intestinal antioxidant activity and protect hepatocytes. Antioxidant nutrients may help reduce free radical generation. Free radicals are implicated in a wide variety of chronic degenerative processes and are produced as a normal part of detoxification.
- L-glutathione. A tripeptide that has a key role in detoxification and excretion of many xenobiotics (endo- and exotoxins). It’s also a major component of the body’s antioxidant defenses.
- N-acetylcysteine. Amino acid that contributes to glutathione synthesis and protects against reactive oxygen species. It is also a sulfate donor for Phase II sulfation reactions.
- Vitamins A, C & E and beta-carotene. All act as antioxidants and help reduce the potential for damage caused by intermediate metabolites and other oxidative molecules.
- L-cysteine, magnesium & selenium. Important for the optimal functioning of Phase I (cytochrome P450) reactions and Phase II (conjugation) reactions.
- Glycine. One of the cofactors used in Phase II amino acid conjugation reactions. Also used in the synthesis of glutathione, which is important to hepatic antioxidant capacity and healthy Phase II detoxification.
- Pantothenic acid. Supports the production of energy (ATP) required for these detoxification processes.
- Taurine. Also supports Phase II amino acid conjugation reactions. Like glycine, it plays an important role in the biotransformation of xenobiotics.
- Sodium sulfate. Provides inorganic sulfate needed for Phase II sulfation conjugation.
- Catechins (from decaffeinated green tea concentrate). May help defend against increased hepatic oxidative stress associated with the formation of intermediate metabolites. Research also suggests that these polyphenols stimulate the transcription of Phase II detoxifying enzymes, which may contribute to their anticarcinogenic effect.
Healthcare practitioners may recommend an approach that includes one or more UltraClear medical foods. UltraClear medical food formulas for detoxification support are formulated with specific combinations of the nutrients above and provide a variety of options for personalized detoxification. UltraClear formulas have an impressive record of improving the health of patients suffering from symptoms and conditions associated with toxicity, and are often used to complement an inflammation management approach.
UltraClear SUSTAIN medical food is specifically formulated for gastrointestinal issues and may be used as a follow-up or adjunct therapy to a detoxification program.
UltraClear® medical food for slow detoxifiers UltraClear PLUS® medical food for added detoxification UltraClear® Plus Ph medical food with alkalizing support for imbalanced detoxifiers UltraClear SUSTAIN® medical food support for GI issues
Additional Support for Detoxification & Gastrointestinal Health: Nutraceutical support for detoxification Nutraceutical support for gastrointestinal health UltraInflamX® medical food support for inflammatory GI conditions
Additional Support to Address Minor Pain: Nutraceutical support for minor pain relief Nutraceutical support for soft tissue—joints & muscles