Part Four: Lifestyle and Herbs For Detoxification

By Donnie Yance 

Life Force and Herbal Medicine

The Life Force, or Vital Force, is an innate energy that exists in all of nature. Plants are made up of highly organized molecules governed by this same Life Force with divine intelligence. Herbal medicine assists healing through the sacred human-to-plant relationship. God and nature have cooperated to create cleansing and nourishing allies throughout the plant kingdom.

Detoxification

We must consider that the creation of the universe had a purpose rather than being a mere result of chance. Plants were among the first settlers on Earth and depended on their adaptability for food and medicine. The plants learned how to convert sunlight into energy. They also learned to generate molecules to protect themselves from pollution, radiation, and predators. These molecules then become protective for us when we consume these foods and herbs. 

Human beings and plants are manifestations of creative, divine intelligence, harmoniously connected through a shared vibration. The fact that we breathe the plants’ exhaust (oxygen) and they breathe our exhaust (carbon dioxide) is an example of this harmonic relationship. 

Lifestyle Factors for Detox

Speaking of plants, a healthy diet full of antioxidants and other nutrients can help the body detoxify by providing essential support for our enzymes. Antioxidants, like vitamins C and E, neutralize free radicals produced in the process of living. Other nutrients, such as B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc, are important for proper detox enzyme function. 

Regular exercise can also aid in detoxification. Physical activity boosts blood flow and oxygen to tissues, improving nutrient delivery for detox processes. It also stimulates sweating, which helps remove toxins through the skin. 

However, unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive medication use can create even more harmful substances through the cytochrome P450 process.

A fascinating 2022 study, tested the excretion of heavy metals from two different sweating methods. One group sweated by sitting passively in a sauna, and the other sweated through exercise by running on a treadmill. “After they experienced continuous sweating for 20 min, a minimum of 7 mL of sweat was collected from each participant, and the concentrations of nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) were analyzed. The results demonstrated that the sweating method affected the excretion of heavy metals in sweat, with the concentrations of Ni, Pb, Cu, and As being significantly higher during dynamic exercise than during sitting in the sauna.”  

While saunas and baths are great for health and detoxification, this study shows that good-old- fashioned exercise is a better form of sweating to get toxins and heavy metals out of the body efficiently.  

For further reading on using healing baths for detoxification click here:

Enjoy A Healing Bath

Boost Your Body’s Detox Process with Natural Ingredients

Adaptogens like Schisandra and Reishi mushrooms are excellent for overall support. For targeted assistance, consider nettle seed to promote kidney health and uric acid detox, or hydrangea for calcium-oxalate detox. To help with mercury detox, look to sea vegetables, and for glyphosate detox, try glycine, NAC, and Ginkgo biloba.

Protect Yourself from the Herbicide Glyphosate

It’s always best to avoid GMO and non-organic foods treated with glyphosate (a plant killer). However, given its prevalence in our food and water supply, it’s crucial to protect yourself with additional support. 

Natural compounds like resveratrol can help prevent oxidative stress caused by glyphosate. Laboratory studies have shown that resveratrol can inhibit lipid peroxidation, enhance the antioxidant defense system, and reduce damage in the brain, heart, liver, and kidney tissues.

Ginkgo biloba extract is also a powerful protector against glyphosate-induced toxicity. Research confirms that it reduces oxidative stress, improves mitochondrial respiration, and is a potent intracellular detoxifier. Other recommended natural compounds include isothiocyanates (ITCs), glycine, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC).

Herbal extracts that support liver health, such as schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), andrographis (Andrographis paniculata), milk thistle (Silybum marianum), turmeric (curcuma longa), and Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis), along with phenol-rich compounds like pomegranate seed extract and grape seed extract, provide broad-spectrum protection and detoxification from glyphosate and related substances.

Ginkgo Biloba Protects Against Toxins, Chemicals, and Radiation

Ginkgo biloba (GB), one of the most ancient medicinal tree species, protects against toxicities induced by synthetic toxic agents, natural toxins, and radiation. 

• investigations showed that GB exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antigenotoxicity effects. 
• There are also some special mechanisms about its protective effects against some specific toxic agents, such as acetylcholinesterase inhibition in aluminum neurotoxicity, or membrane-bound phosphodiesterase activation in the triethyltin toxicity. 
• Ginkgolide A was the most investigated active ingredient of ginkgo as a protective compound against toxicities which had similar effects to the total extract. 
• A few clinical studies have been conducted in this field, which demonstrated the beneficial effects of GB against toxic agents. 
• Ginkgo biloba extract can antagonize subchronic arsenite (arsenic) exposure by inhibiting oxidative damage and inflammation.

Specific Foods & Supplements for Organ System, Cellular, and Molecular Detoxification

Cruciferous Vegetables (Arugula, Bok choy, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Collard greens, Horseradish, Kale, Radishes, Rutabaga, Turnips, Watercress, Wasabi, etc) are powerhouses of detoxifying compounds including: Isothiocyanates, indole-3-carbinol, and Dithiolethiones.

Isothiocyanates (ITCs)

Isothiocyanates (ITCs) are natural compounds found in cruciferous vegetables with a wide range of health benefits. Sulforaphane (SFN) and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) are the most well-studied ITCs, while others include 6-methylsulfinyl hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC) found in wasabi and horseradish, and allyl isothiocyanate found in garlic.

Research shows that ITCs naturally fight inflammation and protect cells from damage, making them promising candidates for treating chronic diseases. ITCs counter the harmful effects of substances known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs). People today are increasingly exposed to AGEs through poor diet, lack of physical activity, and various health conditions like diabetes. When AGEs accumulate in the body, they trigger inflammation by activating a cell receptor called RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products). This process can lead to the development and worsening of chronic diseases.

Overview of AGE-RAGE signaling and the impact of lifestyle.

AGEs are formed through a process called non-enzymatic glycoxidation, where reactive carbonyl compounds interact with specific amino groups in the body. 

Both lifestyle choices and environmental factors can increase AGE levels in two ways: by providing more reactive carbonyls for the body to produce AGEs internally, and by directly exposing us to pre-formed AGEs from external sources.

Sulforaphane (SFN), in particular, helps protect against chronic illnesses such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.  These diseases have common characteristics like oxidative stress, misfolded proteins, inflammation, and neuronal loss.  

Sulforaphane’s benefits include regulation of Phase I and Phase II detox enzymes, cell cycle arrest, reduction of inflammation, and induction of apoptosis. Recent studies suggest that SFN can also affect the epigenetic control of key genes and slow the initiation and progression of cancer.

SFN can normalize DNA methylation, which is crucial for normal cell function, gene regulation, and activating more than 200 genes. The beneficial effects of SFN and other ITCs are mainly due to their ability to activate the Nrf2-ARE (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response element) pathway that promotes cell protection, detoxification, and chemoprevention. 

Organic broccoli seeds & sprouts are exceptionally-rich sources of SFN, while cabbage sprouts are an excellent source of PEITC.  Wasabi (Wasabia japonica) contains an array of unique AITCs, that have been well researched for their health-promoting benefits including epigenetic modification and multiple detoxification activities.

SFN’s lipophilic (fat-soluble) nature and low molecular weight readily enable passive diffusion into cells. 

ITCs help combat AGEs in multiple ways: they prevent AGEs from binding to RAGE receptors, reduce inflammatory responses, and boost the body’s natural detoxification processes that help eliminate AGEs. This multi-targeted approach helps protect against the harmful effects of AGE accumulation.

Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) and Diindolylmethane (DIM) 

When you eat cruciferous vegetables, the compound indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is released. In the acidic environment of the stomach, I3C undergoes a chemical reaction to become diindolylmethane (DIM) along with a few other metabolites. Although DIM is an active supplement and is supportive to sulforaphane and other ITCs it has a significantly lower capacity to induce detoxification than SFN.

DIM promotes the Phase I detoxification enzyme system and plays a supportive role in healthy liver system function. It helps protect the body from the effects of xenoestrogens and helps maintain the body’s hormone balance.

To illustrate the differences in potency between sulforaphane and I3C, a study found that both compounds inhibited the proliferation of prostate cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner, but the inhibitory concentration of SFN required was just 10% that of I3C.

Dithiolethiones

Cruciferous vegetables also contain dithiolethiones, molecules that show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and chemotherapeutic activities. Dithiolethiones display cytoprotective effects by activating the antioxidant response and the phase II enzyme network. 

Several dithiolethiones efficiently modulate pathways that play crucial roles in normal and cancer cells, including NRF2, glutathione S-transferase, cyclooxygenases (COX) and NF-κB.

Detox Formulas

My two favorite formulations for detoxification include one formula that features various ITCs, while the other features a special turmeric-curcumin extract and green tea extract rich in Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). 

Here is a diagram highlighting the proposed actions of these compounds on cellular and intracellular detoxification pathways.

Pomegranate

Pomegranates are revered in numerous herbal traditions, and are symbols of fertility, health, and longevity around the world. This nutrient-dense fruit contains the polyphenol ellagic acid, which exhibits antioxidant activity and acts as a free radical scavenger that protects cells (including brain cells) from the effects of chemicals. 

Arsenic is a well-known environmental contaminant, causing toxicity in different organs. Arsenic injection can cause significantly elevated brain-tissue arsenic levels and malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, protein carbonylation, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1β production. 

Arsenic-treated rats showed a significant impairment in long-term-memory, motor coordination, and equilibrium. Administration of ellagic acid (30 mg/kg) from pomegranates reversed brain-cell damage and ameliorated other symptoms induced by the arsenic exposure.

Pomegranates are also rich in many beneficial flavonoids including: catechin, epicatechin, kaempferol, quercetin, luteolin, rutin, cyanidin, and delphinidin. Many of these have extensive evidence for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. 

Calcium-D-Glucarate 

Calcium D-Glucarate, a patented calcium-salt of D-glucaric acid, supports the liver’s healthy metabolism of systemic hormones and other chemicals. This metabolic process in Phase II detoxification is known as glucuronidation where a glucuronic acid molecule is attached to a substance for detoxification and elimination from the body.  

Calcium D-glucarate supports detoxification specifically by inhibiting an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase which can interfere with the body’s natural ability to eliminate toxins, allowing them to build up and often be stored in fat tissue. 

Elevated beta-glucuronidase activity is associated with an increased risk for various cancers, particularly hormone-dependent cancers such as breast, prostate, and colon. Other potential clinical applications of oral calcium D-glucarate include regulation of estrogen metabolism and as a lipid-lowering agent. 

Calcium D-glucarate helps the body detox excess hormones such as estrogens and endocrine disruptors. Your gut converts calcium-D-glucarate into glucuronic acid, which helps the liver clear toxins.

In one clinical trial with 95 women, a combination supplement containing diindolylmethane (DIM) and calcium d-glucarate, along with several other plant compounds, improved estrogen metabolism after 28 days.  

In another study, Calcium D-Glucarate helped prevent oral cancer in hamsters. 

Certain foods are especially supportive for the glucuronidation pathway including: cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, and bok choy, as well as fruits like apples, oranges and grapefruit.

Mushroom Medicine For Aging and Detoxification

Mushrooms serve as powerful allies in human health through multiple mechanisms. They significantly influence our gut microbiota, creating a balanced internal ecosystem that supports overall wellness. Their natural compounds actively help the body eliminate harmful pathogens and balance various conditions traditionally associated with dampness, turbidity (less transparent urine), phlegm, and heat in the body.¹⁸ 

Medicinal mushrooms contain B vitamins, vitamin C, selenium, zinc, vitamin D, and choline, all important nutrients for our body’s detoxification processes. They can also be liver protective, thus supporting the body’s detox system. 

One of the most fascinating aspects of medicinal mushrooms is their “host-specific” effects, meaning they can adapt their beneficial properties based on what each individual body needs. 

Their bioactive compounds include: 

• Complex carbohydrates 
• Functional proteins 
• Beneficial fungal lipids 
• Powerful phenolic compounds 

These components work together to provide supportive, nourishing, and tonifying effects. ¹⁹  

Picked this Giant Porcini mushroom 

Research has shown that mushroom extracts can significantly extend lifespan and improve health span, while also combating skin aging and age-related diseases ²⁰ 

Mushroom bioactive compounds show promise in delaying or mitigating cellular senescence and promoting healthy aging. Research has demonstrated that various mushroom compounds—including polysaccharides, peptides, and phenolic compounds—exhibit anti-aging properties. Notably, polysaccharides extracted from Ganoderma lucidum (commonly known as lingzhi or reishi) have demonstrated the ability to reduce senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity while down regulating senescence markers in aging human cells. These findings suggest that mushroom-derived compounds may play a significant role in cellular aging interventions 

Conclusion

Detoxification is essential for overall health and well-being. By understanding and supporting our body’s detoxification processes, we can improve our vitality and protect ourselves from harmful substances. 

Foods mentioned in this post that have proven detox properties include: 

arugula, bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, horseradish, kale, radishes, rutabaga, turnips, watercress, wasabi, garlic, pomegranates, brazil nuts, brewer’s yeast, and sea vegetables.

Supplements with detox properties mentioned in this series include: 

NAC, glycine, glutamine, Selenium, Calcium-d-glucarate, resveratrol, pomegranate seed extract, grape seed extract, DIM, and Indole-3-Carbinol.

Herbs mentioned in this guide include: 

Ginkgo biloba, green tea, Echinacea angustifolia, magnolia, Chinese skullcap, white willow schizandra, reishi mushroom, nettle seed, hydrangea, andrographis, milk thistle, turmeric, and reishi.

These natural compounds and a healthy lifestyle can support your body’s detoxification pathways providing essential cofactors for phase I and II enzymes and promote increased health. 

In part 5 of this series we will explore the power of house plants to detoxify and improve the indoor-air quality of our homes.

About the Author:

Donald R. Yance is the founder of the Mederi Center. A Clinical Master Herbalist and Certified Nutritionist, Donnie is renowned for his extraordinary knowledge and deep understanding of the healing properties of plants and nutrition, as well as of epigenetics, laboratory medicine, oncologic pathology, and molecular oncology. He is a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild, National Association of Nutrition Professionals, Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine, and the Society for Integrative Oncology.

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