Compromised Detoxification and Cancer Promotion to Lowering Your Toxic Burden

Compromised Detoxification and Cancer Promotion to Lowering Your Toxic Burden

A well-functioning liver is an essential component of your breast-cancer
prevention program, because the liver is a fundamental part of your body’s natural
filtration system. The activity of your liver ’s detoxification enzymes is unique,
based on your genetics, your level of toxic exposures, and your nutritional status. A
well-cared-for liver will function to clear excess estrogens from the body,
particularly those that can be carcinogenic. (For a more complete explanation, see
chapter 10). The more nutritional support you give your liver, the less damage it
will take on as it works to keep your body free of carcinogens.

The most important antioxidant for neutralizing toxins produced in phase I is
glutathione, sometimes known as the “master antioxidant.” Our bodies synthesize
glutathione from three amino acids: glycine, cysteine, and glutamate. If our bodies
cannot make enough glutathione to keep up with the toxic load from infections and
toxins, we can damage the liver, cause immune dysfunction, or both. Stress can also
deplete glutathione, because increased adrenaline suppresses its production
(Michelle Alpert, DO, pers. comm.).

Vitamin E and selenium are important precursors to glutathione activity, as well
as powerful antioxidants in their own right. Although glutathione is poorly
absorbed as an oral supplement, some doctors offer it as an intravenous drip in their
offices, while specialized supplement companies sell liposomal glutathione creams
that are reputed to have far better absorption rates. We’ve seen better results with
these liposomal forms.

SOME PRECAUTIONS CONCERNING DETOXIFICATION

Grapefruit juice and certain pharmaceuticals can have a potent effect on both
phase I and phase II detoxification tasks. Grapefruit juice, which contains the
phytonutrient naringenin, slows down phase I enzyme activity, making the effect of
many medications stronger. For this reason, we suggest that you not eat more than
half a grapefruit or 4 ounces of grapefruit juice per day if you are on medication. In
addition, do not eat grapefruit near the time that you take the medication.
Medications such as acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol) interfere with phase II
activities and, when combined with alcohol, can be highly toxic to the liver.