Supplements That Support Detoxification

Detoxification is not only about purging our blood, cells and ogans of toxins. A good detox program is always nourishing as well as cleansing. The word on supplements is fairly basic. On this page you will find a compilation of the expert opinions on what supplements to take on a detox cleanse.

The supplementation aspect has to do with the biochemical needs of the body to process out toxins. Still, within this area of the basic natural chemical ingredients that the body needs to change fat-soluable toxic substances into "excretable" water-soluable substances, there is variation in the amount one should take, or can take. This is because, the amount of supplementation you need will vary based on your personal level of health, and the degree to which you're able to absorb the supplements will depend on the health of your digestion track. You may find it helpful to consult a nutritionist or a holistic health practitioner to fine-tune this aspect of the program for you.

There is a fair amount of agreement on the supplements one should take to make sure the body has the essentials for facilitating its natural detoxification processes. To understand why these supplements are SO important, we suggest you read Sidney MacDonald Baker, M.D.'s Detoxification & Healing. In the meantime, you can also read How the Body Detoxifies.

Here's a list derived from several sources, including Jeffrey Bland's The 20-Day Rejuvenation Diet Program, Christopher Hobbs' Natural Liver Therapy and Elson M. Haas' The Detox Diet. The authors do not exactly agree on quantities, so we've listed conservative amounts.

Whether you plan to do a detox now or in the future, often or very infrequently, supplementation is an essential ingredient of a good health regimen. I strongly recommend you become familiar with the vast array of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, superfoods, herbs and other supplements.

Below a list derived from several excellent sources. The authors do not exactly agree on quantities.  We've listed conservative amounts.  The vitamins and nutrients need to be taken in balanced amounts, so it is not wise to take one or two of them, and not take the rest, especially if you are promoting your body's detoxification efforts through fasting or other processes. 

Vitamins:

Vitamin C (powdered Emergency is a great source), 500-2000 mg.
Vitamin E (tocopheryl acetate), 200-400 mg.
Vitamin A 5,000-7,500 IU
Beta Carotene 15,000-30,000 IU
Bioflavonoids 200-1000 mg.
B Vitamins (in a B complex cap)
Thiamine (B1) 10-25 mg.
Riboflavin (B2) 10-25 mg.
Niacinamide (B3) 50 mg
Niacin (B3) 50-2000 mg.
Pantothenic acid (B5) 250-500 mg
Pyridoxine (B6) 10-25 mg.
Cobalamin (B12) 50-100 mcg
Folic acid 400-800 mcg.

Minerals:

Zinc (picolinate or oxide) 10-30 mg.
Magnesium - 500 mg.
Manganese (gluconate) 5-10 mg.
Copper (gluconate) 1-3 mg.
Molybdenum (sodium molybdate) 50-200 mcg.
Selenium 50-200 mg.

Amino Acids:

(look for a general blend that includes)
L-cysteine 100-300 mg.
L-glutathione 50-200 mg.
L-methionine 250-500 mg.

Herbs:

Garlic
Silymarin (milk thistle)
Pycnogenol
Ginkgo biloba
Decaffeinated green tea

Other Detox Supplements:

Flaxseed oil (extremely important) 1-2 tablespoons or 2-4 caps
I use a quarter cup of ground flax seed every day (on occasion, I switch over to a tablespoon of organic, cold-pressed, flax seed oil for a few weeks). And I also take two 750 mg fish oil capsules a day.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for health and are virtually absent from the western diet. Current ratios of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids in the modern diet run as high as 20-1 or even 30-1. The ideal is close to 1:1. This has serious implications in terms of overall inflammation in body tissue and heart health. Supplementation with Omega-3 fatty acids is essential.

Psyllium seed 2-4 teaspoons or 8-12 caps
Psyllium seed is a lubricating mucilaginous fiber used as a gentle bulking and laxative agent. The mucilage in the seeds expands eight to fourteen times the size of the original seeds. This can also create a feeling of fullness, decreasing one's desire to overeat. Psyllium fiber works as a broom, sweeping the gastrointestinal tract of toxins. Be sure to drink lots of water when using psyllium as a cleansing agent!

Pumpkin seed helps the body expel parasites and is also highly nutritive, containing beneficial linolenic acid.

Red clover a very strong blood purifier. It is used as a tonic for the nerves and as a sedative for nervous exhaustion.

Slippery Elm is used to neutralize stomach acidity and absorbs foul gases and toxins. It draws out impurities and heals and soothes all parts of the body. Especially the mucous membranes, adrenal glands, stomach, bowels, lungs.

Yarrow: Yarrow acts as a blood cleanser, opens the pores to permit free perspiration for elimination of waste, relieving the kidneys. It also helps to regulate the function of the liver, tones the mucous membranes of the stomach and bowel, heals the glandular system.

Violet leaf is an alterative, antifungal, demulcent, diuretic, and laxative. It is safe and soothing, rich in beta carotene and vitamin C.

Witch hazel bark, twigs, and leaves are high in flavonoids that help heal damaged blood vessels. This plant is also somewhat antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.

Yellow Dock is one of the best blood builders in the herb kingdom. Stimulates elimination.

Yucca root is effective as an alterative and laxative agent. It helps break down organic waste in the body. One of its primary uses in folk medicine is to relieve the inflammation associated with arthritis.

Anti-oxidants:
Co Q10
DMAE
alpha lipoic acid
choline

Aloe Vera
I take four ounces of organic stabilized aloe vera juice every morning. Sometimes I'll switch over to 500 mg of high acemannan dried aloe powder a day. I'm a huge fan of aloe vera and its ability to promote healing in the body and boost the immune system.

A Note on Vitamin E
500 mg of a complete spectrum vitamin E.
Several decades ago, a mistake was made in evaluating vitamin E that determined that the only active fraction in the E complex was d-alpha tocopherol. That mistake has cost us dearly in terms of health, and like all "health establishment" mistakes, it will take years and years and years to rectify. Already, there is incontrovertible proof that of the eight fractions that comprise vitamin E, d-alpha is, at best, number five in terms of importance. The four tocotrienol fractions are more important, and even among the four tocopherols, gamma tocopherol is more important. And yet, 99% of all vitamin E supplements contain only the d-alpha fraction, and according to the FDA, the only fraction you can "measure" as vitamin E is d-alpha. Unfortunately, changing established "rules" in the health industry, even when proof is widely available is like turning an oil tanker. It takes miles and miles and miles -- and a great deal of effort.

Bottom line: use only a complete E that contains all 4 tocopherols and all 4 tocotrienols -- just like Mother Nature intended.