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Tonification involves feeding the body's
systems and cells regularly with small doses of nutrients
in order to bring the body in to balance. The nutrients needed
by each person will be different depending on what deficiencies
or excesses of chemicals are present in their bodies. Liver tonics
are predominantly used in balancing the chemical structure of
the body. From our thorough, whole body diagnosis at the Naturopathic
Medical Practice we can identify and provide the necessary remedial
nutrients to restore the body's balance.
Mixed function oxidases (MFOs) present in the
liver clear the body from toxins. Liver tonics contain the necessary
substances
to vitalize these MFOs to purify the
body. The status of Vitamin C, E, Beta carotene, folic acid,
methionine, thiamine,
niacin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, selenium , zinc, iron, magnesium,
and glutathione must be assessed and evaluated at the clinic
before a successful detoxification program can be designed. Part
of getting well and healthy is the use of the liver tonics in
detoxification.
Components of liver tonics
Turmeric, curcumin, milk thistle and N-acetyl cysteine, are
often found in liver tonics, and are important detoxification
agents, which support the mixed function oxidases.
Antioxidants effects
Liver tonics which contain turmeric extracts exert significant
antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity of curcumin is
comparable to standard antioxidants like vitamins C and E. Against
hydroxyl radicals, curcumin offers greater effectiveness than
these vitamins.
Anti carcinogenic effects
The anti-neoplastic effects of turmeric and curcumin have been
demonstrated at all steps of carcinogenesis: initiation, promotion,
and progression. In addition to inhibiting the development of
cancer, several studies suggest that curcumin can also promote
cancer regression. The protective effects of turmeric and its
derivatives are only partially explained by its direct antioxidant
and free radical scavenging effects. It also inhibits nitrosamin
formation, enhances the body’s natural antioxidant system,
increases the levels of glutathione and other non-protein sulfhydryls,
and acts directly on several enzymes systems, such as the mixed
function oxidases and gene loci.
Anti-inflammatory effects
Liver tonics which contain Curcuma longa are anti-inflammatory.
Even more potent in acute inflammation is curcumin. Curcumin
is as effective as cortisone, or phenylbutazone in the treatment
of acute inflammation.
Cardiovascular effects
The effects of turmeric and curcumin on the cardiovascular system
include the lowering of cholesterol levels and the inhibition
of platelet aggregation. This is of great significance in preventing
atherosclerosis and its complications.
Hepatic effects
Curcumin has exhibited protection for the liver similar to that
of silymarin, glycyrrhizin, and N-Acetyl Cysteine. Most liver
tonics contain these substances for this reason. The antioxidant
and hepatoprotective effects alone would support turmeric’s
historical use in liver disorders, however, turmeric and curcumin
also have highly beneficial anti-inflammatory and choleretic
effects. The increases of the liver enzymes, SGOT and SGPT, commonly
seen
in experimental
models of inflammation have been prevented by curcumin. Curcumin
is an active choleretic, increasing bile acid output by over
100%.
The reason of Silybum marianum in liver tonics is its ability
to prevent liver destruction and enhance liver function by means
of its antioxidant properties. It is many times more potent than
vitamin E. Silymarin prevents the depletion of glutathione induced
by alcohol and other liver toxins. It increases glutathione level
by 35%.The most impressive of silymarin’s protective effects
is against the severe poisoning of Amanita Phalloides (the death
cap or toadstool mushroom). Perhaps the most interesting effect
of silybum components on the liver is their ability to stimulate
protein synthesis. Proteins are necessary for the Mixed Function
Oxidases to detoxify the body.
Gastrointestinal effects
Turmeric and its components exert a number of beneficial effects
on the gastrointestinal system, They increase the mucin content
of the stomach and protect the stomach against ulcer formation
induced by stress, alcohol, Indo-methacin, pyloric narrowing,
and reserpine.
The clinical application of liver tonics:
- Cancer Prevention and Treatment Adjunct
- Inflammation
- Atherosclerosis
- Liver Disorders
- Cholelithiasis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Detoxification and Purification Measures
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