Virtually all of us suffer from some degree of liver toxicity. Regardless how health conscious the individual might be, liver toxicity is endemic in North America and Europe. This is because the a wide range of poisons surround each of us and it is impossible to entirely escape their damaging effects. The liver is the organ responsible for detoxification of noxious compounds. In other words, whenever poisonous compounds enter the body or are created within it as a natural result of biochemical reactions, the liver is responsible for their removal. What's more, the liver helps inactivate biologically reactive so they are less toxic, that is less harmful to the tissues. Billions of anti-toxic chemical reactions happen within liver cells every minute. Thus, it is easy to comprehend how quickly the liver can become overwhelmed. This is especially true in the event of poor diet and/or nutritional deficiency.

A high toxic load of the liver is manifested by certain predictable signs and symptoms, which may be collectively described as the Liver Dysfunction Syndrome. As originally published in the Self-Test Nutrition Guide (Dr. Cass Ingrain, 1994), these signals include:

	dark circles under the eyes and/or pale, pasty skin		foul smelling bowel gas
	intolerance to sugars/starches		chronic indigestion
	intolerance to alcohol and/or medications		sleepiness, especially after eating
	chemical sensitivity		thick ridges on the fingernails
	bags under the eyes		foul smelling stools
	chronic itching of the skin		chronic constipation
	persistent fatigue		poor blood clotting, easy bruising, etc

The burden suffered by the human liver is monumental. Through normal aging alone the liver is eventually overwhelmed, since it processes the vast majority of chemicals produced through daily cellular reactions, the free radicals, for instance. The cumulative effect of constant exposure to free radicals is toxic damage to the liver cells. However, today, individuals are exposed to a vast amount of poisonous compounds, which is truly only a 20th century phenomenon.

These poisonous chemicals include:

	pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides
	heavy metals
	properlyne and ethylene glycol
	chlorinated hydrocarbons, including carbon tetrachloride and methyl chloride
	formaldehyde
	prescription and non-prescription drugs
	motor vehicle fumes
	hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils as well as refined polyunsaturates
	nitrates and nitrites

The liver regards all of these substances as poisons and must attempt to detoxify them in order to preserve our tissues from damage. Add to this the chemicals that are produced daily within the body as a result of normal metabolism. The human liver simply cannot withstand such an onslaught. The pollution of the liver by this modem chemical burden largely explains the dramatic increase in liver cancer (up over 400%) as well as hepatitis which has occurred over the past decade. Ultimately, because of the constant exposure to cellular poisons the liver tissues eventually degenerate. This is known as cirrhosis of the liver.

The liver disposes of harmful compounds through a complex set of chemical reactions. Yet, the key to the success is a protein/enzyme known as glutathione. This enzyme exists within the liver in numerous forms, although glutathione-S-transferase, is perhaps the dominating one. This compound greatly enhances the speed and efficiency of detoxification. Anything which boosts its levels aids in liver function as well as toxic chemical removal. If the liver fails to produce sufficient glutathione and/or if the individual consumes substances which destroy it, exposure to toxic chemicals or drugs may prove life threatening. Of note, acetaininophen, the active ingredient of many over the counter pain killers, depletes glutathione. Unless the molecule is replenished permanent damage results.

Incredibly certain herbs dramatically enhance glutathione synthesis, far more so than mere vitamins. phytotherapy Research describes how cumin, in the form of oil of cumin, profoundly enhanced liver and stomach cell synthesis of glutathione, raising levels by as much as 700%. Other studies show how sage, rosemary, fennel, and oregano all increases level by up to 400%. These are incredibly large increases for such innocuous compounds. This illustrates the enormous utility such compounds could have in detoxification. Coriander is yet another hepatic stimulant. A recent study showed that coriander extract dramatically activated the enzymes responsible for synthesizing bile. The bile is needed to bind and dump poisons into the intestines so they can be removed via the stool. Additionally, the coriander helped normalize cholesterol synthesis. Bay oil also is a liver tonic. Brazilian researchers in Toxicology revealed that a component of this spice, beta myrcene, greatly enhanced the liver's detoxification powers. What's more, certain spices, notably sage, rosemary, oregano, bay, cumin, and turmeric, are potent antioxidants, which means that they help prevent tissue damage from aging and toxic chemical exposure. These aggressive antioxidant actions are highly effective for protecting liver tissues from chemical and/or free radical induced damage.

Parasitic infestation is a major cause of liver disorders. The liver may host a wide range of parasites, which are more capable of attacking the liver if it is overloaded with toxins. In other words, when the immune system of the liver is weakened by toxins, the parasites more readily gain a foothold. Spice oils are potent anti-parasitic agents. Mexican researchers found that oregano extract was superior to Flagyl in destroying Giardia. Oregano also aids in the destruction of pinworms and their eggs. Cumin is a larvacide and bay leaf oil kills both parasitic eggs and worms.

LivaClenz is a special formula containing many of the aforementioned detoxification spices. It contains edible spice oils from coriander, bay, cumin, rosemary, and sage. Such an oil can be mixed with extra virgin olive oil for a liver flush. Liver flush programs should be applied gradually, as the purging of high amounts of toxins may lead to a wide range of symptoms. Yet, the consequences of an untreated toxic liver is far more dangerous: hepatitis, cirrhosis, and, ultimately, liver cancer. Remember, if you can aid your liver by boosting glutathione synthesis, you greatly increase your odds for survival in this highly toxic world.

DIRECTIONS: Take 5-10 drops twice daily in juice or with meals. For a strong liver cleans, take 20 drops 3 times daily. For a liver purge, take 40 drops in a quarter cup of olive oil and take twice daily.