Donnie Yance is an internationally known master herbalist and nutritionist. He is the author of the book, "Herbal Medicine, Healing and Cancer" and "Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism"
Part 5- Plants: the Guardians of Indoor Water and Air Quality
By Donnie Yance
“The key to stopping the environmental apocalypse is not science but love.” – Steven Charleston
Previous posts in this series have covered how plants play a vital role in assisting the detoxification of dangerous chemicals out of our bodies through nutrition and supplementation. Plants also have little-known abilities to actually clean the water and air of our home environments.
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:
Boost Your Body’s Detox Process with Natural Ingredients
Adaptogens like Schisandra and Reishimushrooms 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.
Organicbroccoli 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:
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.
References:
1. Kuan WH, Chen YL, Liu CL. Excretion of Ni, Pb, Cu, As, and Hg in Sweat under Two Sweating Conditions. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Apr 4;19(7):4323. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19074323. PMID: 35410004; PMCID: PMC8998800.
3. Chen X, Wu F, Chen C, Ren Q, Zhang A. Ginkgo Biloba Extract Can Antagonize Subchronic Arsenite Exposure-Induced Hepatocyte Senescence by Inhibiting Oxidative Damage and Inflammation in Rats. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2024 Oct;202(10):4596-4604. doi: 10.1007/s12011-023-04021-3. Epub 2023 Dec 19. PMID: 38110608.
4. Krisanits, B.A.; Kaur, B.; Fahey, J.W.; Turner, D.P. The Anti-AGEing and RAGEing Potential of Isothiocyanates. Molecules 2024, 29, 5986. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29245986
5. Kamal RM, Abdull Razis AF, Mohd Sukri NS, Perimal EK, Ahmad H, Patrick R, Djedaini-Pilard F, Mazzon E, Rigaud S. Beneficial Health Effects of Glucosinolates-Derived Isothiocyanates on Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Molecules. 2022 Jan 19;27(3):624. doi: 10.3390/molecules27030624.
6. Krisanits, B.A.; Kaur, B.; Fahey, J.W.; Turner, D.P. The Anti-AGEing and RAGEing Potential of Isothiocyanates. Molecules 2024, 29, 5986. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29245986
7. Christine A. Houghton, Robert G. Fassett, and Jeff S. Coombes, Sulforaphane and Other Nutrigenomic Nrf2 Activators: Can the Clinician’s Expectation Be Matched by the Reality?, Hindawi Publishing Corporation Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity Volume 2016, Article ID 7857186, 17 pages http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/7857186
8. H. R. Frydoonfar, D. R. McGrath, and A. D. Spigelman, “The effect of indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane on a prostate cancer cell line,” ANZ Journal of Surgery, vol. 73, no. 3, pp. 154– 156, 2003.
10. Wu X, Zhou QH, Xu K. Are isothiocyanates potential anti-cancer drugs? Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2009 May;30(5):501-12. doi: 10.1038/aps.2009.50. PMID: 19417730; PMCID: PMC4002831.
11. de Oliveira MR. The Effects of Ellagic Acid upon Brain Cells: A Mechanistic View and Future Directions. Neurochem Res. 2016 Jun;41(6):1219-28. doi: 10.1007/s11064-016-1853-9. Epub 2016 Feb 4. PMID: 26846140.
12. Goudarzi M, Amiri S, Nesari A, Hosseinzadeh A, Mansouri E, Mehrzadi S. The possible neuroprotective effect of ellagic acid on sodium arsenate-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Life Sci. 2018 Apr 1;198:38-45. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.02.022. Epub 2018 Feb 15. PMID: 29455002.
13. Hanausek M, Walaszek Z, Slaga TJ. Detoxifying cancer-causing agents to prevent cancer. Integr Cancer Ther. 2003 Jun;2(2):139-44. doi: 10.1177/1534735403002002005. PMID: 15035900.
14. Calcium-D-glucarate. Altern Med Rev. 2002 Aug;7(4):336-9. PMID: 12197785.
16. Laidlaw M, Cockerline CA, Sepkovic DW. Effects of a breast-health herbal formula supplement on estrogen metabolism in pre- and post-menopausal women not taking hormonal contraceptives or supplements: a randomized controlled trial. Breast Cancer (Auckl). 2010 Dec 16;4:85-95. doi: 10.4137/BCBCR.S6505. Erratum in: Breast Cancer (Auckl). 2012;6:101. PMID: 21234288; PMCID: PMC3018890.
17. Lajolo C, Sgambato A, Maiorano E, Lucchese A, Capodiferro S, Favia G, Giuliani M. Calcium glucarate inhibits DMBA-induced oral carcinogenesis in the hamster: histomorphometric evaluation. Anticancer Res. 2010 Mar;30(3):843-9.
18. Chatterjee S, Sarma MK, Deb U, Steinhauser G, Walther C, Gupta DK. Mushrooms: from nutrition to mycoremediation. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2017 Aug;24(24):19480-19493. doi: 10.1007/s11356-017-9826-3.
19. Adenipekun, C.O., Uses of mushrooms in bioremediation: A Review, September 2012, Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Reviews 7(3):62-68, DOI: 10.5897/, BMBR12.006
20. Luo J, Ganesan K, Xu B. Unlocking the Power: New Insights into the Anti-Aging Properties of Mushrooms. J Fungi (Basel). 2024 Mar 14;10(3):215. doi: 10.3390/jof10030215.
Part Three: Key Nutrients and Pathways for Optimizing Detoxification
By Donnie Yance
Now we will begin digging into the amino acids, minerals, and pathways that support healthy detoxification.
Key Goals for Detoxification
Remove or reduce the source of toxic exposure.
Regenerate networks through herbal, nutritional, dietary, and lifestyle medicine
Restore cellular energy primarily using adaptogens which are the root-system medicine for detoxification.
Improve energy transfer by ensuring efficient utilization of oxygen, fats, proteins, and sugars for energy. The more efficient the system, the fewer toxins are produced.
Reduce cellular inflammation.
Activate key detoxification and antioxidant pathways, including: Cytochrome p450, Glutathione (GSH), Nrf-2, Methylation, Sulfation, and Glucuronidation.
Eliminate stagnation of oxygen, blood, and lymph by engaging in gentle activities such as: deep breathing, walking in nature, swimming, or yoga.
Reduce stress, stay calm, and manage anger, worry, and fear.
“Nature itself is the best physician.”– Hippocrates
The Costs of Chemical Exposure
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are synthetic chemicals found in pesticides and some plastics that can enter the body through the food chain and interfere with hormone balance and disturb proper endocrine health. When levels go up, so too does body-mass index (obesity), as well as the risk of several cancers, fibroid tumors, endocrine-related diseases, and infertility. Breast cancer in men is becoming more and more common as a result of these hormonal toxins.1,2
Exposure to pesticides (cloransulam‐methyl, diflufenzopyr, thiamethoxam, and trifluralin), was recently found to be associated with an increased risk of developing and dying from prostate cancer.3
EDCs, via daily use of plastics, are a major contributor to the overall disease burden in the U.S., and a large-scale analysis revealed that the associated costs to society amount to more than 1% of the gross domestic product.
“It doesn’t matter if the water is cold or warm if you’re going to have to wade through it anyway.”– Pierre Teilhard De Chardin
I am excited to share this new series on detoxification. It will be the perfect opportunity to do some ‘Spring cleaning’ and will come in 5 parts.
Introduction To Detoxification
Natural detoxification is an orchestra of daily activities that our bodies use to process and eliminate toxins, pollutants, and metabolic byproducts. Some of these byproducts include hormone metabolites and waste molecules related to energy utilization from eating and breathing. The body, or as I like to say, the Life Force (The Governing Intelligence) of the body, is constantly repairing, maintaining, eliminating, and recycling. Everything at some point becomes old or damaged, and needs to be broken down, detoxified, and then eliminated. Detoxification is closely tied to protection, adaptation, energy management, and broadly speaking, nourishment.
“Make food choices that honor your health and taste buds while making you feel good…It’s what you eat consistently over time that matters. Progress, not perfection, is what counts.”
– Evelyn Tribole, Intuitive Eating
This is the 2nd part of my blog about weight loss injections and the Mederi-Care approach to long term metabolic health. If you haven’t yet read part 1, please read it 1st here.
Who Is At Risk For Too Little Protein?
Even in the U.S., where protein is abundant in the food supply, it can still be challenging for some groups to get enough for their needs. One study from 2018 found that 23% of U.S. teen girls and 11% of teenage boys were consuming below the RDA for protein, which may compromise their growth and development.1 This is thought to be related to their growing independence in food choices and the high prevalence of dieting in this group.
Low protein intake is also a concern for the elderly in the U.S. The same 2018 study found that among those over 70, 19% of women and 13% of men consume less protein than the RDA.2
This is a particular concern in this age group, as loss of muscle is accelerated with aging, and that can lead to greater frailty, loss of balance, and greater risk of falls. Some researchers argue that older adults actually need more protein than recommended by the RDA in order to maintain muscle mass and function.3
Consuming more than this amount of protein provides no additional benefit, and quality of the protein is as important as the quantity. Both too little and too much protein aren’t helpful, and might actually be harmful. Current evidence indicates that it’s large amounts of animal protein (particularly from red or processed meats) that can be problematic.4
In another study, from 2015, frequent consumption of red meat in adolescence was associated with a higher risk of breast cancer later in life, whereas consuming poultry, fish, legumes, and nuts instead lowered the risk.5
Resistance exercise and protein supplementation can be particularly beneficial in older adults, who are at risk for progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength (known medically as sarcopenia), which may increase fall risk.6
