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Recent Articles
“Xenobiotics and Cellular Detoxification”
Mitchell J. Ghen, DO, PhD
Toxins
A toxin is any agent that is capable of producing a
deleterious response in a biologic system. Toxins that adversely
effect humans come from all sorts of sources: processed food, tap
water, prescribed and recreational drugs, working environments, our
homes, the air we breathe, amalgams in our teeth, even from our
clothing and laundry detergents. Almost every known chemical
substance has a potential to produce injury or lead to death of the
organism. We are constantly challenged by compounds that are without
nutritive value. These foreign materials are both the products of
our modern industrial age as well as toxins that were present during
the formation of the original cell.1
Toxic substances are also referred to as xenobiotics.2 They
are ingested, absorbed and inhaled. Under ideal circumstances
(perfect health), the body detoxifies and eliminates all toxins,2
performing the ongoing tasks of clearing and detoxifying. The
primary organ for detoxification is the liver, and many toxins must
be biotransformed by the liver from fat-soluble compounds to
water-soluble compounds before they can be excreted by the
kidneys.
Xenobiotics biotransformed by the liver are released into the
intestine through the bile. The liver has at least four transport
systems for active excretion of toxins into the bile.2 Once the bile
enters the intestine, it can either be reabsorbed or excreted.
Reabsorption can lead to very long half-lives for xenobiotics.
Clearing and detoxification causes an increase in intestinal
motility which leads to a decrease in transit times. This suggests
higher rates of excretion of toxins. All body secretions appear to
have the ability to excrete chemicals; toxins have been found in
sweat, tears, and breast milk.3
People often mistake this normal detoxification process for
symptoms of disease. Many common diseases are largely due to the
adaptive response of the body to stress (emotional or physical)
rather than to direct damage by germs, poisons and life experience.
The body's attempt to return to equilibrium or homeostasis depends
on its ability to eliminate cellular toxins.4 Failure to clear the
body of accumulating toxins leads, at some point, to the balance
shifting in favor of the environment and against the living body.
Disease is a fight for health.4
This fight for health has been transferred into "symptoms" of
"disease" that we often try to eliminate to make us feel better. The
body's natural corrective cleansing measures can cause discomfort
and, in efforts to treat this "disease" and make it go away, vital
elimination functions are often suppressed. In suppressing
"symptoms" (or cleansing responses), the body may become retoxified.
Many autoimmune conditions may be the result of xenobiotic
retoxification as toxins that should have been eliminated are
suppressed and then re-incorporated into existing and newly formed
tissues. These tissues are then tainted. They are recognized as
foreign by the immune system and an autoimmune condition
results.
Factors such as lifestyle, dietary habits, and stress play a
role in affecting the body's ability to detoxify. Constant exposure
to occupational and/or environmental toxins should also be
considered. However, these factors can be changed at any time.
Corrective measures with positive changes can work wonders. Changes
in lifestyle that include stress reduction, increases in physical
activity and dietary changes are required to promote detoxification.
Vitamin deficiencies (C, E, and B complex) and mineral deficiencies
(copper, magnesium, and calcium) reduce the rates of xenobiotic
biotransformation. Many of these nutrients are in short supply in
today's highly refined and nutrient depleted diets.5 Low protein
intake also has been found to increase markedly the toxicity of a
number of xenobiotics.6
Another important step toward detoxification is to eliminate
sources of toxic exposure from the environment. This is often easier
said than done. Chemicals and metals are the most pervasive cellular
toxins. Currently more than 100,000 chemicals are in commercial use
today: 25% are known to be hazardous.7,8,9 Recent reports from the
Environmental Protection Agency demonstrate that 100% of samples of
human body fat contained toxic doses of chemicals including styrene
(Styrofoam), 1,4-dichlorobenzene (moth balls, house deodorizers),
and xylene (paints, gasoline). See Table 1 for this EPA study. The
five most toxic trace metals are cadmium, mercury, lead, beryllium
and antimony. These metals are involved in at least 50% of the
deaths in the US and much of the disabling diseases.10
To assist the body's elimination of cellular stores of these
xenobiotics, an approach using homeopathic nutraceuticals has been
developed. This cellular detoxification is termed
homeovitics.11,12,13
Cellular Detoxification
Cellular detoxification is an integrative approach to
wellness that has been pioneered by Allen M. Kratz, PharmD, of
Naples, Florida. Dr. Kratz, who was the first pharmacist to be
appointed to the Editorial Board of The Merck Manual, and is now the
coeditor of the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association
(JANA), has been researching this concept for over 20 years. He is
convinced that cellular toxicity is a contributing factor to aging
and intends to prove that detoxification on a cellular level will
have an anti-aging effect in humans.
"We know that supporting the cell on an energetic level will
improve immune function," Dr. Kratz states. "Our animal studies have
confirmed what we have observed in humans, that using homeopathic
forms of nutraceuticals (homeovitics) prepared by serially agitated
dilutions has a beneficial effect on cellular metabolism.
Biochemicals, such as coenzyme Q10, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM),
adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
(NAD) and nutrients, i.e. alpha lipoic acid and tetrahydrofolic
acid, in energetic, physiologic concentrations support mitochondrial
function." He adds "we began using all of these substances in a
homeovitic form back in the early eighties and they have since
become popular as nutraceuticals.... it seems we were ahead of our
time in observing that these homeovitic nutraceuticals had
beneficial effects, particularly on immune function."14
In addition to this innovative approach to cellular support,
Dr. Kratz is focusing on a second area of clinical research; the
adverse effects of cellular toxins such as chemicals and metals and
how to eliminate these toxins. By applying the same homeovitic
principle he used in his original work on cellular support, Kratz
developed protocols for cellular detox that help the body clear and
eliminate cellular toxins. Detoxification using serially agitated
dilutions was the subject of a critical review and meta-analysis of
105 published studies. Four of five outcomes meeting quality and
comparability criteria showed positive effects. This 1994 review
appeared in Human and Experimental Toxicology. 15
"My sense is that primary cellular toxins such as certain
heavy metals and a variety of environmental chemicals can compromise
many cellular systems.... they bind essential enzymes, affect
electron transport cascades, and hinder DNA repair mechanisms, all
leading to premature aging.... of the cell and of us," says Dr.
Kratz. "So let's get the lead out, so to speak, and see if we can
positively influence our aging biomarkers.... this is the essence of
our current research on cellular detoxification," he
concludes.
A recent article in the Winter 1999 edition of the Journal of
the American Nutraceutical Association16 chronicled Dr. Kratz's
development of the homeovitic approach to cellular support and
detoxification. It also presented a review of recent research in
this field. As a coauthor of this JANA article, I have personal
experience with the potential of Kratz's anti-aging protocols. My
best adjective is.... exciting. My patients are benefiting from
results which are anecdotal at this point and I am looking forward
to participating in more formal clinical evaluations.
Pharmacist David A. Nicoletti from Tucson, Arizona, has this
to say about the cellular detoxification program.... "I've seen it
lower laboratory markers such as liver enzymes to normal values.
People feel better, chronic illnesses improve. I have used cellular
detox on at least 50 of my patients and more than 90% have
benefited. This program has expanded both my pharmaceutical care and
my practice opportunities." Mr. Nicoletti is a member of the
American Nutraceutical Association's (ANA) Pharmacy Advisory Council
and is also a Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN). He has spoken
on behalf of the ANA at several pharmacy association meetings across
the country.
A member of the Editorial Board of JANA, Jack O. Taylor, DC,
MS, DACBN, is also a proponent of Dr. Kratz's protocols.... "To me,
cellular detoxification is the place to start clinical nutrition. I
have used it on all of my patients for the past 7 years, well over
1,000 individuals have benefited from this program. It is an
integral part of my BioMAP." Dr. Taylor practices in Arlington
Heights, Illinois and has developed a computerized BioMetabolic
Assessment Program (BioMAP) for personalized evaluation of
nutritional status.
After 15 years of working as a registered nurse in
conventional medical settings, Deborah Burkhart, RN, CCP, embraced
complementary medical approaches to wellness. In describing her
experience with cellular detoxification, she says.... "cellular
detox is important, make that essential, to a successful nutritional
program. An unhealthy body has lost the ability to detoxify itself
as it would normally do. Dr. Kratz's protocols support the body's
natural detox processes."
Ms. Burkhart has researched, lectured and practiced holistic
healthcare for eight years. She has a practice in nutrition, deep
cleansing and rebuilding the body. In November of 1998, she started
Optimal Health Center in Santa Rosa, California. The Center is an
association of 15 independent practitioners providing clients with
quality holistic care.
Partners in Wellness, an integrative health care organization
based in Naples, Florida, has assumed the responsibility of
coordinating clinical validation of Dr. Kratz's protocols for
cellular detox as an anti-aging strategy. Clinicians, pharmacists
and individuals with an interest in this project may contact Mary
Reinhart at 800.801.9494 (or e-mail to [email protected]) or e-mail
to Dr. Kratz at [email protected].
References
1 Jakoby, WB and Ziegler, DM. The enzymes of detoxification.
Journal of Biological Chemistry. 265(34): pp. 20715-20718, 1990.
2 Klaassen, CD and Eaton, DL. Principles of toxicology. In:
Casarett and Doull's Toxicology, MO Amdur, J Doull and CD Klaassen
(Eds.) New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc., Fourth Edition, pp. 26-30, 1993.
3 Stowe, CM and Plaa, GL.Extrarenal excretion of drugs and
chemicals. Annual Review of Pharmacology. 8: pp.337-356, 1968.
4 Selye, H. The Stress of Life (revised edition). New York,
McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1978.
5 United States Department of Agriculture, Report #2. USRDA,
Dietary Intake Studies, 1986.
6 Sipes, IG and Gandolphi, AJ. Biotransformation of
toxicants. In: Casarett and Doull's Toxicology, MO Amdur, J Doull
and CD Klaassen (Eds.) New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc., Fourth Edition,
p. 118, 1993.
7 Lappe, M. Chemical Deception. Sierra Club Books, San
Francisco, 1991.
8 Bellini, J. High Tech Holocaust. Sierra Club Books, San
Francisco, 1989.
9 DNA repair works its way to the top. Science. 266(Dec. 23):
1926, 1994.
10 Schroeder, HA. The Poisons Around Us. Indiana University
Press (1974) Keats Publishing. New Canaan, CT, 1994.
11 Gennaro, AR. REMINGTON: The Science and Practice of
Pharmacy.19th Edition. Chapter 50: Alternative Healthcare. Mack
Publishing. p. 834, 1995.
12 Pizzorno, JE and Murray, MT. A Textbook of Natural
Medicine. Section 3, Contemporary Homeopathy. Churchill Livingstone.
1993.
13 Clark, CC. Encyclopedia of Complementary Health Practice.
Part IV, Practices and Treatments. Springer Publishing. p. 391,
1999.
14 Kratz, AM. Homeovitics... contemporary, innovative
homeopathy. The Journal of Applied Nutrition. 48: pp. 7-9,
1996.
15 Linde K, Jonas W, et al. Critical Review and Meta-Analysis
of Serial Agitated Dilutions in Experimental Toxicology. Human &
Experimental Toxicology. 13: pp. 481-92, 1994.
16 Ghen, MJ, Kratz, AM. Homeopathic Nutraceuticals... a New
Frontier. Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association. 2: pp.
12-13, 1999.
Mitchell J. Ghen, DO, PhD, is a clinical associate
professor at NOVA Southeastern University, College of Osteopathic
Medicine, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and practices integrative medicine
with an emphasis on aging intervention and prevention.
“Xenobiotics and Cellular Detoxification”
Mitchell J. Ghen, DO, PhD
Toxins
A toxin is any agent that is capable of producing a deleterious response in a biologic system. Toxins that adversely effect humans come from all sorts of sources: processed food, tap water, prescribed and recreational drugs, working environments, our homes, the air we breathe, amalgams in our teeth, even from our clothing and laundry detergents. Almost every known chemical substance has a potential to produce injury or lead to death of the organism. We are constantly challenged by compounds that are without nutritive value. These foreign materials are both the products of our modern industrial age as well as toxins that were present during the formation of the original cell.1
Toxic substances are also referred to as xenobiotics.2 They are ingested, absorbed and inhaled. Under ideal circumstances (perfect health), the body detoxifies and eliminates all toxins,2 performing the ongoing tasks of clearing and detoxifying. The primary organ for detoxification is the liver, and many toxins must be biotransformed by the liver from fat-soluble compounds to water-soluble compounds before they can be excreted by the kidneys.
Xenobiotics biotransformed by the liver are released into the intestine through the bile. The liver has at least four transport systems for active excretion of toxins into the bile.2 Once the bile enters the intestine, it can either be reabsorbed or excreted. Reabsorption can lead to very long half-lives for xenobiotics. Clearing and detoxification causes an increase in intestinal motility which leads to a decrease in transit times. This suggests higher rates of excretion of toxins. All body secretions appear to have the ability to excrete chemicals; toxins have been found in sweat, tears, and breast milk.3
People often mistake this normal detoxification process for symptoms of disease. Many common diseases are largely due to the adaptive response of the body to stress (emotional or physical) rather than to direct damage by germs, poisons and life experience. The body's attempt to return to equilibrium or homeostasis depends on its ability to eliminate cellular toxins.4 Failure to clear the body of accumulating toxins leads, at some point, to the balance shifting in favor of the environment and against the living body. Disease is a fight for health.4
This fight for health has been transferred into "symptoms" of "disease" that we often try to eliminate to make us feel better. The body's natural corrective cleansing measures can cause discomfort and, in efforts to treat this "disease" and make it go away, vital elimination functions are often suppressed. In suppressing "symptoms" (or cleansing responses), the body may become retoxified. Many autoimmune conditions may be the result of xenobiotic retoxification as toxins that should have been eliminated are suppressed and then re-incorporated into existing and newly formed tissues. These tissues are then tainted. They are recognized as foreign by the immune system and an autoimmune condition results.
Factors such as lifestyle, dietary habits, and stress play a role in affecting the body's ability to detoxify. Constant exposure to occupational and/or environmental toxins should also be considered. However, these factors can be changed at any time. Corrective measures with positive changes can work wonders. Changes in lifestyle that include stress reduction, increases in physical activity and dietary changes are required to promote detoxification. Vitamin deficiencies (C, E, and B complex) and mineral deficiencies (copper, magnesium, and calcium) reduce the rates of xenobiotic biotransformation. Many of these nutrients are in short supply in today's highly refined and nutrient depleted diets.5 Low protein intake also has been found to increase markedly the toxicity of a number of xenobiotics.6
Another important step toward detoxification is to eliminate sources of toxic exposure from the environment. This is often easier said than done. Chemicals and metals are the most pervasive cellular toxins. Currently more than 100,000 chemicals are in commercial use today: 25% are known to be hazardous.7,8,9 Recent reports from the Environmental Protection Agency demonstrate that 100% of samples of human body fat contained toxic doses of chemicals including styrene (Styrofoam), 1,4-dichlorobenzene (moth balls, house deodorizers), and xylene (paints, gasoline). See Table 1 for this EPA study. The five most toxic trace metals are cadmium, mercury, lead, beryllium and antimony. These metals are involved in at least 50% of the deaths in the US and much of the disabling diseases.10
To assist the body's elimination of cellular stores of these xenobiotics, an approach using homeopathic nutraceuticals has been developed. This cellular detoxification is termed homeovitics.11,12,13
Cellular Detoxification
Cellular detoxification is an integrative approach to wellness that has been pioneered by Allen M. Kratz, PharmD, of Naples, Florida. Dr. Kratz, who was the first pharmacist to be appointed to the Editorial Board of The Merck Manual, and is now the coeditor of the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association (JANA), has been researching this concept for over 20 years. He is convinced that cellular toxicity is a contributing factor to aging and intends to prove that detoxification on a cellular level will have an anti-aging effect in humans.
"We know that supporting the cell on an energetic level will improve immune function," Dr. Kratz states. "Our animal studies have confirmed what we have observed in humans, that using homeopathic forms of nutraceuticals (homeovitics) prepared by serially agitated dilutions has a beneficial effect on cellular metabolism. Biochemicals, such as coenzyme Q10, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nutrients, i.e. alpha lipoic acid and tetrahydrofolic acid, in energetic, physiologic concentrations support mitochondrial function." He adds "we began using all of these substances in a homeovitic form back in the early eighties and they have since become popular as nutraceuticals.... it seems we were ahead of our time in observing that these homeovitic nutraceuticals had beneficial effects, particularly on immune function."14
In addition to this innovative approach to cellular support, Dr. Kratz is focusing on a second area of clinical research; the adverse effects of cellular toxins such as chemicals and metals and how to eliminate these toxins. By applying the same homeovitic principle he used in his original work on cellular support, Kratz developed protocols for cellular detox that help the body clear and eliminate cellular toxins. Detoxification using serially agitated dilutions was the subject of a critical review and meta-analysis of 105 published studies. Four of five outcomes meeting quality and comparability criteria showed positive effects. This 1994 review appeared in Human and Experimental Toxicology. 15
"My sense is that primary cellular toxins such as certain heavy metals and a variety of environmental chemicals can compromise many cellular systems.... they bind essential enzymes, affect electron transport cascades, and hinder DNA repair mechanisms, all leading to premature aging.... of the cell and of us," says Dr. Kratz. "So let's get the lead out, so to speak, and see if we can positively influence our aging biomarkers.... this is the essence of our current research on cellular detoxification," he concludes.
A recent article in the Winter 1999 edition of the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association16 chronicled Dr. Kratz's development of the homeovitic approach to cellular support and detoxification. It also presented a review of recent research in this field. As a coauthor of this JANA article, I have personal experience with the potential of Kratz's anti-aging protocols. My best adjective is.... exciting. My patients are benefiting from results which are anecdotal at this point and I am looking forward to participating in more formal clinical evaluations.
Pharmacist David A. Nicoletti from Tucson, Arizona, has this to say about the cellular detoxification program.... "I've seen it lower laboratory markers such as liver enzymes to normal values. People feel better, chronic illnesses improve. I have used cellular detox on at least 50 of my patients and more than 90% have benefited. This program has expanded both my pharmaceutical care and my practice opportunities." Mr. Nicoletti is a member of the American Nutraceutical Association's (ANA) Pharmacy Advisory Council and is also a Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN). He has spoken on behalf of the ANA at several pharmacy association meetings across the country.
A member of the Editorial Board of JANA, Jack O. Taylor, DC, MS, DACBN, is also a proponent of Dr. Kratz's protocols.... "To me, cellular detoxification is the place to start clinical nutrition. I have used it on all of my patients for the past 7 years, well over 1,000 individuals have benefited from this program. It is an integral part of my BioMAP." Dr. Taylor practices in Arlington Heights, Illinois and has developed a computerized BioMetabolic Assessment Program (BioMAP) for personalized evaluation of nutritional status.
After 15 years of working as a registered nurse in conventional medical settings, Deborah Burkhart, RN, CCP, embraced complementary medical approaches to wellness. In describing her experience with cellular detoxification, she says.... "cellular detox is important, make that essential, to a successful nutritional program. An unhealthy body has lost the ability to detoxify itself as it would normally do. Dr. Kratz's protocols support the body's natural detox processes."
Ms. Burkhart has researched, lectured and practiced holistic healthcare for eight years. She has a practice in nutrition, deep cleansing and rebuilding the body. In November of 1998, she started Optimal Health Center in Santa Rosa, California. The Center is an association of 15 independent practitioners providing clients with quality holistic care.
Partners in Wellness, an integrative health care organization based in Naples, Florida, has assumed the responsibility of coordinating clinical validation of Dr. Kratz's protocols for cellular detox as an anti-aging strategy. Clinicians, pharmacists and individuals with an interest in this project may contact Mary Reinhart at 800.801.9494 (or e-mail to [email protected]) or e-mail to Dr. Kratz at [email protected].
References
1 Jakoby, WB and Ziegler, DM. The enzymes of detoxification. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 265(34): pp. 20715-20718, 1990.
2 Klaassen, CD and Eaton, DL. Principles of toxicology. In: Casarett and Doull's Toxicology, MO Amdur, J Doull and CD Klaassen (Eds.) New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc., Fourth Edition, pp. 26-30, 1993.
3 Stowe, CM and Plaa, GL.Extrarenal excretion of drugs and chemicals. Annual Review of Pharmacology. 8: pp.337-356, 1968.
4 Selye, H. The Stress of Life (revised edition). New York, McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1978.
5 United States Department of Agriculture, Report #2. USRDA, Dietary Intake Studies, 1986.
6 Sipes, IG and Gandolphi, AJ. Biotransformation of toxicants. In: Casarett and Doull's Toxicology, MO Amdur, J Doull and CD Klaassen (Eds.) New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc., Fourth Edition, p. 118, 1993.
7 Lappe, M. Chemical Deception. Sierra Club Books, San Francisco, 1991.
8 Bellini, J. High Tech Holocaust. Sierra Club Books, San Francisco, 1989.
9 DNA repair works its way to the top. Science. 266(Dec. 23): 1926, 1994.
10 Schroeder, HA. The Poisons Around Us. Indiana University Press (1974) Keats Publishing. New Canaan, CT, 1994.
11 Gennaro, AR. REMINGTON: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy.19th Edition. Chapter 50: Alternative Healthcare. Mack Publishing. p. 834, 1995.
12 Pizzorno, JE and Murray, MT. A Textbook of Natural Medicine. Section 3, Contemporary Homeopathy. Churchill Livingstone. 1993.
13 Clark, CC. Encyclopedia of Complementary Health Practice. Part IV, Practices and Treatments. Springer Publishing. p. 391, 1999.
14 Kratz, AM. Homeovitics... contemporary, innovative homeopathy. The Journal of Applied Nutrition. 48: pp. 7-9, 1996.
15 Linde K, Jonas W, et al. Critical Review and Meta-Analysis of Serial Agitated Dilutions in Experimental Toxicology. Human & Experimental Toxicology. 13: pp. 481-92, 1994.
16 Ghen, MJ, Kratz, AM. Homeopathic Nutraceuticals... a New Frontier. Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association. 2: pp. 12-13, 1999.
Mitchell J. Ghen, DO, PhD, is a clinical associate professor at NOVA Southeastern University, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and practices integrative medicine with an emphasis on aging intervention and prevention.