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Introduction
There have been many claims made about the benefits of a detoxification “protocol” or “plan”, based on specific dietary and supplemental regimens. Many of the arguments propose that many things we come into contact with are toxins and they can accumulate and compound in effect over time, causing a range of issues. Therefore, by removing these toxins (via a “detoxification protocol”), we can have better health.
And indeed it is well known that there are a large number of toxins in the environment, many of which can potentially be deleterious to health. And it also known that many nutrients are involed in processes of the body’s detoxification pathways.
However, is there any evidence that a detoxification diet, plan or “protocol” improves health? Is there any reason to suggest targeting certain nutrients or supplements leads to “better detoxification”? And do we need to avoid non-organic food, toothpaste and non-stick frying plans in avoid to avoid these toxins?
This Quack Asylum episode evaluates these claims.
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- [02:02]Understanding chronotypes
- [06:26]Measuring chronotypes
- [15:12]Genetic and environmental influences on chronotypes
- [28:34]Health implications of chronotypes
- [52:21]Practical applications
The Hosts
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Dr. Alan Flanagan has a PhD in nutrition from the University of Surrey, where his doctoral research focused on circadian rhythms, feeding, and chrononutrition.
This work was based on human intervention trials. He also has a Masters in Nutritional Medicine from the same institution.
Dr. Flanagan is a regular co-host of Sigma Nutrition Radio. He also produces written content for Sigma Nutrition, as part of his role as Research Communication Officer.
Danny Lennon has a master’s degree (MSc.) in Nutritional Sciences from University College Cork, and he is the founder of Sigma Nutrition.
Danny is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Sports Nutrition Association, the global regulatory body responsible for the standardisation of best practice in the sports nutrition profession.
Detailed Study Notes
The Detox Argument
Dr. Mark Hyman is one person who has promoted detoxification “protocols” or diets on the basis of our exposure to toxins; at the start of this discussion he states that “everyone is a toxic waste dump”.
Basically the argument people put forward is something along the lines of… ‘many things we come into contact with are “toxins” and they can accumulate and compound in effect over time, causing a range of issues. Therefore, by removing these toxins (via a “detoxification protocol”), we can have better health.’
Example of such rhetoric: “Emerging research continues to support the hypothesis that toxicity is a major contributor to many chronic disease states. Many would argue that levels of individual toxins found in our food, water and environment are not significant enough to cause harm, however it is often the compounded effects of multiple poison exposure which is the greatest concern.” – Fx Medicine Australia
Indeed, as is common with the many topics we tackle in Quack Asylum episodes, there is some truth mixed into a broader incorrect position. So for example, in this case, the following things are indeed true:
- There indeed are many toxins in the environment that make their way into the body
- Industrialization and modernization have increased the number of these toxins
- There are detox pathways in the body, particularly at the liver
- Nutrients impact the functioning of these pathways
Many people promoting the need for detoxification, simply don’t understand that the body (particularly due to the roles of the liver and kidneys) can adequately detoxify us.
However, some advocates do accept our bodies can detoxify, and agree. But say that it’s an issue with total toxin burden (i.e. we just can’t clear the amount that we come in contact with in our modern environment). And example of this highlighted in the episode was Chris Kresser’s commentary here at [10.03 – 12.08].
Two aspects to consider:
- Do we need to avoid all the mentioned “toxins”?
- Does a “detoxification protocol/diet” lead to toxin elimination and improved health?