It turns out my mother is the reason I have a healthy skepticism gene. We had coffee recently with a friend of hers who is around the bend over homeopathy and her daughter is as well. While I don’t know how much money is tied up in their 20 pill a day habit, in order for this friend to see this homeopath in whom she has great unwavering faith, she has to drive for 8 hours as well. Mom asked her if she’d Googled any of these so-called cures she was taking for various things but this friend hasn’t done any research into what she’s been instructed to take.
So, about this liver toxin thing. The friend had recently learned hers was 44% toxic. Mother, kudos to her, immediately asked how that was determined; at least a doctor uses a blood test to track liver function. Friend said something about checking eyeballs and teeth, which now that I’ve found links, may not be entirely crackpot methods.
Anyway, the woman was going to spend the weekend guzzling Epsom salt water and staying within running distance of a toilet in order to perform a proper cleanse. Mom also asked how her liver got that bad, as she tends to eat pretty healthy anyway and is quite fit. Apparently her liver’s been saving it up for 60 years besides.
Later when we were by ourselves, I high-fived my mother for the first time ever. I was so proud of her. This friend is a teacher’s aide and no slouch in the brain department, and yet when it comes to homeopathy, her brain passes on doing any thinking about it except in terms of what pill to swallow next.
As this is nothing I know anything about, I’ve done a bit of liver toxin Googling myself. First up, Detox Drops(TM):
Detox Drops is a 100% safe, non-addictive natural herbal remedy formulated for teens and adults by our team of natural health experts. Detox Drops contains a selection of herbs known for their supportive function in maintaining liver health and well-being.
Detox Drops can be used as part of a gentle detoxification program to safely cleanse and flush out the system. It supports the body’s natural ability to remove toxins and waste by-products, without harmful side effects.
Bold was in the original. Ingredients include dandelion, fennel, and African geranium for the great low price of $35.95, but if you buy two you get another free. A similar product is offered by the same company under the name Liver Dr. and has dandelion, milk thistle and vervain in it. Both products claim 15 drops of the stuff three times a day. Liver Dr. says for 6 weeks, Detox Drops says same, adding that three weeks of the same dosing can be used any time you feel sluggish. One bottle of Liver Dr. or Detox Drops is predicted to last a person 3-4 weeks. The Detox Drops site suggests using both DD and LD in tandem for best results.
I found a link to a .pdf pamphlet with a “free” toxicity test, but in order to get the cure, I’d have to join The Centre for Health & Well Being and take the whole course of antidote.
The Core Cleanse Program is a four-week detoxification program which includes:
• 12 treatments of mild electrical stimulation to 40 lymphatic drainage and meridian
points
• Analysis throughout the program to track progress
• A set of self-adhesive pads that only you use (and keep)
• Simple dietary guidelines, meal plans and recipes which support the detoxification
process
• On-going consultations and phone support throughout the entire program
Something tells me that is not free at all.
eHow tries to explain why Epsom salts are a vital part of the detox process:
Chelation is the process in which an organic chemical is introduced into the bloodstream that bonds with heavy metals such as lead or mercury in order to “carry” or “flush” them out of the body. Most chelation therapy usually involves a physician. However, Epsom salts can act as a natural form of chelation when added to your bath at home.
I don’t quite get how the salt is supposed to get into the blood if most of it winds up on the skin and needs rinsing off before you leave the tub. Perhaps it needs mentioning that the source for this useful information is the Epsom Salt Council, a group that no doubt wants more people to use the stuff. Is there truth to the science here, that magnesium is absorbed through the skin and can do a better job than a pill might? Still, that’s just soaking. This friend wants to drink the damn stuff.
From the look of things, magnesium poisoning can be avoided if it’s diluted enough and all that will happen is.. constipation relief. Hence this friend’s need to remain near the john for a few days, I see.
I’m still unsure of how cleaning out one’s bowels really well will fix liver toxicity, but whatever. No doubt there’s more to the regime than she had time to get into.
It looks as though the milk thistle research is sound, but still, if you’re worried about the state of your liver, get a physician to check things out and get some tests done. Homeopathy likely has some uses, but don’t go there for all your answers and hope it’ll provide a cure. The best it can probably do is not make things worse.
One Minion's Opinion 