Effect of toxic trace element detoxification, body fat reduction following four-week intake of the Wellnessup diet: a three-arm, randomized clinical trial

Nutritional Management of Thyroiditis of Hashimoto

Since the thyroid gland is one of the organs most affected by autoimmune processes, many patients with thyroiditis of Hashimoto (TH) seek medical advice on lifestyle variance and dietary modifications to improve and maintain their hyroid function. In this review, we aim to present and discuss some challenges associated with the nutritional management of TH, focusing on environmental and dietary deficits, inflammatory and toxic nutrients, cyanotoxins, etc. We discuss the relationships among different diets, chronic inflammation, and microbiota, and their impact on the development and exacerbation of TH in detail. We share some novel insights into the role of vitamin D and melatonin for preserving thyroid function during chronic inflammation in autoimmune predisposed subjects. A comprehensive overview is provided on anti-inflammatory nutrients and ecological diets, including foods for cleansing and detoxification, which represent strategies to prevent relapses and achieve overall improvement of life quality. In conclusion, data from biomedical and clinical studies provide evidence that an appropriate dietary and lighting regimen could significantly improve the function of the thyroid gland and reduce the reactivity of autoantibodies in TH. Compliance with nutritional guidelines may help TH patients to reduce the need for medicines.

Excretion of Heavy Metals and Glyphosate in Urine and Hair Before and After Long-Term Fasting in Humans

Background: Dietary exposure to environmental pollutants in humans is an important public health concern. While long-term fasting interrupts the dietary exposure to these substances, fat mobilization as an energy source may also release bioaccumulated substances. This was, to our knowledge, only investigated in obese people decades ago. This study explored the effects of 10-days fasting on the excretion of heavy metals and glyphosate.

Methods: Urinary levels of arsenic, chromium, cobalt, lead, nickel, mercury and glyphosate were measured before and after 10 fasting days in 109 healthy subjects. Additionally, hair analysis was done before and ten weeks after fasting in 22 subjects.

Results: Fasting caused a decrease in body weight, and in urinary arsenic (by 72%) and nickel (by 15%) concentrations. A decrease in lead hair concentrations (by 30%) was documented. Urinary mercury levels were unchanged for chromium, cobalt and glyphosate, which were undetectable in most of the subjects. Additionally, fatigue, sleep disorders, headache and hunger were reduced. Body discomfort symptoms diminished four weeks after food reintroduction.

Conclusions: The results of this study provide the first insights into the changes in heavy metal excretion caused by long-term fasting. Further studies focusing on the kinetics of efflux between different compartments of the body are needed.

Clinical Trial Registration:https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00016657, identifier: DRKS00016657.

Detoxification Enhanced Lifestyle Intervention Targeting Endotoxemia (DELITE) in the Setting of Obesity and Pain: Results of a Pilot Group Intervention

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a complex multifactorial disorder affecting a growing proportion of the population. While therapeutic lifestyle change (TLC) is foundational, results of interventional programs are often inconsistent. Factors related to systemic inflammation, toxin load and endotoxemia have been postulated to play a contributory role. This pilot study sought to evaluate the role of TLC with enhanced laboratory evaluation and interventions to address these emerging therapeutic targets.

METHODS

Twelve participants with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 (or 27 with metabolic co-morbidities) were recruited from an outpatient clinic for participation with a primary outcome of pre/post changes in body composition. Participants completed a 12-week program involving weekly group and individualized dietary, exercise, and behavioral support, supplemented with a commercial, 30-day dietary detoxification intervention and ongoing nutritional counseling. All participants completed baseline and post-intervention evaluation including metabolic, toxin load, endotoxin, body composition and functional fitness profiles.

RESULTS

After 12-weeks, participants as a group significantly improved body composition parameters including BMI, body fat, fat mass, and waist and hip circumference (P < .01). Significant improvement in several secondary outcomes including levels of lipopolysaccharide, zonulin and leptin were noted. Additionally, results demonstrate substantial improvements in pain, pain interference and functional fitness. Upon completion, all participants rated the program favorably with a high likelihood of continuing or recommending participation to others.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity remains a challenging and often refractory clinical scenario with emerging evidence indicating the potential role of systemic inflammation, toxin load and endotoxemia. A group therapeutic lifestyle change program enhanced with a detoxification component is feasible and may provide a promising intervention for achieving weight loss while also addressing functional and pain related co-morbidities. Future randomized trials evaluating the components of such a program are needed to better delineate the role of specific interventions in the complex setting of obesity.