Detoxifying the Liver
JP: What type of prescription do you use to detoxify the liver?
Dr. S: In my office, I have access to IV administration, which I would use if a patient has a severe liver condition such as hepatitis. However, for a simple detox, there are a few key steps:
- Fix the diet – Ensure they’re eating properly.
- Provide enzymes – The liver, believe it or not, produces enzymes, so supplementing with them can ease its workload.
The Timing of Digestive Enzymes
JP: Let me interrupt for a second. When should digestive enzymes be taken—before, during, or after a meal? Everyone seems to have a different opinion.
Dr. S: As soon as you start chewing, your body begins to produce enzymes. However, the timing of enzyme supplementation depends on the purpose:
- If someone has low stomach acid, give them HCL at the beginning of the meal and digestive enzymes 30 minutes after to aid digestion.
- If acid production is normal, they can take a broad-spectrum enzyme during their meal.
- If taking enzymes for anti-inflammatory purposes, they should be taken on an empty stomach between meals.
- If the goal is to reduce stress on the liver and pancreas, take enzymes 30 minutes before eating to allow them to enter the system beforehand.
Liver Function and Supplementation
JP: Got it. Let’s get back to liver detoxification.
Dr. S: Yes, and by the way, anyone who trains regularly will have elevated liver enzymes. The liver works harder when you exercise—there’s no doubt about that.
For detoxification, I recommend:
- Digestive enzymes (as discussed earlier)
- Glutathione
- Alpha-lipoic acid
- High doses of vitamin C (at least 3 grams orally)
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) – The liver is one of the most metabolically active organs in the body, meaning it has high mitochondrial activity and needs CoQ10 for support.
Avoid casein protein, as it forms a thick glob in the stomach and is difficult to digest. Casein is a common allergen, and the liver must produce antibodies to deal with it, which can overwork the organ.
The Best Protein for Recovery
JP: What about whey protein?
Dr. S: Whey is fine, preferably hydrolyzed whey. Normally, I favor quality whey protein concentrate, but in this case, it may not be ideal due to its higher lactose content, and many people are lactose intolerant.
However, if I had to choose only one protein source, it would be breast milk! Why? Because it contains:
- Colostrum
- Immunoglobulins (IGGs, IGMs)
- Lactoferrin
- Essential growth factors for human development
There’s no other protein source quite like breast milk. Period.
A product called Colostrum 80/40 provides growth and immune factors without casein or lactose. We tested it in a study, and after six weeks of supplementation, subjects gained over 10 pounds of muscle—without changing their lifestyle! No drugs, no other modifications. The product replicates the growth properties found in mother’s milk, and it really works!
Cleansing Diets and Detox Supplements
JP: That’s impressive! Let’s switch gears. How do you feel about cleansing diets and detox supplements? There are kits available for liver and colon cleansing, heavy metal detoxification, parasite removal, and so on. Would it be beneficial to use these periodically, say every 3-4 months?
Dr. S: First of all, I wouldn’t call them “cleansing” products—they’re therapeutic products because they treat a specific condition.
As for cleansing diets, I would never advocate:
- A complete fast where you go without food for several days.
- A juice fast, which is very unhealthy.
Instead, I recommend:
- Increasing fluid intake – Water, soup, and bone broth.
- Using digestive enzymes – These should be taken both with meals and between meals to support digestion and detoxification.
Can You Take Too Many Enzymes?
JP: Can you take too many enzymes in a day? Could excessive consumption shut down the body’s natural enzyme production?
Dr. S: No, that won’t happen. Enzymes work by forming complexes with those already in the body, and over time, these complexes are broken down and digested naturally. There’s no risk of shutting down endogenous enzyme production.
The Power of Organ Meats
JP: You’ve mentioned before that organ meats are extremely nutrient-dense and should be consumed more often for improved health and athletic performance. Can you expand on that?
Dr. S: In 1962, there was an interesting study where researchers:
- Took various animal organs (e.g., liver, heart).
- Chopped them up and marked them with a radioactive tracer.
- Tracked where the nutrients ended up in the human body.
Results? 71% of the chopped-up heart ended up in the human heart! Chopped liver ended up in the liver, and so on. Why this happens, we don’t know—only God knows!
Look at the animal kingdom. When a lion kills its prey, the alpha lion eats the liver first. No one else touches it—only the king. Why? Something is going on here, but we don’t have all the answers.
In North America, we’re the only culture that doesn’t routinely eat organ meats. Where I come from, we eat everything—tongue, heart, lungs—you name it! Back in Puerto Rico, boxers used to recommend consuming organ meats for improved performance.
Bovine vs. Porcine Organ Supplements
JP: Out of curiosity, are bovine or porcine organ concentrates better in supplements?
Dr. S: If the source is organic, go with bovine. If it’s not organic, use porcine—you don’t want to mess with mad cow disease.
Tomorrow in Part 5…
We’ll discuss:
- Why vitamin E might be a ‘complex’ issue
- Hydrogen peroxide IV drips
- A protocol that significantly improves workout recovery
- How to enhance fish oil absorption
- Solutions for skin problems
