Here are some supplements you can take to increase your detoxification capacity.

Taurine. This sulfur-containing amino acid, which has been shown to improve detoxification systems, can cause a drop in blood sugar in people with reactive hypoglycemia. Such individuals should take the tablet or capsules with meals. The dose is 500 mg taken 30 minutes before a meal two or three times a day.

Selenomethionine. Foods and supplements that contain selenium improve several detoxification systems. Garlic and shallots have high levels of selenium compounds. The dose for supplements should be no more than 200 mcg a day with food. Higher doses can have some toxicity.

R-Lipoic Acid. This compound, also called thioctic acid, is found naturally in all cells and tissues of the body, and is a very powerful and versatile antioxidant. It also greatly improves the ability of the liver and cells to detoxify important environmental poisons. The dose is 100 mg twice a day with a meal for general protection, and as high as 600 mg three times a day for those at high risk for exposure.

Silymarin. A compound isolated from the milk thistle plant, silymarin has shown tremendous ability to improve detoxification, even when a person has been exposed to powerful liver toxins. The dose is 200 mg a day for general maintenance, and 200 mg to 400 mg three times a day when heavily exposed to toxins.

Curcumin and Quercetin. Both of these natural compounds protect the liver and improve detoxification. In combination, they are a very powerful anti-inflammatory regimen.

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC). This compound increases the level of glutathione and hence glutathione-S-transferase detoxification enzymes. Both are critical for detoxification.

Calcium D-Glucarate. This natural compound is found in apples, broccoli, grapefruit, and many other vegetables. It plays a vital role in one of the most important detoxification systems (called the glucuronidation pathway).

Rosemary. This spice contains a chemical called carnosol, which also induces glutathione-S-transferase.

Bladderwrack Extract. This extract is important for detoxification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, one of the common constituents of particulate pollution.

Dark Chocolate. Cocoa contains a number of polyphenol chemicals that have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that dark chocolate protects the cardiovascular system and brain against the harmful effects of air pollution. You should eat chocolate with at least 60 percent pure cocoa.