The Purification Prescription

According to Hendler ( The Oxygen Breakthrough ), reducing the number of toxins in our environment--and others we take in, such as alcohol and drugs--can help us achieve better health. Few would argue with that premise, but unfortunately Hendler's views are yet another dreary rehash of an old theme: we are poisoning ourselves. Particularly disturbing is the author's emphasis on illegal and addictive drugs. He contends that prescription drugs, as well as herbs and nutrients, can detoxify or remedy such an addiction, and underplays the need for comprehensive professional medical, psychological, nutritional and medical treatment. Chemical and substance abusers aren't the only ones who have provoked his wrath. Hendler also views workaholics as ``engaging in a behavior more self-destructive than that of heroin addicts'' because they are often ``highly neglectful or directly abusive of spouse, children, and others.'' Moreover, health care professionals may question his nutritional recommendations. He recommends the use of L-tryptophan, an amino acid, for several health-related problems, without mentioning that the substance has been banned by the U.S. government. (Jan.)