Certain body systems only activate certain processes when the body isn't processing food. Firstly, the gut is an immune organ. Think of it this way: this inside of the digestive system is technically outside the body. It is a continuous tube mouth to anus, and functions as an interface between the outside world and systemic circulation - both blood and lymphatic. The gut has GALT - Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue [1]. Lymphatic tissue is an immune system organ and a waste disposal system [2].
It's important to note that all (most) fats are first absorbed by the GALT (specically Lacteals [3]), where it then takes some time to enter blood circulation - the Thorasic Duct [4] (largest lymph vessel) drains in to the Subclavian Vein [5] - so any fat soluble toxins (as in, fat soluble non-nutrients and / or outright toxic molecules) are absorbed by the GALT and removed by white blood cells. Only when this system isn't being stressed by our regular (and typically poor) food intake can the immune system attend to it's ordinary tasks of dealing with regular cellular waste products.
Aditionally, Caffeine consumption reduces immune activity [6]. Alcohol (ethanol) is a Type 1 / Group A carcinogen [7] - why doesn't alcohol packaging state this in the same way cigarette packaging does (in Australia, at least).
Full Disclosure: this is my field of expertise, I hold an Advanced Diploma in Clinical Nutrition from an Australian Nationally Accredit Training organisation. I have been actively studying this field for over ten years.
It's important to note that all (most) fats are first absorbed by the GALT (specically Lacteals [3]), where it then takes some time to enter blood circulation - the Thorasic Duct [4] (largest lymph vessel) drains in to the Subclavian Vein [5] - so any fat soluble toxins (as in, fat soluble non-nutrients and / or outright toxic molecules) are absorbed by the GALT and removed by white blood cells. Only when this system isn't being stressed by our regular (and typically poor) food intake can the immune system attend to it's ordinary tasks of dealing with regular cellular waste products.
Aditionally, Caffeine consumption reduces immune activity [6]. Alcohol (ethanol) is a Type 1 / Group A carcinogen [7] - why doesn't alcohol packaging state this in the same way cigarette packaging does (in Australia, at least).
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gut-associated_lymphoid_tissue
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lymphatic_system
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lacteal
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoracic_duct
5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subclavian_vein
6. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1567576904...
7. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/othercarcinogens/g...
Full Disclosure: this is my field of expertise, I hold an Advanced Diploma in Clinical Nutrition from an Australian Nationally Accredit Training organisation. I have been actively studying this field for over ten years.
Edit: link to my blog http://thecurrentstandard.wordpress.com