Detoxification, Toxins, and You

You may be thinking about performing a detoxification protocol due to some health concerns. This may clear the obvious health issues but can also benefit the body in more subtle ways.

When toxic chemicals and metabolites accumulate in the body the elimination systems become overloaded, under resourced or possibly were epigenetically down-regulated. In these scenarios, the body can become progressively more sensitive to chemical exposures, even some may not be generally considered toxic, but in this case are not able to be dealt with effectively, causing a sub-optimal situation. This can lead to a scenario of multiple chemical sensitivity, and in some cases immune system activation.

The body, overburdened with toxins will start to manifest symptoms, drawing your attention to its plight, in expectation of you rectifying the issue.

These can include:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Digestive dysfunctions-
• Coated tongue, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating bad breath, reflux.
• Weight gain
• Blood sugar imbalances
• Fatigue
• Mood changes
• Skin issues – rashes, hives, dermatitis, pellagra, acne, psoriasis
• Allergy – wheezing, hives, mast cell response
• Brain and cognitive issues – mood swings, brain fog, poor memory

Optimal liver function is important for sleep and sleep is important for detoxification, a major function of the liver. The liver plays a central role in may metabolic pathways, so any general interference with liver function can have extremely diverse effects. For example, impaired liver function may lead to problems in uric acid metabolism, and hence to gout or difficulties in maintaining circulation, to problems in protein synthesis, growth and development and even kidney function.

Functions of the liver:

1. Regulates carbohydrate metabolism
2. Has storage functions
3. Regulates protein metabolism
4. Detoxifies many toxic substances

Liver function is very important – a healthy liver plays a role in maintaining a healthy weight as it is the organ in the body that detoxifies the blood stream.

Phase 1 Detoxification

The phase 1 pathway of detoxification involves a group of enzymes collectively called Cytochrome P450. During phase 1, toxins are broken down usually by oxidation, reduction and hydrolysis. This can either transform the toxin into a water-soluble form which allows excretion by the kidneys or converts it to a more chemically active form to be metabolised further by phase 2.

Phase 1 detoxification results in the production of free radicals as the toxins are transformed. Without sufficient antioxidant protection, these free radicals can damage the liver and other body tissues.

Phase 1 also must be balanced by phase 2, to finish the detoxification process and if phase 2 detoxification is not working efficiently, toxic intermediates can build up in the body causing damage.

Nutritional Support for Phase 1 Liver Detoxification

Product	Nutrients	Action	Dose
Sleep and Detox Nutrients	Niacin, riboflavin, zinc, magnesium, thiamine, quercetin, folic acid, vitamin B6, Vitamin C, high protein diet, leucine, isoleucine and valine	Regulate phase 1 activity. B Vitamins are co-factors for enzymes involved in Phase I detox activities.	1 serve per day
	Cysteine, glycine, glutamine, vitamin C	Precursor nutrients for glutathione production; counteracts free radicals produced through phase 1 detox.
	Vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, magnesium, manganese, quercetin	Antioxidant nutrients to counteract and neutralise free radicals produced from phase I detox

Phase 2 Detoxification

There are differing pathways in phase 2 liver detoxification. Certain toxins are bound (conjugated) by different substances to be excreted. A few of these pathways are briefly explained below.

Glucuronidation

In the process of glucuronidation, glucuronic acid is added to toxic compounds. Oestrogens are bound this way, as are many drugs, such as steroids, morphine, diazepam, aspirin and salicylates. These substances are then excreted in either urine or bile. A yellow sclera (the white of the eye) and jaundice are signs of decreased glucuronidation.

Sulphation

Sulphation is the major pathway for detoxification of amine neurotransmitters and steroid hormones including testosterone and thyroid hormone. It also binds substances such as preservatives and artificial food colourings. These substances are converted into soluble forms to be excreted in the urine or bile.

This pathway requires sulphur containing compounds to act as sulphur donors for the process. These usually include the amino acids cysteine, N-acetylcysteine, methionine and taurine.

Glutathionation

This is the process of glutathione conjugation, which binds toxins such as heavy metals, pesticides and solvents, to be excreted in the urine or bile. High levels of exposure to toxins, therefore depletes glutathione quickly leading to increased susceptibility to diseases such as chronic fatigue syndrome.

Drugs detoxified by this process include paracetamol, certain substances in cigarette smoke, antibiotics, some insecticides and the heavy metals mercury, cadmium and lead.

Glycination

Glycination is involved in the metabolism of salicylic acids and benzoic acids for elimination. Glycine is the most important amino acid for this process.

Acetylation

Acetylation involves the conjugation of substrates with acetyl CoA. This substance is produced within the body and is also involved with other aspects of metabolism including the Krebs cycle.

Methylation

Methylation involves conjugation of a substrate with a methyl group. Methionine is the chief methyl donor. Methionine and cofactors such as choline, vitamin B12 and folic acid are involved in the synthesis of SAMe (s-adenosylmethionine). SAMe dependent enzymes catalyse methylation reactions. It may be possible to measure serum homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folic acid levels to determine methylation reactions. High homocysteine, lower B12 and folic acid may indicate a decrease in methylation capacity. This is often the pathway most often disturbed in chemically sensitive patients.

Testing

Functional Liver Detoxification Profile

Nutritional Support for Phase II Liver Detoxification

Product	Nutrients	Action	Dose
Sleep and Detox Nutrients	Calcium-d-glucarate, magnesium	Supports glucuronidation pathway	1 serve per day
	Glycine, glutamine	Supports glycination pathway
	Cysteine, glutamine, glycine, selenium, vitamin B6, B12, folate, rosemary	Supports glutathionation pathway and glutathione production
	Cysteine, carnitine, pantothenic acid	Supports acetylation pathway
	Cysteine, taurine, vitamin A, adequate protein	Supports sulphation pathway
	Betaine (TMG), vitamins B12, B6, folic acid	Supports methylation pathway

Additional Supplements to Consider

Product	Nutrients	Action	Dose
LMII	Methionine, taurine, choline, vitamins B12, folic acid, B6, magnesium, glutamic acid	Supports phase II pathways including methylation and sulphation	2 tablets twice daily
Detoxification Nutrients	Glutamine, cysteine, broccoli sprout extract, garlic,	Supports phase II pathways including glutathionation;	2 tablets twice daily
	vitamin C, selenium, zinc, pine bark extract, grape seed extract	provides antioxidant support.

Detoxification in Practice

After testing and data collection your practitioner will design a specific detox program for you that will likely involve changes in diet, lifestyle and environmental exposures. It may involve supplements similar to the ones above, to enhance phase 1 and 2 capacity and the ability to eliminate chemicals and toxins from the body.

Initial Steps:

• Identify sources of toxin exposure, reduce or remove.
• Identify and procure foods suitable for the protocol and any supplements.
• Focus on sleep hygiene.

Prime the Body for Detox Protocol

It is ideal to start detoxification gently to minimise Herxheimer reactions, and allow the body to tolerate the release of toxins.

• Consider starting with Colonic Hydrotherapy to remove bowel bacteria that may be harmful and clear the bowel of waste material and biofilms, allowing for better absorption and waste removal.
• Consider infrared/classic sauna of steam room detoxification. Remember to shower and wash sweat off the skin immediately after sauna. This is to prevent reabsorption.
• Increase hydration. 35 mils per kg of body weight is generally safe and sufficient.

Start the Detoxification Protocol

• While the protocol is in process, support the liver, its function and capcity to eliminate and excrete.
• Binders may also be helpful here.

Post Protocol

• Maintain hydration
• Continue with sauna
• Continue with low toxin exposure in lifestyle
• Focus on sleep

To wrap up, it’s really important to know about toxins around us and try to avoid them as much as we can. We can’t get rid of all toxins, but we can definitely reduce how many we come into contact with. Detoxing isn’t just something you do once; it’s about making better choices every day, like what you eat, where you live, and how you work. If you’re worried about toxins, talk to a doctor or health expert to make a plan that’s right for you. By helping your body get rid of toxins and being careful about what you’re around, you can feel better and be healthier. Let’s all try to live in a way that’s more aware of toxins and healthier for us!