So, you probably heard of all kinds of
cleansing or detoxification programs out there, but the truth is that a lot of
cleansing products have little actual detoxifying effect. True detoxification has to be distinguished
from so commonly seen purgative and diuretic effects. While promoting the function of bowels and
kidneys is important, true detoxification can only occur at a cellular
level. So, how do our cells accomplish
this? Well, I can demystify this marvelous process
that takes place in our bodies every single day.
Our bodies are capable of getting rid of many
poisonous or harmful substances out of our systems through various ways: bowels,
kidneys, lymphatics, liver, lungs and skin. Some of the well known toxins we are exposed
to are: environmental pollutants, pesticides, toxic pharmaceuticals, heavy metals,
cigarette smoke, various carcinogens, exhaust fumes etc. The
major and most important organ responsible for detoxifying these harmful
substances is our liver. Among many
other responsibilities that the liver has been entrusted with, the liver acts as
the processing center and filter to help keep us healthy.
OK, so liver is important but how does it
accomplish this huge task of detoxification?
The liver is equipped with 2 major detoxification pathways known as
Phase I and Phase II.
Phase I detoxification involves cytochrome P450
enzymes. It is the first step in
neutralizing toxins in our body. Phase I
will attempt to change the toxin’s chemical composition enough to make it
possible for it to be picked up by Phase II pathway. It is accomplished by using oxidation,
reduction, hydrolysis, hydration and dehalogenation reactions. All this means is that, by using the above
reactions, the toxins in question are primed or prepared for the final step –
Phase II. Unfortunately, many times,
these half processed chemicals (called intermediate metabolites) can be more
dangerous or active then its original form.
This is where the importance of unhindered and well functioning Phase II
comes in.
Phase II pathway is central to an effective
detoxification. It needs to work well to
get rid of all the active Phase I intermediates; otherwise we create a bottle
neck that lets active toxins circulate throughout our body and potentially
damaging tissues in their path. Phase II
utilizes conjugation reactions like: sulfation, glucuronidation, glutathione,
amino acid conjugation, acetlylation, methylation. These reactions allow the intermediates to be
neutralized and made more water soluble and therefore can exit our bodies.
Although, Phase I pathways play an extremely
important role in detoxification, it is Phase II that ultimately does the job
and makes it possible for toxins to leave our bodies. So, whenever you encounter a detoxification
product or program you must wonder what does it really do? Does it affect Phase I or Phase II or both?
Needless to say, that healthy lifestyle and
diet are indispensable to everyday detoxification, but here are some tips on
how to nutritionally stimulate the two phases of liver detoxification on daily
basis:
Phase I: B complex
vitamins, folic acid, milk thistle, Vitamin E, selenium
Phase II: Sulforaphane,
schizandra, taurine, N-acetlylcysteine, glutamine, glycine
It is
important to keep in mind that everybody is different and detoxification programs
have to reflect that as well. It is best
to see a professional health practitioner to have the right detoxification
program chosen for you given your overall health assessment.
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