Only substances that are easily dissolved in water, or water-soluble, can be effectively excreted from the body. Toxic compounds, however, are typically stored as fatty molecules and, therefore, do not mix well in water. The detoxification process transforms these toxic, fat-soluble substances into harmless, water-soluble molecules which can then be excreted out of the body.
Detoxification systems in the body can be summarized in 3 phases:
Liver Function Phase 1:
- Fat-soluble toxins are transformed into intermediate compounds which can be more reactive, but bind more easily to non-toxic, water-soluble molecules in Phase II
Liver Function Phase II:
- Formation between the reactive intermediates and water-soluble molecules make the entire compound harmless and ready for excretion out of the body
- Without enough supportive Phase II substances, the reactive intermediates can attack healthy tissues and may cause damage
Excretion:
- Neutralized toxins, now made water-soluble, are removed from the body in urine via the kidneys or in bile/feces through the intestines
There is Nutritional Support for Detoxification
Studies have shown that the overall detoxification process is heavily nutrient-dependent, whereby key steps are fueled by vitamins, minerals, and other major food components.
Here are a few nutrients that may help maintain and improve detoxification:
- Zinc, pantothenic acid, and beneficial probiotics
- Vitamins A, B3, B6, B12, C, E, beta-carotene, and folates
- Amino acids L-cysteine, L-glutamine, and taurine
- N-acetylcysteine, sodium sulfate, and L-glutathione
- Green tea catechins
- Low-allergy-potential protein/carbohydrates
