Decoding Detoxification

As exposure to toxins increases, so does the need for detoxification. Fortunately, the human body detoxifies, naturally! Although detoxification is an intrinsic function of the body, therapeutic protocols have become a way to decrease the body’s toxin burden.1 A quick look online reveals many diets, cleanses, facilities, and programs that promote themselves as being essential to detoxification. Yet ultimately, no matter what foods you eat or protocol you follow, the body’s internal systems must be functioning properly to mobilize, bio-transform and eliminate the toxins.2 The good news is that a little understanding and proper support can go a long way to help keep you feeling great and detoxifying as your body is meant to.

The Physical Process of Detoxification
Toxins are often stored in fatty tissue, organs and cell membranes. Removing toxins involves two primary phases. In Phase I, the interaction of specific enzymes breaks down and mobilizes toxins into intermediates so they can be processed. Phase II modifies the intermediates to be water soluble for elimination. These phases occur primarily in the liver and small intestines, and also the kidneys, lungs and brain. Elimination can occur through the feces from the intestines, urine from the kidneys, carbon dioxide from the lungs and sweat from the skin.3

Affecting Mobilization and Elimination
Foods and herbs can influence detoxification by activating or inhibiting certain parts of the phases of detoxification, as well as improving elimination.4 For example, naringenin from grapefruits inhibits certain Phase I enzymes, and cigarette smoke induces activity of other enzymes5 (no, I’m not suggesting you smoke cigarettes!); ellagic acid in red grapes and chemicals in cruciferous vegetables induce part of phase II conjugation, and lack of sulfate inhibits a different part of it.6

Heavy metals can be mobilized by chelating agents that bind with the metal producing a form that can be eliminated, however, minerals such as zinc, copper and manganese can also be depleted.7 Examples of chelating agents are dimercaptosuccinic acid (a heavy metal toxicity medication) or alginate and fucoidan from brown algae.8 Internallyproduced glutathione is particularly potent, yet other natural chelators such as cilantro9 or chlorella have had mixed scientific evidence of effectiveness.

Xenobiotics, or environmental organic toxicants, are often in a fat-soluble form and more difficult to clear as the body is designed to hold onto fat.10 Sauna therapy and exercise that induce sweating can mobilize these toxins,11 as well as encourage fat loss. However, once mobilized, the toxins still have to pass through Phase I and II detoxification, primarily as they pass through the liver, to be conjugated in order to be excreted.

Why Can’t I Just Fast?
For some people, fasting for a short period of time can be rejuvenating and can help improve immune function and arthritis.12 However, it can also trigger hypoglycemia and lead to nutritional deficiencies.13 It may depend on how well their detoxification system is handling the removal of toxins. Both phases of detoxification require nutrients to function well.

Phase I needs sufficient phytonutrients, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins to conjugate the toxin into an intermediate, which may be more toxic than the original toxin.14 Phase II detoxification, which clears these intermediates and other toxins needs sufficient amino acids obtained from complete protein sources and B vitamins.15 So, while fasting can give the body a rest from incoming toxins, it can deplete the necessary nutrients the body needs. Food supports the natural detoxification system.

Taking the First Steps
The phases of our detoxification system need to work together in balance. So, it isn’t possible to say it is either good or bad to try to induce or inhibit function by just fasting, taking a supplement or eating certain kinds of foods.16

While you may benefit from following a detox plan, before you decide to embark on a rigorous protocol with professional help, I would suggest supporting your system by removing food, beverage and environmental toxins; implementing a whole food diet with moderate calorie restriction; engaging in appropriate exercise, hydrotherapy or sauna; supporting gut health and improving elimination. Most importantly, seek help and support through a qualified practitioner.

Susan Blake, NTP, MS, CGP, is a local nutritional therapist focused on integrating mind, body, spirit and food. If you are ready to change your lifestyle and develop true health, contact The Whole Body Shop at sblake@thewholebodyshop.net, TheWholeBodyShop.net or 253.778.0684.

References
1,2,3,4,14,15) Cline, J. C. (2015). Nutritional aspects of detoxification in clinical practice. Alternative Therapies, 21(3), 54-62.
8) Davis, T. A., Volesky, B., & Mucci, A. (2003). A review of the biochemistry of heavy metal biosorption by brown algae. Water Research, 37(18), 4311-4330.
10,12,13) Jones, D. S. (ed.) (2010). Textbook of Functional Medicine. Federal Way, WA: Institute for Functional Medicine.
11) Genius, S. J., Birkholz, D., Rodushkin, I., & Beesoon, S. (2011). Blood, Urine, and Sweat (BUS) Study: Monitoring and Elimination of Bioaccumulated Toxic Elements. Arch Environ Contam Toxicology, 61, 344–357. doi: 10.1007/s00244-010-9611-5.
5,6,16) Liska, D. J. (1998). The detoxification enzyme systems. Alternative Medicine Review, 3(3), 187-198.
7,9) Sears, M. (2013). Chelation: Harnessing and Enhancing Heavy Metal Detoxification—A Review. The Scientific World Journal, Article ID 219840, 1-13. doi.org/10.1155/2013/219840.