We get asked all the time ” How does the Body get rid of Toxins”?  so we thought we would answer your question.

Most of you know that we offer Purification / Detox programs at our office.  Our most popular program is the P10.  The P10 specifically addresses the problem of too much sugar and simple carbs in the diet.  It is a great quick, effective reset and you lose some weight.

We also  offer  the P21 which is our gold standard life changing program.  We suggest that everyone do the P21 program once a year.   We also highly recommend that couples thinking about having a child do the program 3 months before conception.  That way they can provide the best possible genetic blueprint for their unborn baby.

For more info on the programs please contact us and we would be pleased to send you more info and set up an appointment.  214 8696404

So how does Detoxification work?  What are the mechanisms that allow us rid the body of unwanted toxins, bugs, bacteria, etc ?  It is a fairly complex system, however simply put:  The body primary organs of elimination are the Liver, the Kidney, the Bowel, and the Skin.

The 3 Phases of Detoxification

The human body has well-defined detoxification system to eliminate toxins.  This system is defined by 3 phases. This system is comprised of Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III pathways. The detoxification system is highly dependent on proper nutrient support for optimal functioning. Nutritional support for biotransformation system is extremely important for any detoxification program.

Phase I Bioactivation.

Phase I reactions are catalyzed by a number of different enzymes, primarily from the cytochrome P450 (CYP) superfamily of enzymes. The result of this reaction is the generation of a reactive site on the transformed toxin. This reactive site is very much like that of a reactive oxygen species (ROS), and can readily bind to other molecules, such as DNA and proteins.

The Phase I activity converts toxin molecules to reactive intermediate substances (aka activated toxins) and produces free radicals in the process. The reactive intermediate substances are considered more toxic than the parent toxin compounds and need to be neutralized quickly and in a timely fashion.

Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes conduct one of many chemical reactions (oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, hydration, or dehalogenation) to add a reactive group (hydroxyl, carboxyl, or an amino group) to the toxin⁶.

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli (frozen or raw), cauliflower, fresh daikon radish sprouts, cabbage, and Brussel sprouts activate CYP450 enzymes.

Protective nutrients with antioxidant properties that may help to mitigate oxidative stress  produced by phase I enzyme activity include carotenes (Vitamin A), ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), tocopherols (Vitamin E),  selenium, copper, zinc, manganese, coenzyme Q10, thiols (found in garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables), bioflavonoids, silymarin, and polyphenols.

Phase II Conjugation.

Phase I activation results in the generation of reactive intermediates which are often more reactive—and potentially more toxic and need to be converted quickly.

These reactive compounds should be converted to a non-toxic, water-soluble molecule at the site of production, as soon as possible.

Conjugation reactions not only require the water-soluble moiety that will be attached to the toxin—such as sulfate in the case of sulfation or glucuronic acid in the case of glucuronidation—but also use a large amount of energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In addition to energy repletion, Phase II reactions require an abundance of cofactors. Multiple nutrients and phytonutrients may help support Phase II reactions.

You can see by the table below that your Liver needs to be in good shape and your body needs to have the necessary nutrients so these vital reactions can take place.

Conjugation enzymes (phase II enzymes)
Enzyme(s)	Reaction name	Mechanism	Conjugated compound
UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs)	Glucuronidation	Glucuronidation consists of transfer of the glucuronic acid component of uridine diphosphate glucuronic acid to a substrate (e.g. drugs, toxins, pollutants, estrogens and glucocorticoids)	Glucuronic acid
Sulfotransferases (SULTs)	Sulfation (a.k.a. sulfonation or sulfurylation)	Sulfation consists of transfer of sulfuryl group to a substrate	Sulfuryl group
Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs)		Transfers a glutathione molecule to a substrate	Glutathione
Amino acid transferases		Transfers amino acids of various types to a substrate	Amino acids used in phase II conjugation: arginine, cysteine, glutamine, glycine (most conjugated), ornithine, taurine
N-Acetyl transferases		Transfers an acetyl group to a substrate	Acetyl group
Methyltransferases (MTs)	Methylation	Transfers a methyl group from a methyl donor such as s-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) to a substrate	Methyl group

Phase III Transport or elimination phase.

Phase III proteins are transmembrane-spanning proteins that transport substrate out of the cell. Most Phase III proteins are energy-dependent, utilizes energy from hydrolysis of ATP. Processed and water soluble toxins are exported from the cell to the circulation for eventual elimination by the kidneys, or exported into the bile and then excreted via the feces.

Clinical studies have shown that alkaline minerals (commonly found in fruit and vegetables) and plant-based dietary supplements increase urinary pH.^4-5  Thus, progressive alkalinization of urine via dietary agents may assist metabolic detoxification by enhancing urinary excretion of weak acids.¹¹ In addition, adequate intake of water is essential to maintaining healthy kidney function and promoting urinary excretion of toxins.

References

1. Hodges, R. E.; Minich, D. M., Modulation of Metabolic Detoxification Pathways Using Foods and Food-Derived Components: A Scientific Review with Clinical Application. J Nutr Metab 2015, 2015, 760689.
2. Urine pH test. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003583.htm (accessed Jan. 26).
3. Proudfoot, A. T.; Krenzelok, E. P.; Vale, J. A., Position Paper on urine alkalinization. Journal of toxicology. Clinical toxicology 2004, 42 (1), 1-26.
4. Berardi, J. M.; Logan, A. C.; Rao, A. V., Plant based dietary supplement increases urinary pH. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2008, 5, 20.
5. Konig, D.; Muser, K.; Dickhuth, H. H.; Berg, A.; Deibert, P., Effect of a supplement rich in alkaline minerals on acid-base balance in humans. Nutrition journal 2009, 8, 23.