3 Stages of Detox
If you read my previous blog about “Why Detox” you read how our body’s toxic load is increased due to the fatty nature of most toxins. Thus, it would make sense that the trick of metabolic detoxification is changing a fat-soluble toxin into a water-soluble molecule. This converted water soluble molecule then can enter urine or bile to be fully excreted by the body. This process of changing a fat-soluble toxin into an excreted water-soluble molecule is accomplished by 3 distinct phases of detoxification. Any detoxification regimen you choose should address these 3 phases.
Phase I
Phase I of detoxification is called bioactivation. Bioactivation essentially is the first step in changing a fat-soluble toxin into something the body can grab onto to excrete. Essentially, in phase I, enzymes contained intracellularly in a cell’s cytoplasm add a water-soluble receptor site to the lipid toxin. Unfortunately, however, phase I is not enough alone, and often creates reactive oxygen species, or free radicals which can sometimes be more toxic or reactive than the parent toxin. This sounds bad, however is an essential and necessary step of detoxification. How to turn lemons into lemonade in this situation is by ensuring Phase I detoxification is quickly followed by conjugation of the Phase I reactive species. Phase I Nutrient Support Examples: B vitamins, Carotenoids, Catechins, Silymarin, Minerals, Superoxide dismutase, etc.
Phase II
Phase II of detoxification is called conjugation. It is where this now reactive (however on it’s way to water-solubility) lipid-soluble toxin becomes a neutral fully water-soluble, non-toxic molecule which can now be eliminated by the body’s natural elimination system. Phase II conjugation is accomplished by a variety of enzymes and an abundance of cofactors. Enzyme cofactors are often everyday vitamins and minerals, and hence multiple nutrients and phytonutrients may help support Phase II detoxification. This phase of detoxification also requires a large amount of cellular energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and therefore requires healthy and fully functioning mitochondria, which is also supported by nutrients and phytonutrients. Phase II Nutrient Support Examples: Amino acids (Glutamine, Taurine, Arginine), B Vitamins, Methionine, Betaine, Ellagic acid, Glutathione, etc.
Phase III
Phase III of detoxification is called elimination. The elimination phase starts with the transportation of this now water-soluble non-toxic molecule from inside the cell to outside the cell where it can enter the circulatory system to be finally eliminated by the kidneys or exported to the bile for final excretion into the feces. Finally! Think healthy bowels and kidneys for elimination. Phase III Nutrient Support Examples: Fibers, Probiotics, Alkalizers.
The good news is, as complicated as this all seems, we have one simple system to support all three phases of detoxification. Come by and check out our Clear Change Kits by Metagenics. Backed by science, Metagenics is a leader in the field of metabolic detoxification. We have both 10 and 28-day programs to offer. One of our clinical pharmacists would be happy to discuss our detoxification supplements with you, give us a call!
TANYA MANONI is a Chattanooga-native but earned her BS in chemistry and PharmD at the University of Utah. She brings with her years of experience in compounding and pharmacy corporate management. Tanya's professional interests include not only BHRT, women’s health, and dermatology, but also nutrition and fitness, in which she became interested while playing NCAA Division I college soccer. While living in Utah, Tanya earned her level 1 certification in avalanche search and rescue, and she continues to enjoy snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking. She lives in Chattanooga with her husband and two kids, so you will find her running between soccer fields and dance studios in her free time.