Your body has an amazing capacity to rid itself of harmful substances through detoxification pathways.
We are all exposed to toxicants (manufactured toxins) through pesticide residue, air pollution, skin care products, and medications. Additionally, our bodies all break down and eliminate substances made and used within ourselves as well as natural plant compounds. All of this relies on complex systems in our bodies that break down and eliminate toxins.
Many people have genetic variants that impact how medications and toxicants are broken down and eliminated.
Let me explain how phase I and phase II detoxification work.
Your body metabolizes (breaks down) the foreign substances that come into it – and then gets rid of them. This is usually a two or three-stage process.
In a nutshell, substances need to be water soluble to be eliminated via feces and urine, and the goal of ‘detox’ is to get rid of substances that your body doesn’t want.
Phase I breaks apart big toxins and makes them into polar molecules. This breaking apart is called metabolism, and the substance that is formed is called a metabolite.
Phase 1 is fully dependent on the cytochrome-P450 enzymes, whose speed of metabolism is affected by things like genetics, exercise, and the presence or absence of certain substances/supplements in the diet that can either speed them up (induce them) or slow them down (inhibit them).
Many substances inhibit cytochrome P450. This can cause substantial problems, as these substances remain in the body longer before detoxification, making them potentially more damaging. Many medications, including antacids, antihistamines, NSAIDs, and more have the potential to block your liver’s Phase 1 / Phase 2 detox pathways.
Phase II binds something to the metabolite from Phase I and makes it water soluble and easily excretable.
Phase 2 conjugates include amino acids, sugars, glutathione (which is stimulated by N-Acetyl-Cystine), methionine, sulfur (found in garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage), and acetyl Co-A. Phase 2 must be working quickly and efficiently after Phase 1, as there is growing scientific evidence suggesting that certain diseases are the direct result of damage to the body from poor Phase 2 detoxification. Some of the diseases that may be caused by toxic intermediate metabolites and free radicals include cancer, Parkinson’s disease, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, lupus, and immune dysfunction.
Phase 2 enzymes work to further enhance solubility and reduce toxicity.
Through conjugation, the liver can turn drugs, hormones, and various toxins into water-soluble, excretable substances.
Some researchers include a third phase in the process – the elimination of Phase II products (urine, feces, sweat).
A lot of toxicants – whether eaten, breathed, or created in our bodies – are broken down by the Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) family of enzymes in phase I detoxification. Much of this takes place in the liver, which is the body’s main organ for detoxification.
Quick science explanation: The CYP450 enzymes have iron and oxygen in them, and through a redox reaction can make a drug or toxicant more polar. These metabolite molecules then pass through phase II detoxification to become even more hydrophilic (water-loving) so that they can easily be eliminated. The goal is to create molecules that can easily be gotten rid of by the body (urine, feces, sweat).
Phase 1 and the Cp-450 enzymes require certain nutrients to be present to effectively prepare them for Phase 2. High-quality protein sources are essential, as too little can hinder Cp-450 activity. In addition, the body must have adequate amounts of magnesium, selenium, zinc, and B vitamins. Phase 1 produces free radicals that require antioxidants like vitamins E, and C, and various carotenoids.
Phase II detoxification involves taking the metabolites of phase I and modifying them so that they can be easily excreted.
Sometimes the metabolites of phase I are carcinogenic or reactive, so having phase II detox in sync is very important. You want to have fast and efficient phase II detoxification.
For efficient Phase 2 detoxification, the liver cells require sulfur-containing amino acids such as taurine and cysteine. The nutrients glycine, glutamine, choline, and inositol are also required for this step.
Eggs and cruciferous vegetables (eg. broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower), raw garlic, onions, leeks, and shallots are all useful sources of natural sulfur compounds to enhance Phase 2 detoxification. Thus, these foods can be considered to have a cleansing action.
While it is always best to get what you need from a healthy, varied diet, it isn’t always possible to feed the body enough of these nutrients when considering the optimal amount that the body requires to detoxify (especially if you are experiencing toxic overload). Phase 2 detoxification needs to be fed the proper conjugates (amino acids, nutrients like glycine, glutamine, choline, and inositol) to transform the Phase 1 intermediates into compounds that can be excreted.
After a toxin passes through Phase II, it needs to be excreted from the body. Some are processed through the kidneys and out through urine; others go through the intestines and out. This is considered Phase 3.
Phase 3 is commonly referred to as the waste removal and excretion phase.
During Phase 3, the conjugates from Phase 2 (which are now water soluble and have been reduced in toxicity) are ready to be removed from the body. They are pumped into the bile and intestinal lumen to be processed and eliminated. In this portion of detoxification, a healthy gut is imperative.
If you have an imbalance of healthy bacteria vs. bad bacteria (E. Coli, Clostridium), the bad bacteria can produce enzymes like beta-glucuronidase that deconjugate (unbind) the Phase 2 compounds, making them impossible to eliminate and send them back to be processed again and again by the liver. This increases a person’s toxic load, and the negative feedback loop can be a harbinger of weird symptoms and disease states, which is why proper detoxification is essential for optimal health.
What natural products can enhance Phase 3?
Research has shown that calcium-D-glucarate and glucaric acid — found in various fruits and vegetables including oranges, apples, grapefruit, and cruciferous vegetables — inhibit beta-glucuronidase, thereby supporting detoxification. Silymarin, a constituent of milk thistle, also inhibits the enzyme beta-glucuronidase.
Bile acids are important in the process, as is proper kidney function.
You can promote elimination by staying hydrated (peeing it out) and by normal bowel movements (pooping regularly).
Additionally, some substances can be eliminated through sweat, so a sauna can be beneficial for elimination.
Detoxification is an essential component of longevity and health and may support weight loss.
In the SHED, women spend 30-90 days supporting Phase 1, 2, & 3 pathways, as well as repairing gut health, reducing inflammation, and balancing hormones.
It is THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE weight management program you will ever experience.
Schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more.
Rachel Leigh
Certified Nutrition Therapist.
Board Certified Health Coach.
Certified Life Coach.
Women’s Hormone Specialist.