Detoxification: Should you support your liver & kidneys?

In recent years, the term “detoxification” has become a buzzword in the health and wellness industry. Several diets, supplements, and cleanses claim to eliminate harmful toxins from the body. Some of these practices lack scientific evidence and may even be harmful, while others have a legitimate scientific basis for supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes.

In this article, we will focus on the body’s detoxification process, emphasizing the importance of the liver and kidneys. We discuss the science behind detoxification support, from liver detoxification phases to phytonutrients and their significance.

What is detoxification?

Detoxification, or simply detox, is a physiological process that helps the body rid itself of toxins and harmful substances, thus maintaining a healthy balance. 

Toxins can be internal (Endogenous) substances that our bodies produce or external (Exogenous) substances from the outside that we ingest, breathe, or absorb from our surroundings. Our food, air, and exposure to pollutants and chemicals can all contribute to these toxins.

Several organs are involved in detoxification, but the liver and kidneys are the most important. Undoubtedly, the liver is the most important organ for detoxification in the body. 

The Liver and Kidneys: Natural Detoxification Pathways:

Processing and transforming toxic substances into less harmful forms makes them easier for the body to eliminate. A complex mechanism evolved in the human body to deal with toxins due to evolution. 

Primary filters of the body, the liver, and kidneys, play a key role in detoxification. The liver processes toxins through enzymatic reactions, while kidneys remove waste products and toxins from the bloodstream.

• Liver Detoxification: 

Liver detoxification, also known as hepatic detoxification, occurs when the liver neutralizes and eliminates drugs, toxins, and metabolic byproducts from the body. 

This process occurs in phases: Phase I, II, and III. Each phase plays a specific role in transforming and eliminating these substances, making them less harmful and easier for the body to excrete.

Phase I: Bioactivation 

In Phase I detoxification, the liver uses enzymes, primarily from the cytochrome P450 family, to initiate the breakdown of the toxic compounds. These enzymes modify the chemical structure of the substances, often making them more water-soluble in preparation for further processing in Phase II. 

This bioactivation can sometimes result in the creation of intermediate metabolites that are more reactive and potentially more toxic than the original compounds. However, these reactive metabolites are usually promptly neutralized by Phase II reactions.

Phase II: Conjugation 

In Phase II detoxification, the liver further processes the intermediate metabolites created in Phase I by attaching them to other molecules, making them highly water-soluble and less toxic. This process is known as conjugation. 

There are several types of Phase II reactions, each involving specific enzymes and molecules to facilitate the conjugation. Common conjugation reactions include glucuronidation, sulfation, methylation, and glutathione conjugation. As a result of these reactions, the molecules become water-soluble, making them more easily excretable and less likely to harm cells and tissues.

Phase III: Transport 

As part of Phase III detoxification, conjugated and water-soluble metabolites are produced in Phase II out of the liver cells and into bile or blood circulation for eventual elimination from the body. 

Transporters in the liver cell membranes facilitate this movement. These transporters help move the detoxified molecules from inside the liver cells to the bile ducts, where they can eventually be excreted via the feces. Some detoxified molecules can also enter the bloodstream and be filtered by the kidneys for excretion through urine.

• The Kidneys’ Role in Detoxification:

Kidneys function as a filtration system for the body, removing waste products and excess substances from the blood. By eliminating metabolic waste products such as urea and creatinine, they help maintain electrolyte balance, regulate blood pressure, and maintain electrolyte balance.

Factors and Strategies Affecting Detoxification

Genetics and Detoxification

Genetic factors can greatly affect how a person’s body detoxifies, significantly impacting the detoxification process. As a result of genetic variations known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to detoxification pathways, an individual’s detoxification capacity may vary depending on their specific genotype.

You can visit our previous post, “The Lock & Key to Weight Loss Resistance,” to learn how genetics affect weight loss after WLS and other factors, including detoxification.

Specific SNPs and Their Implications

Several studies have shown that key detoxification genes possess common SNPs that may affect their function. Genes that have notable implications include:

• COMT (Catechol-O-methyltransferase): 

In the body, catecholamines, which are neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, are broken down by this gene. COMT mutations have been linked to differences in how certain neurotransmitters are metabolized, which could impact conditions such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, and various mental health conditions.

• N-Acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2): 

NAT2 is an enzyme that helps to detoxify certain drugs and environmental pollutants. There are two main variants of the NAT2 gene, rapid and slow acetylators. Those who are rapid acetylators are better able to detoxify these substances than those who are slow acetylators.

NAT2 metabolizes many drugs, including anticonvulsants, cancer drugs, and pain relievers. In order to remove harmful substances from the body more easily, NAT2 acetylates them, thereby lessening their harmful effects. NAT2 gene variants can affect NAT2 activity, which can affect drug response.

• Cytochrome P450 (CYP): 

CYP is a group of genes encoding enzymes that are involved in Phase I detoxification in the liver. CYP gene variants can affect the function of these enzymes if people are genetically predisposed to carry them. As a result, certain substances may have a reduced or increased metabolic ability.

CYP enzymes oxidize harmful substances making them less toxic and easier to excrete. These enzymes are involve in metabolizing a wide variety of drugs, environmental pollutants, and carcinogens.

Variations in CYP genes can alter the activity of CYP enzymes, which can affect drug response and disease risk.

• GSTs (Glutathione S-transferases): 

It has been found that GSTs play an important role in Phase II detoxification, in which toxins are conjugated with glutathione for excretion. There are several different GST genes, and some people carry genetic deletions in one or both copies of these genes. It can result in an inability to detoxify certain substances.

GSTs metabolize various harmful substances, including drugs, environmental pollutants, and carcinogens.

Genetic variations in GST genes can affect the activity of GSTs, affecting the body’s ability to detoxify harmful substances. GST gene variations may increase an individual’s susceptibility to certain cancers and environmental toxins.

• MTHFR (Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase): 

Research indicates that this gene contributes to the metabolism of folate and the regulation of homocysteine levels. In addition to effects on the body’s ability to eliminate toxins, MTHFR mutations may also affect overall health.

• Nrf2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2): 

This transcription factor regulates the expression of detoxification genes. SNPs in the NRF2 gene can affect the activity of Nrf2, which can, in turn, affect the body’s ability to detoxify harmful substances.

An important mechanism of Nrf2’s action is to activate detoxification genes. Nrf2 is involve in responding to various environmental stressors, including exposure to toxins, radiation, and inflammation.

It has been reported that SNPs in the NRF2 gene can affect the activity of Nrf2, which, in turn, affects the risk of developing certain diseases, such as cancer and liver disease.

Several studies suggest that diet plays a significant role in detoxification. According to the authors of a study, certain foods, including cruciferous vegetables, berries, garlic, and turmeric, may enhance detoxification by activating Nrf2 and other detoxification genes.

Supporting Detoxification with Nutrition

Studies have shown that individuals with genetic variations that affect detoxification pathways need to support their bodies’ natural detoxification processes. Diets rich in whole, real foods may be beneficial. Plant-based foods contain a range of phytonutrients that may stimulate the production of detoxification enzymes and act as antioxidants to neutralize the potentially harmful effects of free radicals.

Consuming fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs can provide individuals with various phytonutrients supporting detoxification and overall health.

The Impact of Whole Real Foods on Detoxification:

Whole real foods are high in phytonutrients, naturally occurring compounds found in plants that support detoxification. The liver produces detoxification enzymes when phytonutrients are consume, while antioxidants neutralize free radicals.

Whole real foods profoundly impact detoxification by supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes. It is essential to remember that single-ingredient foods, such as whole grains, fruits, legumes, vegetables, seeds, and nuts, are unprocessed and retain all of their natural nutrients, fiber, and phytonutrients. The phytonutrients in plants offer a wide range of health benefits, including supporting detoxification and promoting a healthy lifespan.

1. Stimulating Detoxification Enzymes

Some phytonutrients found in whole real foods can stimulate the liver to produce detoxification enzymes which can be helpful in the process of detoxification. A key role of these enzymes is to process and convert toxins into water-soluble forms to eliminate them from the body through the liver’s detoxification phases (Phase I and Phase II).

For example, compounds found in cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, and kale, such as glucosinolates, have been shown to stimulate the production of detoxification enzymes, enhancing the removal of harmful substances from the body. A citrus fruit’s flavonoids can boost liver enzymes and improve detoxification and flavonoids in berries.

2. Antioxidant Activity

In addition to providing antioxidant protection, phytonutrients in whole real foods are also powerful antioxidants. A free radical is an unstable molecule that causes oxidative stress and damages cells. It can cause inflammation, aging, and chronic diseases such as cancer.

An antioxidant neutralizes free radicals, reducing their harmful impact on the body. The powerful antioxidants in whole real foods include vitamins C and E, polyphenols, and beta-carotene in fruits, vegetables, teas, and chocolates.

3. Supporting Cellular Health

The antioxidant activity of phytonutrients helps maintain the health of cells and tissues. Whole real foods support the health and function of the cellular system by reducing oxidative stress and promoting the removal of damaged cellular components through autophagy.

4. Fiber for Gut Health

Typically, whole food is rich in dietary fiber, crucial in gut health and detoxification. Regular bowel movements help eliminate waste and toxins through fiber, a natural cleanser for the digestive system. An adequate fiber intake prevents toxins from reabsorbing in the intestines, ensuring efficient toxin removal.

Importance of Supporting Liver & Kidneys:

Healthy livers and kidneys are essential for good health. Also, supporting these organs can enhance their detoxification capacity, improving the body’s ability to eliminate waste and toxins effectively.

MacIntosh and Ball (2000), in their study “The effects of a short program of detoxification in disease-free individuals,” suggested the following strategies for detoxification and supporting liver and kidney health:

• A hypoallergenic diet: 

A hypoallergenic diet is a diet that excludes foods that are commonly consider to be allergens, such as gluten, dairy, soy, and eggs. Also, some people may be allergic to these foods, which can lead to inflammation and the production of toxins. And by avoiding these foods, people who are allergic to them can reduce their exposure to toxins and improve their overall health.

• Increased water intake: 

Water helps flush toxins from the body. Water helps to dissolve toxins and carry them out of the body through urination and sweating. Drinking enough water throughout the day is important, especially when exercising or sweating a lot.

• Herbal supplements: 

A number of herbal supplements, including milk thistle and dandelion root, are thought to help support liver detoxification. A liver-supporting herb can aid in detoxification as it is the primary detoxifier in the body. However, talking to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements is important, especially if you are taking other medications.

• Exercise: 

Exercise helps to improve circulation and lymph flow, which can help to remove toxins from the body. Exercising helps your heart pump blood more efficiently, which helps to transport toxins away from your organs and tissues. Exercise also helps to move lymph fluid, which carries toxins away from the cells.

• Sauna or steam room: 

Saunas and steam rooms can help to open the pores and release toxins through sweating. When you sweat, you release toxins from your body through your skin. Also, steam rooms and saunas can help increase sweating and help remove toxins. Also, however, drinking plenty of fluids before, during, and after using a sauna or steam room is important to avoid dehydration.

Conclusion:

Detoxification is the process by which the body eliminates harmful substances. Despite mixed perceptions about the term “detox,” it’s important to understand its science. Also, genes can affect an individual’s ability to process toxins efficiently, and the liver and kidneys play crucial roles in detoxification. Eating whole, real foods rich in phytonutrients can support these detoxification processes. Individuals should understand the interplay between genetics and nutrition to support the body’s natural detoxification mechanisms.