21/11/2022
⚡️Three Phases of Detox🚨
Detoxification begins with bioactivation, continues with conjugation, and concludes with transport (before the process repeats itself as your body engages its natural mechanisms for detoxification).
Your body’s natural detoxification process can be thought of as a “biotransformation” system that identifies, binds, and rids the body of toxins we’re exposed to regularly. Here are some simple ways to tell if you have toxins in your body.
💡 1. Bioactivation:
The first phase of detox is catalyzed by a handful of enzymes, primarily from the cytochrome P450 family (CYP450). In these enzymatic reactions, a reactive group is added to a toxin, generating a reactive site that can easily attach itself to other molecules. During bioactivation, toxins are transformed into reactive intermediates that need quick neutralization.
Cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts, Spanish black radish, and kale activate CYP450 enzymes needed during bioactivation. Antioxidant nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, minerals like selenium, copper, zinc, and manganese, as well as coenzyme Q10 and several phytonutrients have antioxidant activity that may also support phase one of detox.
💡 2. Conjugation
During phase two, conjugation enzymes convert the reactive intermediates created during bioactivation into non-toxic, water-soluble molecules. Phase II conjugation enzymes include:
Sulfotransferases (SULT)
UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT)
Glutathione S-transferases (GST)
N-acetyltransferases (NAT)
Conjugation uses a lot of energy in the form of ATP and requires robust nutritional support in the form of B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and other nutrients. Healthy sources of protein are also important for the conjugation phase of detox, specifically the amino acid glycine to help remove toxins.
💡3. Transport
During the third and final phase of detox, neutralised toxins are transported or eliminated from the body.
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