Detoxification: Phase II

Question 1

What is Phase II detoxification?

Answer 1

Phase II Detoxification:
Phase II detoxification involves chemical reactions that add functional groups to reactive toxins, making them safe for excretion via the kidneys or bowel. There are six primary Phase II pathways that depend on necessary substrates to carry out their function. Amino acids are crucial for these reactions.

Question 2

What are the six primary Phase II detoxification reactions?

Answer 2

Phase II Reactions:
1. Glucuronidation: UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases add glucuronic acid to the Phase I metabolite.
2. Sulphation: Sulphotransferases (SULT) add sulphate to the Phase I metabolite.
3. Glutathione Conjugation: Glutathione S-transferases (GST) react Phase I metabolites with glutathione.
4. Amino Acid Conjugation: Amino acid transferases add an amino acid (usually glycine) to the Phase I metabolite.
5. Acetylation: N-acetyl transferases (NAT) add an acetyl group to the Phase I metabolite.
6. Methylation: Methyltransferases (e.g., COMT) add a methyl group (-CH3) to the Phase I metabolite.

Question 3

What role does the Nrf2 gene play in detoxification?

Answer 3

Nrf2 and Detoxification:
Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2) is a crucial transcription factor that regulates the body’s detoxification and antioxidant systems. Inducing Nrf2 increases endogenous antioxidants, promotes Phase II detoxification pathways, and provides protection against oxidative stress-related conditions (e.g., cancer, kidney dysfunction, neurological diseases, cardiovascular issues).

Question 4

How can one support Phase II detoxification?

Answer 4

Supporting Phase II Detoxification:
Support Phase II by promoting Nrf2 gene expression using phytonutrients like turmeric, broccoli, garlic, green tea, tomatoes, rosemary, and blueberries.

Question 5

What are some key phytonutrients that enhance Nrf2 activity?

Answer 5

Key Phytonutrients for Nrf2 Activation:
- Curcumin (turmeric)
- Broccoli constituents
- Garlic
- Epicatechins (green tea)
- Lycopene (tomatoes)
- Resveratrol (red grapes)
- Isoflavones (legumes, alfalfa sprouts)
- Rosemary
- Blueberry
- Pomegranate
- Naringenin (grapefruit)

Question 6

Are whole foods and herbs more effective than isolated compounds?

Answer 6

Whole Foods vs. Isolated Compounds:
The benefits of whole foods and herbs appear greater than those of isolated bioactive compounds in enhancing Nrf2 activity and supporting detoxification.