Digestion (week 5) Flashcards
what is biotransformation and elimination?
three phases:
phase1: enzymes modify chemical shape to make it easier to interact with - “activation”
phase 2: enzymes add another (more friendly) chemical group to the product of phase 1, making it more stable and ready for safe removal - “conjugation”
phase 1 and 2 (activation + conjugation) = biotransformation
phase 3: final step of removing the toxin from the body
an empowering approach to detoxification
popular culture:
-quick fixes
-extreme diets
-overnight transformation
scientific approach:
-body’s inherent detox mechanisms
-balanced diet
-healthy lifestyle
this learning outcome:
-chemical process of biotransformation and elimination
-body systems involved
-minimizing exposure and supporting safe toxin elimination
what is a toxin?
widely accepted definition: biological toxins
-webster: “a poisonous substance that is a specific product of the metabolic activities of a living organism and is usually very unstable, notably toxic when introduced into the tissues, and typically capable of inducing antibody formation”
Expanded definition includes:
-environmental toxins: chemicals, heavy metals, pollutants, etc
-pharmaceutical drugs (dose dependent), food additives (colorants preservatives)
-alcohol
Classified by origin:
-endogenous (from within the body) microbial toxins, excess hormones, waste)
-exogenous (from outside)
-xenobiotics - synthetic exogenous compound affecting biology
what makes a toxin toxic?
oxidative stress: damaging cell membranes, tissues, and organs
genotoxicity: causing direct damage to DNA
epigenetic disruption: changing gene expression
endocrine disruption: either mimicking hormones or interrupting their breakdown
enzyme inhibition/disruption: slowing or altogether disabling the function of an enzyme
dysbiosis: destroying healthy microbes and/or promoting the growth of more pathogenic microbes
displacing functional minerals in muscles, bones, teeth, etc
mitochondria and toxins
exceptionally vulnerable to oxidative stress
primary sources of reactive oxygen species during energy production
mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
-differs from nuclear DNA
-lack of protective mechanisms = susceptible
toxin exposure:
-disruption of mitochondrial function
-impaired biogenesis
-reduced ATP production (chronic fatigue, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, premature aging, etc)
-can lead to apoptosis, programmed cell death
body systems involved
cardiovascular system: pumps essential nutrients, mobilizations of toxins
lymphatic system: drains tissues of interstitial fluid, which contains waste products, cellular debris, and toxins
digestive system: brings nutrients from the intestines to the liver for filtration, returns bile to the intestines for the elimination
renal system: kidneys filter our blood and produce urine to eliminate toxins
the skin: produces sweat, which excretes toxins (heavy metals, BPA, and others)
respiratory system: excretes carbon dioxide and other toxins like alcohol and VOCs, a waste product of cellular metabolism, every time we breathe
enzymes of biotransformation
organ systems: how these compounds are moved around the body
biotransformation: biochemical modifications, specialized enzymes referred to as enzymes as phase 1 and phase 2 enzymes
phase 3 elimination: feces, urine, sweat, breath
foundations first
common fallacies: focus on detox and forget importance of foundational health
examples:
-biotransformation and elimination are nutrient dependent processes and slowed in the absence of a nutrient dense diet
-bile / intestines is the main route for the final elimination - constipation and dysbiosis can impact how much we can eliminate or reabsorb
Phase 1 detoxification - activation
activation phase:
-predominantly occurs in the liver
-some activity in kidneys, skin, intestines, bloodstream
enzymes catalyze reactions: oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis
-alter the structure of toxins
-introduce functional groups (hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino)
-like adding attachment points for safety handles (phase 2 cofactors)
phase 1 enzymes:
-not limited to detoixification
-activate/metabolize endogenous compounds like hormones
Phase 1 - water solubility
goal: increase water solubility for elimination
-transform hydrophobic toxins into hydrophilic forms
-lipid based cell membranes = lipid soluble compounds cross more easily
-hydrophilic/water soluble compounds less likely to accumulate in tissues
phase 1 intermediates:
-some toxins are ready for removal after phase 1
-others proceed to phase 2
-phase 2 adds cofactors to intermediates for safe removal
phase 1 enzymes: CYP450s
cytochrom P450 enzymes (CYP450):
-primary phase 1 workhorses
-membrane bound enzymes, primarily in hepatocyte cell membranes
-also found in liver, kidneys, adrenal glands, gastrointestinal tract, skin, placenta
-many different types handle different substrates
-enhance water solubility and elimination
phase 1 enzymes: PON1
PON1 (paraoxonase 1)
-high density lipoprotein (HDL)- associated enzyme, circulates in the bloodstream
-acts on various compounds, including organophosphorous (OP) insecticides, nerve agents, plastics, and fragrances
-metabolizes oxidized lipids
-PON1’s ability to break down oxidized lipids = HDLs cardio-protective nature
intermediates
intermediate = has been acted upon in phase 1, but still needs to go through phase 2
-more reactive or toxic = bioactivation
some compounds will become fully inactivated through phase 1 –> eliminated without having to go through phase 2
in most cases, the goal is to prepare for phase 2 detoxification
phase 2 - conjugation
conjugation: neutralizes toxins and enhances water solubility
enzymatic reactions combine the modified phase 1 metabolites with various molecules called cofactors (glutathione, amino acids, sulfate, a methyl group, or glucuronic acid
transferase enzymes
the term cofactor used in two ways:
-those that are being transferred to the toxin
-those that are helping the transferase enzymes to function
6 main phase 2 pathways / cofactors
glutathione conjugation: aka glutathione S-transferase (GST) reaction
amino acid conjugation: amino acids like glycine, taurine, and glutamine
sulfation: uses sulfate ions, resulting in sulfate esters that are highly water soluble
glucuronidation: glucuronic acid, forming glucuronides
methylation: involves the addition of a methyl group to toxins
acetylation: involves the addition of an acetyl group (often from acetyl Co-A)
many chemicals can be processed through more than one of these pathways
redundancy is extremely protective
summary of phase 2
neutralization of toxins: the formation of larger, more complex, more stable, less reactive, and less toxic
increased water solubility: allows toxins to be easily transported in bodily fluids such as blood and urine
transport: once conjugated, the metabolites are transported to various excretory organs (kidney, intestines, skin)
phase 3: elimination
the final step in the body’s detoxification process
relies on a class of transporter proteins that facilitate the movement of conjugated toxins and waste products out of the liver cells
elimination pathways:
-intestines / bile: feces
-kidneys: urine
-skin: sweat
-lungs: exhalation
balancing the phases
overactive phase 1 without adequate phase 2 support = accumulation of reactive intermediates
insufficient phase 1 activity and too much burden on phase 2 = not enough modified substrates for conjugates
various factors can influence this balance:
-genetics, diet, lifestyle, exposure to toxins, and specific cofactors and nutrients
some toxins induce phase 1 enzyme expression, cofactors.
Ex: cigarette smoke
the body burden and half life of toxins
body burden = the current chemical concentration in the body
biological half life = the time to reduce the concentration by half without further intake
example: pesticides
-water soluble, facilitates excretion
-lipophilic pesticides stored in body fat, not easily eliminated. ex: organochlorine pesticides and bioaccumulation
cumulative storage and body burden:
-long exposure: interval relative to half life = time for elimination
-short exposure: interval relative to half life = persistence
bioaccumulation
half life examples
ethanol (alcohol) = 4-5 hours
mercury = ~2 months
PCBs = 2-30 years
other factors affecting bioaccumulation: exposure level, exposure duration, interactions with other chemicals, genetics, age, gender, kidney and liver function, and nutritional status
Regulations & Chemicals of concern
persistent organic pollutants (POPs) aka forever chemicals: organochlorine pesticides (DDT and others), industrial chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins (PCDD and PCDF), furans, and brominated fire retardants
perfluorinated compounds (PFCs): teflon, waterproofing
plasticizers: bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S, phthalates
personal care additives: parabens, triclosan, fragrances
food additives: artificial color, synthetic flavoring, preservatives
agricultural pollutants: pesticides and herbicides, glysophate and chlorpyrifos
heavy metals: mercury, arsenic, aluminum, cadmium, lead
excess halogens: floride, chlorine, bromine
air pollution: particle matter (gases, metals, VOCs, ground level ozone)
genetics play a role
detox enzymes are proteins printed from DNA
SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms): small variations can change efficiency and speed
Phase 1 examples:
-CYP2D6 “slow metabolizers” have higher risk for adverse reactions to medications
-some variations increase the production of reactive intermediates
Phase 2 examples:
-glutathione D-transferases (GSTs) enzymes detoxify carcinogens, drugs, pollutants
-slower variants in phase 2 pathways = more susceptible to exposures
Phase 3:
-transporter proteins impact the movement of toxins
Ex: metallothionein genes: metallothioneins bind heavy metals (like mercury, cadmium)
-alcohol dehydrogenase genes: affect alcohol metabolism, influencing tolerance and susceptibility to alcohols toxic effects
-DNA repair genes: impact the ability to repair DNA damage from mutagenic and carcinogenic exposures
study of specific gene variants:
-reinforces bioindividuality
-area for continued education
-nutroceuticals can help compensate for some variations
-supporting foundations and minimizing exposures are the highest priority
nutrient dense diet
toxins (fat soluble) > phase 1
phase 1 required nutrients:
-riboflavin (B2)
-niacin (B3)
-pyridoxine (B6)
-folic acid
-vitamin B12
-glutathione
-branched chain amino acids
-flavonoids
-phospholipids
> intermediary stage (less fat soluble)
antioxidant protective nutrients:
-carotenes (vit A)
-coennzyme Q10
-ascorbic acid (vit C)
-thiols (found in garlic, onions, cruciferous veggies)
-tocopherols (vit E)
-selenium
-copper
-bioflavonoids
-zinc
-silymarin
-manganese
> phase 2 required nutrients:
amino acids:
-n-acetylcysteine
-glycine
-taurine
-glutamine
-cysteine
-methionine
> waste products (water soluble)
eliminated from body via:
-bile
-kidneys
-skin
-feces
-sweat
-urine
phase 2 in detail
phase 2 focuses on:
-nutrients providing cofactor molecules for phase 2 enzymes
-nutrients that increase activity of phase 2 transferase enzymes
glutathione conjugation:
-glutathione (tri-peptide: cysteine, glutamic acid, glycine)
-cysteine limiting in synthesis
-sources of cysteine: pork, beef, chicken, fish, lentils, oatmeal, eggs, yogurt, sunflower seeds, cheese
-glycine sources: gelatin, collagen, meats with connective tissue
amino acid conjugation:
-glycine, glutamine, taurine
sulfation:
-sulfur containing amino acids: cysteine, methionine, taurine
-sulfur rich foods: cruciferous veggies, allium veggies, eggs
glucuronidation:
-organosulfur compounds (sulforaphane) from cruciferous and allium plants
-citrus fruit and soy flavonoids
-apiaceous plants: carrots, dill, parsley, parsnips, celery
-teas and herbs including turmeric, rosemary, rooibos tea, green tea
methylation:
-addition of methyl group to toxins
-choline/betaine, B2, B6, folate, B12, choline, magnesium, potassium, sulfur compounds
-sources: beets (high in betaine), radishes, dark leafy greens, eggs, legumes, liver
acetylation:
-addition of acetyl group to compounds
-acetyl-coA as main donor
-dependent on vitamins B1, B5, vit C
phase 2 nutritional themes
themes in phase 2 pathways:
-amino acids from quality proteins
-allium and cruciferous veggies
-polyphenols from colorful herbs and spices
-citrus bioflavonoids
-B vitamins (found in organ meats)
-various phytochemicals can enhance phase 2 enzymatic activity
nutrient dense diet: mineral competition
toxic metals/minerals:
-mimic the structure of other minerals
-compete for receptors and transporters
-ex: chlorine and fluoride competing for iodine uptake
toxic metals are more readily absorbed/deposited when beneficial minerals status is low
some minerals can protect against heavy metals
ex: selenium protects against mercury toxicity
nutrient dense diet: hydration
humans are approximately 50-70% water
most toxins must become water soluble for removal
hydrations:
-enzymes work better
-transport in and out of cells
-removal of water soluble toxins and/or the conjugates of phase 2 transformation is reliant on hydration
-water is the solvent that carries toxins out through urine, stool, and sweat
2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water at home
verify water supply is free of toxins through testing
nutrient dense diet: fatty acids
risk for bioaccumulation:
-lipophilic toxins, if not excreted, remain in mammalian fat tissue
-bioaccumulate in animal foods, especially high fat products
-leach into all forms of lipids during processing and packaging
-balance fats with dietary fibers and polyphenols
-be mindful of how fats are produced and stored
benefits of fats for detox:
-dietary fats stimulate the liver to produce bile, and the gallbladder to contract and release that bile - keeping a major elimination pathway open
stress
sympathetic overdrive can interrupt hormones, enzymes, and cellular process involved in detoxification
chronic stress can:
-impair enzyme activity in the liver
-deplete glutathione levels
-lead to chronic inflammation
-disrupt hormone balance
-contribute to changes in the gut microbiota and intestinal permeability, potentially altering elimination of phase 2 conjugates
-lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety, making healthy habits more difficult
sleep
much of detoxification happens when we’re sleeping
circulatory system and lymph systems have a greater capacity to catch up on metabolic waste and toxins
sleep hygiene: eating late, eating a large number of sweets at night, or drinking alcohol in the evenings all place a greater burden on the liver
liver is asked to focus on more pressing projects: management of blood sugar, clearance of alcohol, etc
digestion
gallbladder stagnation/inflammation - can reduce bile production and impair flow
constipation prolonged contact between toxins and the intestinal lining
fiber: binds toxins and phase 2 conjugates in the stool
-diets low in fiber and high in fat = increased risk for reabsorption
dysbiosis can break the bands between phase 2 cofactors and toxins, allowing reabsorption
nutrient absorption
blood sugar regulation
chemical and toxic metal exposures:
-damage to beta cells of the pancreas leading to decreased insulin production
-impaired insulin sensitivity
diabetogens are toxins that disrupt the control of blood sugar
studies show increased risk for metabolic syndrome and T2DM in individuals with increased exposure to environmental pollutants (air pollution, BPA, phthalates, heavy metals)
Liver:
-converts excess dietary sugars into storage forms
-can become overburdened with the work of blood sugar regulation
-balancing blood sugar frees up the liver to manage its other essential work in digestion and elimination
elevated stores of body fat - bi-directional relationship:
-the adipose tissue is helping to sequester the fat soluble toxins
-large amount of weight lost in a short period = large amount of stored toxins released
general recommendation tips
-start with the foundations
-biological impact
-least effort
-consider cost
-start small
-access
-alternatives
-client input
-pleasure
-dont lead with fear
kitchen/food
pay attention to three factors:
-exposure to heat
-increased lipid content
-time
in addition to avoiding plastics themselves, we can try to exercise some control over these factors to reduce our exposures
BPA
polycarbonate plastic (clear single use water bottles, to-go containers) is worst at leaching BPA compared to other higher density plastics
temperature influences BPA release from plastic, avoid heat exposure
reduce canned foods, glass equivalents = lower serum BPA levels
pre-cut produce and meats: multiple sources of plastic chemicals (styrofoam tray, plastic wrapping, and thermal sticker)
-bag your own produce or buy from the butcher counter
wash hands before eating to reduce BPA containing dust
wash produce before consumption
thermal paper
thermal paper used for cashier receipts may contain BPAs or BPS
BPA mass on thermal paper receipts can be significantly higher than in canned food
handling thermal receipts can lead to BPA penetrating the skin, take precautions:
-decline receipts when possible
-isolate receipts from other items
-opt for email receipts
-wash hands after handling receipts
-choose electronic boarding passes when flying
plastics & heat
avoid heating plastic:
-electric tea kettle
-cooking utensils
-warming plastic baby bottles
-tea bags made from plastic mesh
-transfer food/liquids to microwave safe glass or ceramics first
-reusable cup for hot drinks - avoid single use plastic lids
-avoid placing hot foods in plastic storage containers
-allow foods to cool before placing plastic lids on glass vessels
gray areas: silicone
baking mats and pans, cooking utensils, ice cube trays, food molds, food storage vessels, steaming baskets, reusable sou vide bags
can leach endocrine disrupting chemicals into food at higher temperatures
lower quality silicones may contain plasticizing chemicals
dyes used in silicone can leach into food
takeaway: minimize high heat applications and do a little research into the producer to make sure it is indeed 100% food grade
gray areas: polyethylene
one of the most stable/biologically inert plastics
high density polyethylene (HDPE). or low density polyethylene (LDPE) - the higher the density, the lower the leaching
a 2022 study compared plastic bottles to tetra packs
lower concentrations of phthalates in liquids from tetra paks:
-plastic bottles: 1340-2370 micrograms per liter
-tetra paks: 385 - 450 micrograms per liter
debate about safety of exposing foods to these plastics at high temperatures for long periods (sous vide cooking bags)
easily confused with some of its close chemical cousins
ex: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), contains phthalates
plastics and lipids
chemicals used in plastic production are petroleum based/lipid soluble
prioritize purchasing/storing fatty foods in glass
Ex: nut butters and cooking oils
if buying bulk in plastic, transfer oils to smaller glass containers at home
store in the freezer to reduce leaching
teflon
teflon: polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a type of perfluorinated compound
look for alternatives:
-nonstick pots and pans - opt for stainless steel, pyrex, cast iron, and ceramic
-non stick baking sheets
-pizza boxed - these are made to resist grease and steam using PFCs
-popcorn bags - opt for stove top or air poppped options
food packaging
water and grease repellent paper alternatives to plastic
-capable of leaching toxic levels of PFCs into the food - especially with high heat, lipid content, and exposure time
PFAS chemicals found in the packaging from several prominent US grocery stores and food chains:
-two thirds of paper takeout containers treatment withPFAS
-11% of bakery and deli papers
takeout food
safer chemicals healthy families = NHANES data study
-more food eaten at home each day = lower serum levels of all five PFASs tested
-for every 1000 kilocalories of food consumer from non-restaurant sources daily, PFAS serum levels decreased by up to 5%
-fast food/pizza = higher PFAS levels
microwave popcorn:
-interior lining of the paper bag that is designed to be water resistant and nonstick
-food product that is coating in a lipid based fake butter
-cooked using very high heat
takeaway: preparing more meals at home using whole foods, or bring your own to-go container, can dramatically reduce exposure to these chemicals of concern
food additives
eat more whole foods
look for foods with short ingredients list and ingredients you can recognize/pronounce
avoid synthetic food dyes
minimize natural and artificial flavors
household cleaners
simplify - skip unnecessary products like dryer sheets and air fresheners
use simple, affordable, natural products
-fragrance free + eco-friendly + biodegradable dish and laundry soaps
-hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle is a great antimicrobial option for surfaces
-white vinegar for windows, ranges, showers
-baking soda and vinegar for tough cleaners
-beeswax candles or essential oils for scents
-natural enzyme based alternatives to odor-concelaing products
client educational resources
shoes
removing street shoes before entering home leads to decrease in heavy metals and a variety of environmental pollutants in household dust
automobile emissions and asphalt
young children spend more time on the floor
furniture
two of the main culprits:
-flame retardants in foam based goods
-formaldehyde from particle board
top ways to decrease flame retardants:
-buy products made without flame retardants (see labels)
-vacuum with a HEPA filter or wet mop
-wash hands before eating
-dispose of damaged cushions
-dont reupholster or replace carpeting yourself
top ways to reduce formaldehyde:
-real solid wood furniture (consider second hand)
-particle board 5 years old or more will have already outgassed
personal care
prioritize:
products that interact with the skin for longer periods of time
-fewer protective mechanisms for toxins coming in through our skin compared to our gut (first pass metabolism)
products that interact with mucus membranes like oral hygiene and feminine hygiene
products that may accidentally be consumed - lip stick or lip balms
phthalate free
fragrance free
use simple food grade ingredients
environmental workgroups skin deep app to help select safer personal care products
online health stores - competitive prices and wide selection
indoor air quality
dusting with wet fabric: prevents particles from becoming airborne
vacuum vs sweeping: vacuum with HEPA certified bags/filters
-HEPA air filter: HVAC of free standing designed to capture particles as small as 0.1 (ultrafine) or 0.3 microns
increasing fresh air intake
household plants: phytoremediation - relatively modest compared to dedicated air purifiers or proper ventilation
manage humidity: 30-50% use exhaust vents, address leaks, and be careful not to overwater plants
mold testing/remediation: ERMI test
water quality
reverse osmosis (RO):
-semi-permeable membrane to remove a wide range of contaminants
-highly effective - reduces contaminants to extremely low levels
-more complex - large amount of wastewater created
charcoal filters (activated carbon):
-absorb organic compounds, chlorine, perfluorinated compounds
-moderately effective at removing many contaminants
-available in many formats, relatively affordable, requires regular replacement
UV (ultraviolet) purifiers:
-disinfect water by killing microorganisms
-not filters - do not remove particles or chemicals
sediment filters:
-remove physical particles like sand, silt, rust, microplastics (if low micron)
-effective at improving water but less effective at removing dissolved contaminants
individual vs collective ation
advocate for regulations and industrial practices that protect larger groups of people
individual focus can be time consuming, expensive, isolating, and nerve wracking
giving time, attention, or other resources ot an effort can be very empowering
phase 1: cytochrome P450
nutrients can play different supportive roles:
-enzymatic cofactors
-epigenetic - altering the rate at which enzymes are expressed
reading materials for this module - covers nutrients known to modulate the activity of different cytochrome P450 enzymes
phase 1: PON1
phase 1 enzyme for detoxification
acts as an antioxidant on HDL particles - the good cholesterol
especially relevant for individuals with metabolic conditions linked to environmental toxin exposure
antioxidants and polyphenols:
-quercetin
-resvertrol
-olive oil
-green tea
-pomegranate
some of these phytochemicals boost PON1 activity and attenuate excessive CYP450 activity, helping to prevent excessive intermediate formation
high intensity interval training and anaerobic exercise have been associated with an increase in PON1 activity
phase 2 and Nrf2
supplemental approach:
-increasing protective antioxidants
-boosting the supply of phase 2 cofactors
-enzymatic cofactors
-functional groups transferred to the toxin
-upregulating the endogenous production of phase 2 enzymes / activity
primer on reading materials: nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)
-transcription factor protein
-controls when and to what extent specific genes are turned on or off
Nrf2 activation:
-enhances the expression of genes for phase 2 enzymes
-promotes the production of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase)
many therapeutic nutrients & phytochemicals support phase 2 by activating Nrf2
sulfur-containing compounds
boost antioxidant status
modulate the immune system in beneficial ways
support both sulfation, methylation, and glutathione pathways/status
caveat: may aggravate sulfur sensitivity:
-IBS
-individuals with difficulty metabolizing sulfur compounds (sulfur sensitive)
molybdenum can be helpful because it is a major cofactor in metabolizing sulfur
first look for client response to dietary sources
supplement forms - start low and slow
sulfur-containing compounds
N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
-cysteine amino acid 0 rate limiting factor for the synthesis of glutathione
-counteracts oxidative stress
-in rodent models, NAC increased urinary excretion of methylmercury after exposure
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
-organosulfur compound
-mitigate toxin induced liver damage, glutathione synthesis, and support sulfation pathway
-very small amounts in sulfur containing foods, synthetically produced for supplements
I3C / DIM:
-indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is derived from cruiferous veggies
-diindolylmethane (DIM) is a derivative of I3C
-modulate phase 2 enzymes
-clearance of toxin estrogen metabolites - anticarcinogenic
methyl donors
provide a methyl group (CH3)
phase 2 pathway
glutathione synthesis
methyl donors have been shown to increase the elimination of various substances, including heavy metals, hormones, and environmental pollutants
caveat:
-excessive methyl donor supplementation can lead to a state of over-methylation
-over-methylation associated with imbalances in neurotransmitters (anxiety, depression, mood swings), immune function, and hormonal regulation
-individual genetic factors influence response
binders: fiber
help to prevent constipation
help bind tocins and phase 2 conjugates to prevent reabsorption in the intestines
especially helpful for eliminating fat soluble toxins
affinity for certain fiber sources to bind with specific toxins
Examples:
-high soluble fiber content had a greater bonding ability with heavy metals
-a mix of soluble and insoluble fibers may be most effective for binding PCBs
top fibers studied for toxin elimination include rice bran, wheat bran, oat fiber, pectin, flax, others
modified citrus pectin
enzymatic process to make small molecular size
enters the bloodstream and binds to heavy metals
-many binders are too large to pass into the bloodstream
2006 study in healthy human subjects with normal heavy metal burdens:
-15g of a modified citrus pectin powder per day led to increase in urinary elimination of metals
-first 24 hours: the urinary excretion of arsenic increased by 130%
-day 6: cadmium excretion increased by 150%, and 560% increase in lead excretion
researchers did not detect an increased loss in healthy metals like magnesium and zinc
Binders: clay
used for centuries
remove toxins through adsorption
-negative electrical charge attracts positively charged toxins
Ex: zeolite thought to bind to heavy metals, nitrosamines, ammonia, mycotoxins, cations, radioactive materials, pesticides, while traveling through the intestines
require purity testing
binders: charcoal
activated charcoal - a porous form of carbon
adsorbs a wide range of toxins, drugs, chemicals in the gastrointestinal tract
prevents their absorption into the bloodstream, allowing them to be excreted in feces
used to treat poisoning or drug overdose
binders: pigments
found in various fruits and veggies
Ex: carotenoids, chlorophyll, anthocyanins
antioxidant properties
bind to some pollutants
ex: chlorophyll binds to some forms of heavy metals and can increase phase 2 enzyme activity
caution:
with any of these products, especially clays and charcoals, exercise moderation
concerns about:
-over chelation
-digestive upset and irritation to the mucus membranes
-nutrient absorption
minerals
healthy minerals like magnesium, zinc, selenium, iodine, molybdenum, etc reduce uptake of toxic metals and halogens
some chelation agents assist in heavy metal detoxification, but also deplete other minerals
Ex: EDTA and DMSA
supervision of specialist:
-prevention of depletion of healthy minerals
-avoid damage caused by mobilizing large volume of heavy metals at once
skin/sweat
heavy metals - lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenics
phthalates, BPA, and some PCBs - may be primary route for BPA
traditional dry saunas, wet saunas, and infrared saunas
sweating through physical exertion releases more toxins than sweating through heat while sitting
movement/circulation
lymph: propelled by the action of nearby skeletal muscles, movement of the lungs, and contraction of smooth muscle fibers
aerobic exercise: increased excretion of a variety of environmental pollutants:
-increased respiration
-increased sweat
-increased circulation
-other metabolic functions like decreased fat storage
all forms of movement help propel lymph
massage and dry brushing
vibration plates - helpful for limited mobility
