Digestion (week 5)

Question 1

what is biotransformation and elimination?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

an empowering approach to detoxification

Answer 2

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

Question 3

what is a toxin?

Answer 3

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

Question 4

what makes a toxin toxic?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

mitochondria and toxins

Answer 5

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

Question 6

body systems involved

Answer 6

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

Question 7

enzymes of biotransformation

Answer 7

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

Question 8

foundations first

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Phase 1 detoxification - activation

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Phase 1 - water solubility

Answer 10

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

Question 11

phase 1 enzymes: CYP450s

Answer 11

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

Question 12

phase 1 enzymes: PON1

Answer 12

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

Question 13

intermediates

Answer 13

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

Question 14

phase 2 - conjugation

Answer 14

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

Question 15

6 main phase 2 pathways / cofactors

Answer 15

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

Question 16

summary of phase 2

Answer 16

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)

Question 17

phase 3: elimination

Answer 17

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

Question 18

balancing the phases

Answer 18

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

Question 19

the body burden and half life of toxins

Answer 19

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

Question 20

half life examples

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Regulations & Chemicals of concern

Answer 21

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)

Question 22

genetics play a role

Answer 22

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

Question 23

nutrient dense diet

Answer 23

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

Question 24

phase 2 in detail

Answer 24

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

Question 25

phase 2 nutritional themes

Answer 25

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

Question 26

nutrient dense diet: mineral competition

Answer 26

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

Question 27

nutrient dense diet: hydration

Answer 27

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

Question 28

nutrient dense diet: fatty acids

Answer 28

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

Question 29

stress

Answer 29

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

Question 30

sleep

Answer 30

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

Question 31

digestion

Answer 31

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

Question 32

blood sugar regulation

Answer 32

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

Question 33

general recommendation tips

Answer 33

-start with the foundations
-biological impact
-least effort
-consider cost
-start small
-access
-alternatives
-client input
-pleasure
-dont lead with fear

Question 34

kitchen/food

Answer 34

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

Question 35

BPA

Answer 35

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

Question 36

thermal paper

Answer 36

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

Question 37

plastics & heat

Answer 37

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

Question 38

gray areas: silicone

Answer 38

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

Question 39

gray areas: polyethylene

Answer 39

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

Question 40

plastics and lipids

Answer 40

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

Question 41

teflon

Answer 41

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

Question 42

food packaging

Answer 42

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

Question 43

takeout food

Answer 43

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

Question 44

food additives

Answer 44

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

Question 45

household cleaners

Answer 45

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

Question 46

shoes

Answer 46

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

Question 47

furniture

Answer 47

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

Question 48

personal care

Answer 48

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

Question 49

indoor air quality

Answer 49

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

Question 50

water quality

Answer 50

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

Question 51

individual vs collective ation

Answer 51

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

Question 52

phase 1: cytochrome P450

Answer 52

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

Question 53

phase 1: PON1

Answer 53

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

Question 54

phase 2 and Nrf2

Answer 54

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

Question 55

sulfur-containing compounds

Answer 55

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

Question 56

sulfur-containing compounds

Answer 56

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

Question 57

methyl donors

Answer 57

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

Question 58

binders: fiber

Answer 58

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

Question 59

modified citrus pectin

Answer 59

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

Question 60

Binders: clay

Answer 60

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

Question 61

binders: charcoal

Answer 61

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

Question 62

binders: pigments

Answer 62

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

Question 63

minerals

Answer 63

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

Question 64

skin/sweat

Answer 64

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

Question 65

movement/circulation

Answer 65

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