How to Nutritionally Support LIVER DETOXIFICATION
Detoxification begins with the initial toxins and passes through phase I, which makes many compounds even more inflammatory.
Then these compounds pass through phase II and are eliminated.
If phase 1 is up-regulated before 2 & 3 are open, the system can become backed up with inflammatory intermediates.
This means you want to optimize detoxification "backwards": begin with elimination support, then phase II support, and finally phase I support.
__________________________________________
INITIAL TOXINS
need to be removed
examples: hormones, microbial endotoxins, cellular waste, inhaled pollutants, drugs, alcohol, household chemicals, some supplements, pesticides, etc
__________________________________________
1. FUNCTIONALIZE
"activate it"
organ: liver
support with:
B vitamins meat & fish, legumes, greens, nutritional yeast
BCAAs animal proteins
glutathione/NAC turmeric, Brazil nuts, avocado, asparagus, spinach, citrus, garlic, onions
phospholipids soy, sunflower, eggs
healthy fats fish oil, olive oil, coconut oil, walnuts
flavonoids colorful plant foods
quercetin apples, cherries, broccoli, onions, citrus
milk thistle
__________________________________________
INTERMEDIATES
very inflammatory
support with:
vitamins A, C, E, D3
selenium
zinc
copper
manganese
CoQ10
garlic
onions
crucifers
milk thistle
berries
greens
colorful veggies
__________________________________________
2. CONJUGATE
"deactivate it"
organ: liver
support with:
amino acids glutamine, glycine, taurine, methionine from protein
sulfur meat, eggs, whey, onions, garlic, MSM
glutathione/NAC turmeric, Brazil nuts, avocado, asparagus, spinach, citrus, garlic, onions
polyphenols green tea, rooibos tea, turmeric, rosemary, crucifers, watercress, dark berries
chlorophyll greens, cilantro, parsley, chlorella, spirulina, moringa
magnesium
__________________________________________
3. ELIMINATE
"get it out"
organs: gallbladder, intestines, kidneys
FAT-SOLUBLE: via bile into intestines, excreted in feces
bile support: healthy fats, artichoke, beets, dandelion root, lemon water
gut support: fiber from variety of plant foods, psyllium husks
lifestyle: prioritize daily BM, hydration, movement, gallbladder function, microbiome health
WATER-SOLUBLE: via blood into kidneys, excreted in urine
hydration: water with electrolytes
kidney support: burdock or dandelion tea
__________________________________________
Now read this backwards.
That’s right, you want to optimize detoxification "backwards".
If phase 1 is up-regulated before 2 & 3 are open, the system can become backed up with inflammatory intermediates.
Are you a health coach that wants to use this content with your clients? Customize the handout template in less time than it would take to even think about hiring a graphic designer.
References
Walter J. Crinnion, & Joseph E. Pizzorno. (2018). Clinical Environmental Medicine : Identification and Natural Treatment of Diseases Caused by Common Pollutants. Elsevier.
IFM Detox Food Plan. Institute of Functional Medicine. https://www.ifm.org/news-insights/detox-food-plan/
Jones, D. S., Bland, J. S., & Quinn, S. (2010). Textbook of Functional Medicine. Institute for Functional Medicine.
Gaby, A. R. (2017). Nutritional Medicine (2nd ed.). Fritz Perlberg Publishing.