11/06/2021
***Successful detoxification and Gastro Intestinal health***
Successful detoxification is based on sophisticated communication between THREE phases of biochemical signaling:
The first phase is designed to oxidise, hydrolyse and reduce toxic compounds, excess hormones, and drugs. These reactions 'tag' all the above, so that they can be recognised by the SECOND PHASE.
Phase I creates intermediary metabolites that are toxic, as well as reactive oxygen species, better known as 'free radicals, which can be damaging to human cells and DNA.
The role of the SECOND PHASE is to recognise these damaged or oxidised (in the case of hormones) compounds, and to use its antioxidant agents, like Glutathione, to neutralise them. It also uses a mechanism called conjugation, to make sure that these chemicals are attached strongly to substances that can carry them outside cells, where they can be taken up by Phase THREE.
The THIRD phase is all about transportation and making sure that these toxic conjugates can leave your body. This is a very crucial phase and if it doesn't function on an optimal level, you are risking that the toxic compounds can re-enter your circulation and create more burden on your detoxification system.
The transporting proteins, whose role is to transport toxic compounds out of your body, are manufactured by genes, which are expressed predominantly in the Intestines, Kidneys, and Lymphatic system. They transport toxic conjugates through lymph, bile, urine, and into stools. The genes responsible for this phase are called ABCC1 and ABCC2 or MRP1 & 2, and are listed in your Genetic Variant Report; under the Chemoprotection / Detox III category.
WHY HAVE WE THEN ALSO INCLUDED THE GI (Gastro-Intestinal) HEALTH SECTION IN YOUR REPORTS?
INFLAMMATION ON THE GUT LEVEL CAN SEVERELY IMPAIR AND SUPPRESS BOTH THE III AND THE II PHASE OF YOUR DETOXIFICATION MECHANISM.
Phase I, however, remains working with the same intensity.
In the scenario where these two phases are suppressed, we are left with Phase I producing damaging compounds and little to conjugate them and to transport them outside of your body.
The Functional Medicine model sees Gastro Intestinal health as one of the pillars for successful recovery. By having this insight into one's individual genetic makeup, a Practitioner can potentially determine, what kind of patient he or she is dealing with, and what level of attention, intensity, and careful approach should be undertaken before an intervention can move on to fully addressing the biochemistry of DETOXIFICATION.
Our Genetic Variant Reports also include the GI Health section, where we have listed genetic variants associated with susceptibility to different inflammatory conditions of the gut.
BOTTOM LINE:
Work on decreasing Gut inflammation first, to open up detoxification pathways. Addressing detoxification before the gut is ready can really backfire.
https://library.mthfr-genetics.co.uk/2018/03/07/chemoprotection-phases-of-detoxification/
