How Does the Body Remove Toxic Substances? An individual's ability to remove-or detoxify-toxins is a primary factor in susceptibility to toxin-related conditions. In order to remove (excrete) the multitude of diverse toxins, the body has a complex system that converts them into non-toxic molecules for removal. This complex system occurs in two phases?Phase I and Phase II?that together convert a toxic molecule into a non-toxic molecule that can be easily excreted. The majority of detoxification occurs in the liver; however, all tissues have some ability to detoxify, including the intestines, skin, and lungs. In Phase I, a functional group is added to the toxic molecule producing an intermediate that needs to be further transformed. Phase II detoxification involves a process called conjugation, in which various enzymes in the liver attach protective compounds to the intermediate, making it less harmful and more readily excretable. Because the products of Phase I can be highly reactive and more harmful than the original compound, achieving and maintaining a balance between the Phase I and Phase II processes is critical. Furthermore, a significant side effect of all this metabolic activity is the production of harmful free radicals as the toxins are transformed, resulting in oxidative stress. Nutrients that help protect from oxidative stress include vitamins C and E, zinc, selenium, and copper. Advanced Nutrition Publications ©2002 |
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