DNA and Detox: which are your "green" genes

Are you noticing you’ve heard more about detoxification everywhere lately? It seems like a broad term; however, it is your body’s way of getting rid of toxins that could otherwise build up and interfere with health and your best self. So let’s break it down (literally). Keep reading so you can get an idea of ways to optimize your current detoxification pathways.

You may be young and already have accepted that your body feels older than it should. Yikes I did too. Signs of poor detox include lethargy, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and unexplained aches and pains in the body. The liver is the main site of whole-body detox, but every cell has its own role to play. The liver has two main phases (I and II) for detoxification.

Phase I, initial slower step. Fat soluble toxins are transformed into water soluble substances to ease removal. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are heavily involved -- these are abundant and responsible for a wide range of pharmaceutical drug metabolism (activation to prodrug or elimination). Enzymes supporting these reactions occurring include oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis. Substances may become more reactive in this phase and quickly shift into phase II. If not properly neutralized they can cause damage to cells and DNA. Accelerating aging, declining health and mental capacity.

Phase II, second fast step. Conjugation of the reactive metabolites to water soluble compounds to be excreted in bile (gallbladder) and urine (kidneys). Mostly binding to glutathione, glucuronic acid, sulfate, or amino acids. Enzymes like glutathione S-transferases, UDP-glucuronosyltransferases, sulfotransferases, and others work here (see the hot genes). When suboptimal the harmful intermediates from phase I can overwhelm the system and pose risk for toxic effects.

Detoxification can be optimized by making the right diet and lifestyle changes to support good cellular cleaning processes. Individual variations in detoxing capacity exist because of unique genetic and lifestyle factors. You may have already been exposed to a toxin (i.e Mercury, from food) and unaware that your body is struggling to remove it. A hair tissue mineral analysis can show you what’s lurking below (toxic metals).  And genes can give insights on what support is needed in detoxification.

Unveiling the Genetic Advantage 

Hot genes - CYP1A1, CYP1B1, CYP2D6, CYP3A4 (phase I; all CYP enzymes), GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTO2, GSTP1 (phase II), COMT, MNSOD, MTHFR, NAT1/2...

**Incorporate detoxification techniques, sweating, dry brushing, massage, rebounding (jumping on mini-trampoline)

**Limiting alcohol, processed foods, toxic environmental burden

**Ask me about supplements for support

Foods that support liver and hormone metabolism:

Raw cruciferous vegetables - Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, artichokes

Leafy greens - spinach, swiss chard, kale for folate

Beets - for betaine fat processing

Garlic - rich in sulfur

Turmeric - active ingredient curcumin, aids in inflammation and liver protective

Ginger - reduce inflammation and support liver health

Avocado - source of glutathione antioxidant & aids in liver detoxification

Green tea - catechins support liver function/hormone balance

Berries, pomegranate - antioxidants to protect liver cells

Nuts/seeds (walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds) - provide omega-3 fatty acids, which can support liver health  

^^This focus on hormone metabolism is from a deep dive I did on postpartum hormone support in mental health concerns. Discussed more on the Postpartum Revival Podcast airing in November 2023