Dietary Regulation of Detoxication
Abstract
Dietary Regulation Detoxication of Amber Ackerson, N.D. SUPERIOR VEIN CAVA HEPATIC VEIN HEPATIC SINUSES foreign chemicals, or are capable of causillness and disease, either by ing direct toxicity or via toxic intermediates formed during the detoxication process. In addition, gastrointestinal compounds Numerous xenobiotics, HEPATIC ARTERY that are not eliminated may be reabsorbed into the portal circulation for detoxication by the liver (see Figure 1). Adverse health effects of environmental toxins can range from acute toxicity and tissue damage to chronic immune dysfunction, neurologic disturbances, and cancer. Research indicates that dietary factors play an important role in the body's ability to detoxify chemicals and drugs. Nutritional status, such as micronutrient deficiencies and macronutrient imbalances, can all have a significant impact on detoxication pathways. Phase I and II Detoxication Pathways Fat-soluble toxins are readily absorbed but poorly excreted and, therefore, tend to accumulate in the body. To enable excretion, fat-soluble (lipophilic) chemicals are converted to water-soluble substances through enzymatic conversion, referred to as Phase I and Phase II detoxication reactions, which occur in the liver and other tissues (see Figure 2). Phase I reactions are primarily "functionalization reactions," in which a functional group is added or exposed via oxi310 INTESTINAL