The detoxification enzyme systems Every day we are exposed to a myriad of foreign chemicals and toxins?often referred to as xenobiotics?ranging from commercially synthesized pharmaceuticals and food additives to naturally occurring environmental toxins. When the body experiences an overload of toxic substances, the consequences can manifest in a number of ways including headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, irritability, depression, mental confusion, gastrointestinal tract irregularities, cardiovascular irregularities, flu-like symptoms, and allergic reactions, such as hives, stuff or runny nose, sneezing, and coughing. Fortunately, the human body has developed complex mechanisms involving enzymes to detoxify these harmful substances. According to Dr. DeAnn Liska in the Alternative Medicine Review, "Detoxification is not one reaction, but rather a process that involves multiple reactions and multiple players." Detoxification can be divided into two phases. In phase I, numerous enzymes?commonly known as the cytochrome P450 system?reduce, oxidize, or hydrolyze toxins. In phase II, these toxins are then transformed into water-soluble compounds that are excreted through urine or bile. Dr. Liska stressed the fact that "...detoxification...may be induced or inhibited depending on the presence of various dietary or xenobiotic compounds, the age and sex of the individual, genetics, and lifestyle habits, such as smoking." Therefore, detoxification programs that properly support both phase I and phase II detoxification/enzymes may be advantageous for a number of reasons. Altern Med Rev 1998;3(3):187-98. Advanced Nutrition Publications ©2002
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