Introduction

Not only did I learn a lot from my genetic testing about individualized macro-nutrient percentages (you can read the blog post here), I also learned how best to support my detoxification liver pathways.


Before we dive in, it is important to keep in mind that our genetic programming can be significantly influenced by our lifestyle, nutrition and environment (i.e. epigenetics). Epigenetics is an emerging area of scientific research that shows how environmental influences actually affect the expression of our genes. In other words, we have more influence over our health outcomes than we had once thought.


The 3 Phases of Liver Detoxification

Our liver detoxification is broken down into 3 phases.


Phase 1 is our first line of defense against toxins, and our body uses a group of enzymes known as the cytochrome P450 enzymes. This phase is dependent on these enzymes, whose speed of metabolism can be affected by things like genetics (what we are discussing today), exercise, diet, and the amount of nutrients an individual has. The body breaks down toxins, and transforms them into less harmful water soluble molecules. Throughout this process, harmful free radicals are produced, therefore we need to get these molecules out of this stage as quickly as possible, which is where the next phase comes in.


Phase 2 is how we get our metabolites from the first phase ready to exit the body. This is where the liver attaches another molecule to the toxin to make it less harmful, and readies it for excretion by our organs of elimination.


Phase 3 is the elimination of toxins via our urine, bile and our bowel movements. If these systems are not eliminating properly, then you can have an accumulation of waste products. Having at least one bowel movement a day is essential, and a topic for another blog.


My Genetic Test Results

I learned that I produce less of a specific enzyme in the Cytochrome P450 family (in phase 1 detox). This enzyme is crucial for the metabolism of xenobiotics in my body. Xenobiotics are chemicals found in herbicides, pesticides, drugs, environmental pollutants, plastics among others..

This specific enzyme is slowed down even further by certain antibiotics, as well as goldenseal and grapefruit, which I know to avoid or limit.


Understanding this, I know I can take a specific supplement to enhance my phase 1 detox and make it more efficient. This can also be done by consuming 2-3 cups of caffeinated beverages (lucky me), and increasing my intake of cooked cruciferous vegetables.


I also learned that I have a slow phase 2 detox pathway, which means with less enzyme production I am more at risk for increased inflammation, and cellular damage. Knowing this, I can take a specific supplement to speed up this pathway and improve my health outcomes.


Conclusion

Without a deeper understanding of my unique metabolic system, I could be left guessing what to do to support my liver health. Instead, I am left with a clear concise plan of how best to support my detoxification pathways.


Understanding how to best support our bodies can feel complicated, and overwhelming. Let us help you crack your genetic code to get you feeling your best.