Mindfulness and Detox --Are Your Detox Pathways Efficient?

Unlock the Power of Phase Two Detoxification and Your DNA

Living mindfully allows one to be in tune with one's body, what one puts into it, and what's coming out of it. Mindfulness is a practice that far outweighs what the "Science” and influencers post about. It's a tool for living one's best life, a life hack that changes as one changes. 

In today’s post, I'm shifting gears a bit to share more about the Mindful Nourishment Session I teach in Fully Optimized Health. I teach two sessions a month, where I share a practice and then teach about a specific nutrient, body process, aging, etc, you get the point, right? Detox is usually discussed in conversations after you've overeaten on Thanksgiving, gone on a bender and drank too much or need to lose a few pounds.

Your body is a complex, finely-tuned machine that works tirelessly to keep you healthy and vibrant. We are here in this space FOH to make it even more vibrant; we call ourselves OPTIMIZED! One of the body's most crucial functions is detoxification, which neutralizes and eliminates harmful toxins. There are two phases. Today, I'm skipping to phase two — Phase Two Detoxification is extremely important in ensuring toxins are safely excreted. Are your detox pathways operating at their best? And how does your DNA influence this? In this short post, I will share about this crucial process.

The Essentials of Phase Two Detoxification

Phase Two Detoxification is where your liver converts harmful substances into water-soluble compounds, making them easier to eliminate through your urine or bile. This phase involves several specific reactions, including:

• Glucuronidation

• Sulfonation

• Methylation ( this is one of my fave topics - maybe my next article will be on this!)

• Acetylation

• Glutathione Conjugation

Think of these reactions as the final steps in a relay race, passing the baton to ensure toxins are swiftly escorted out of your body. Without this crucial phase, toxins can accumulate, causing oxidative stress, cellular damage, and numerous health issues. You become a FLAMING DUMPSTER. I am familiar with this as I was once living this way! UGH.

Are You Giving Your Detox Pathways the Support They Need?

Phase Two detoxification relies on an array of nutrients to function optimally. Here are some key players:

• Glutathione: This master antioxidant is essential for binding and neutralizing toxins.

• Sulfur Compounds: think, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts, sulfur is vital for sulfonation and methylation.

• Amino Acids: Glycine, taurine, and cysteine are crucial for various detox pathways.

• Vitamins: B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12), Vitamin C, and E are vital.

• Minerals: Zinc, magnesium, and selenium play essential roles in detoxification.

Now, ask yourself: Am I providing my body with these critical nutrients?

The Consequences of Skipping Your Vegetables

Neglecting vegetables means missing out on vital nutrients that support detoxification.

Here’s what might happen:

• Nutrient Deficiency: Detox pathways without essential vitamins and minerals can't function effectively, leading to a toxic buildup.

• Oxidative Stress: A lack of antioxidants leaves your body vulnerable to oxidative damage. (Think of this as RUST; lots of rust inside your body!)

• Compromised Immunity: Nutrient deficiencies can weaken your immune system.

• Hormonal Imbalances: Proper detoxification helps maintain hormonal balance; deficiencies can lead to imbalances, hello MOOBS and tires around the waist.

Could You Benefit from Supplements?

I'm not the nutritionist who pumps clients with supplements; pills can be overwhelming, and some people even have a hard time swallowing so many different supplements. I try to share more about all the different foods one could enjoy! Food is so tasty, and the body immediately recognizes the cellular building blocks, although supplements may be beneficial if your diet lacks these crucial nutrients. Here’s how to determine if you need them:

• Do you often feel fatigued or experience brain fog?

• Do you struggle with skin issues like acne or eczema?

• Do you suffer from digestive problems or mood disorders?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, your detox pathways might need additional support.

The Role of Your DNA in Detoxification

One of the reasons I jumped so deeply into DNA is that I personally struggled with the area of detoxification. Being clean and sober for almost three decades (one would certainly think her liver has gotta be squeaky clean), a biohacker for 26+ years and then becoming a flaming human dumpster ultimately wreaked havoc on my mental game; something had to change. I HAD TO UNDERSTAND what was going on with me! Why was I so inflamed, why couldn't I move the needle on the crisis happening in my body… Several key findings came about: I had to go deep on my G.O.D game, undergo intense mentorship in DNA, put all my studies to work on my Hormones, and fine tune my Mindset.

When someone says your DNA doesn't matter, it's because they have NO IDEA on what they are talking about! Genetics play a significant in everything and a huge role in how efficiently your body detoxifies. One vital gene to know about is GSTP1 (Glutathione S-transferase Pi 1). This gene is critical for producing enzymes involved in Phase Two Detoxification, particularly in glutathione conjugation. Variations in this gene can affect your body's ability to detoxify efficiently and handle oxidative stress.

When you understand your genetic makeup, you can tailor your diet and supplement regimen to support your detox pathways better. A personalized approach ensures you’re giving your body exactly what it needs to detoxify effectively.

Take Action: Enhance Your Detox Pathways

1. Diversify Your Diet: Ensure your meals are rich in various colorful, nutrient-dense vegetables.

2. Focus on Cruciferous Vegetables: Make broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts staples in your diet.

3. Consider Targeted Supplements: If your diet falls short, supplements can bridge the gap (available here).

4. Explore Your DNA: Understanding your genetic profile can provide valuable insights into your detoxification needs.

5. Reach Out for Guidance: If you’re unsure about your detox needs, don't hesitate to ask. I'm here to serve.

The health of your detox pathways is foundational to your overall wellness. By nourishing these pathways with the right nutrients and understanding your genetic predispositions, you can optimize your body’s natural ability to detoxify and maintain peak health.

So, ask yourself—are my detox pathways getting the support they need? If you feel they might not be, don’t wait. Grab some supplements, change what you eat and leave questions or comments below.

Your journey to optimal health is essential, and I am here to support you every step of the way.