AimonKopera MD
Metabolic detoxification is the conversion and secretion of toxins from the body. Toxins are harmful chemical compounds that can come from environmental exposure such as from what we eat, drink, breathe or touch. Those environment toxicants include heavy metals, pesticides, drugs, and certain chemical compounds. Our body has a complex system to remove toxins, which occurs in the liver predominately, but also in the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, lungs, brain and most cells.
Health scientists are finding detoxification depends on, and is sensitive to, a large number of macronutrients and micronutrients available in the food supply. Amino acids have been shown to play an important role in detoxification. Deficiencies in vitamins A, B2, B3, B6 and B12, folate (B9), C, D3, E, iron, calcium, copper, zinc, magnesium, and selenium have all been shown to decrease the efficiency of one or more detoxification enzymes. Phytonutrients, such as, flavonoids and carotenoids, have also been shown to enhance the detoxification process.
Reference
1.Guengerich FP. Influence of nutrients and other dietary materials on cytochrome P-450 enzymes. Am J ClinNutr1995;61 (3 Suppl) : 651S-658S
2.Klaassen CD and Slitt AL. Regulation of hepatictransporters by xenobiotic receptors. Curr Drug Metab2005;6 (4) : 309-28 : 11908-13
3.Dinkova-Kostova AT, Holtzclaw WD, Cole RN et al. Direct evidence that sulfhydryl groups of Keap1 are the sensors regulating induction of phase 2 enzymes that protect against carcinogens and oxidants. ProcNatlAcadSci USA 2002;99 (18)
4.Anwar F, Ashraf M, Bhanger Ml. lnterprovenancevariation in the composition of Moringaoleifera oilseeds from Pakistan. J Am Oil ChemSoc 2005.82: 45-51.
5.Makkar HPS, Becker K. Nutritional value and antinutritional components of whole and ethanol extracted Moringaoleifera leaves.Anim Feed SciTechnol 1996.63:211-228.
