GI Health
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July 5, 2023

The Role of the Liver and Gut in Detoxification and How to Support Them With Integrative Medicine

Written By
Dr. Jaime Cloyd ND
Medically Reviewed by
Updated On
January 14, 2025

With a rising trend of cleanses and detoxes, a belief has emerged: without these practices, our bodies are "toxic." Let's explore this theory. While the allure of detoxing is captivating, it's important to recognize that the human body naturally undertakes this task through organ systems designed specifically for detoxification. Therefore, instead of relying solely on expensive cleanses and detox protocols, we can focus on nurturing and sustaining these vital organs. In doing so, we support the body's natural detoxification capabilities.

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Overview of the Concept of Detoxification and Its Importance for Overall Health. 

Detoxification is the body's process of neutralizing and eliminating substances to maintain overall health and well-being. It involves the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and lymphatic system working together to remove waste products, environmental substances, metabolic byproducts, and drugs from the body. (1

The importance of detoxification lies in supporting cells and organs from potential damage caused by various substances. Accumulation of these substances can disrupt normal physiological processes, potentially leading to various health issues such as oxidative stress, cellular changes, hormonal imbalances, and altered immune function (2). By supporting the body's natural detoxification processes, we can help maintain balance and optimize its ability to function correctly. A robust immune system, healthy digestion, optimal energy levels, healthy skin, clear thinking, and a happy mood are all signs of efficient detoxification and elimination pathways (1, 3).

The Liver's Role in Detoxification

The liver is a three-pound organ in the abdomen's upper-right quadrant. It is responsible for performing over 500 vital bodily functions, which include: producing bile, a substance that aids in the digestion and absorption of fats; storing vitamins and minerals; synthesizing proteins required for blood clotting; producing cholesterol and proteins that transport fats through the body; and balancing blood sugar by converting glucose into its storage form, glycogen, and vice versa. (3)

Additionally, the liver plays a central role in detoxification, helping to manage substances in circulation and metabolizing them into forms that can be eliminated from the body. Liver detoxification, or biotransformation, involves Phase I and Phase II processes. (3, 4)

Phase I detoxification involves the activation of substances through various reactions catalyzed by cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes. The result of Phase I detoxification is the production of water-soluble metabolites that hold the potential to be reactive. (3, 4)

Phase II detoxification involves conjugation reactions, where Phase I end-products are neutralized by sulfation, glucuronidation, glutathione conjugation, methylation, acetylation, or glycination. In other words, this phase involves attaching specific molecules to the reactive metabolites to render them less reactive and enhance their water solubility. The end-products of Phase II detoxification can then be eliminated from the body through bile (stool) or urine - this is considered to be the third phase of detoxification. (3, 4)

The Gut's Role in Detoxification

A healthy gut with a diverse and balanced microbiota is essential for optimal detoxification. The gut lining acts as a barrier, helping to prevent the absorption of certain substances into the bloodstream. A gut lining with intact tight junctions helps maintain the integrity of this barrier, minimizing the entry of substances and associated byproducts into circulation. Additionally, a healthy gut ensures proper digestion and absorption of critical nutrients required as cofactors for the liver's biotransformation pathways. (5, 6)

The gastrointestinal tract is one of the primary organs responsible for waste elimination. Slowed intestinal transit and constipation can interfere with the healthy elimination of substances from the body. When stool remains in the colon for an extended period, substances in the stool are more likely to be reabsorbed back into the bloodstream. Additionally, constipation can disrupt the normal flow of bile, which interferes with the proper elimination of Phase II metabolites through bile. (3, 4)

Foreign substances that are not absorbed from the small intestine travel to the colon, where the commensal gut microbiota is capable of biotransformation to metabolize and neutralize certain substances to make them less reactive and more quickly eliminated from the body.

Conversely, imbalances in the gut microbiota, called dysbiosis, can impair detoxification processes. Dysbiosis can trigger dysregulated intestinal immune responses, intestinal permeability, and local and systemic inflammation. These can result in compromised liver function, increased absorption of certain substances, and reduced elimination. (6)

Functional Medicine Labs to Assess Detoxification Pathways

Functional medicine labs can assess an individual's exposure to various substances and evaluate the efficiency of the body's natural detoxification and elimination pathways. With these results, recommendations can be tailored to best support liver and gut health.

Liver Function 

A hepatic panel measures seven markers of liver health to evaluate general liver function. A hepatic detox profile measures D-glucaric and mercapturic acids to provide valuable information about chemical exposure and the efficiency of Phase I and II detoxification pathways. 

Genetic Testing

Genetic variants can affect the function of Phase I and Phase II detox, impacting the body's sensitivity and response to various exposures. Genetic testing offers a means to examine the efficiency of detoxification pathways at the cellular level. It provides insight into how detoxification can best be supported through functional modalities, such as nutrition and exercise. 

Comprehensive Stool Test

A comprehensive stool analysis offers an in-depth analysis of gut health and function to identify underlying factors contributing to a sluggish gut, which can inhibit the effective elimination of substances and waste products through stool. 

Renal Function 

Similarly, it can be helpful to assess kidney function with a renal function panel to ensure urinary waste products can be eliminated from the body.

Additional Labs to Check  

The decision to support the body's detoxification and elimination pathways is often determined by the body's overall exposure to various substances. Individuals with significant exposure to environmental substances, like mold, heavy metals, and other chemicals, may have a larger need for detoxification compared to those with little-to-no exposure. The Total Tox-Burden

panel is a comprehensive screening panel that assesses exposure to mycotoxins, heavy metals, and other environmental substances. It quantifies the body's exposure by identifying and measuring the level of each substance in the system. 

Nutrition That Supports Liver and Gut Detoxification

A balanced and nutrient-rich diet can help support the body's natural detoxification processes, promote liver function, and enhance gut health. Adequate intake of essential nutrients, such as antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, is crucial for these systems.

Adopting a primarily organic, plant-based diet to support the body's natural detox processes by incorporating foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, may be beneficial. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals produced during detoxification and support liver cells. Including fiber-rich foods like whole grains, legumes, and vegetables can aid in proper bowel movements and nourish a healthy microbiome, supporting regularity and promoting the elimination of substances from the body.

Eating organic may help limit exposure to pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics through dietary sources. As needed for cost, prioritize the foods you buy organic based on the Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen list. (8)

Specific dietary considerations for liver and gut health include limiting the consumption of processed foods, added sugars, and unhealthy fats, as they can burden the liver and disrupt the gut microbiota balance. It may be helpful to consume lean proteins along with healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil. Foods rich in vitamin C, B vitamins, and sulforaphane provide essential cofactors and antioxidants required to support Phase I and II enzymes and manage free radicals produced during biotransformation. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking adequate water and reducing alcohol intake can also support liver and gut health. (6-8)

Herbal Medicine and Supplements That Support Liver and Gut Detoxification

Research suggests that certain supplements can assist the body's natural detoxification pathways by supporting liver and gut function. 

Glutathione and N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

Glutathione, the body's master antioxidant, is a molecule composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. Glutathione serves a critical purpose in Phase I and Phase II detoxification pathways. Because glutathione is poorly absorbed in the digestive tract, liposomal glutathione supplements are a popular option amongst functional practitioners to support glutathione levels in the body. Additionally, the antioxidant NAC has better bioavailability and can be converted to glutathione to support liver function. (7

Milk Thistle

The active constituents of milk thistle, silymarin and silybin, are associated with hepatoprotective effects. Milk thistle has been shown to have antioxidant and liver-supportive properties. Additionally, silymarin modulates enzymes responsible for glutathione metabolism and supports the maintenance of total-body glutathione levels. (1, 7)

Whey Protein

Whey protein contains essential amino acids that are the precursors to synthesizing glutathione and are involved in the Phase II conjugation pathways of liver biotransformation. Supplementing with whey protein provides the body with bioavailable amino acids that support the antioxidant capabilities of glutathione and help the liver manage substances. (2, 7)

Probiotics

Probiotic supplements help restore and maintain a healthy balance in the gut microbiome. Important probiotic actions that support gut health and detoxification include supporting an intact intestinal barrier by modulating immune function and synthesizing short-chain fatty acids, regulating digestion, and supporting regular bowel habits.

Lifestyle Modifications That Support Liver and Gut Detoxification

​​Healthy lifestyle choices are crucial in managing exposure to various substances and supporting the body's detoxification processes. Minimizing exposure to environmental substances and harmful materials is important for reducing the burden on the liver and gut. This includes avoiding or limiting exposure to cigarette smoke, pesticides, pollutants, and unnecessary medications. Choosing organic produce and using natural cleaning and personal care products can also help reduce exposure. (8)

Regular physical activity promotes sweating, which may help eliminate substances through the skin; enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the vital organs involved in detoxification and elimination; and stimulates bowel movements to support regularity and promote efficient waste elimination through the bowels. (9)

Chronic stress can impact liver and gut health by putting the body in a sympathetic state and reducing the body's parasympathetic "rest-and-digest" functions (9). Stress management techniques like mindful meditation and deep breathing can help manage stress levels to support liver and gut function.

While we sleep, the body is hard at work supporting detoxification, repairing cells and tissues, and replenishing body stores of hormones, neurotransmitters, and essential nutrients. Without deep sleep, nervous system dysregulation and chronic systemic inflammation may occur. Quality sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy balance in the body and ensuring optimal function of biochemical and physiologic processes.  

Integrative Therapies That Support Liver and Gut Detoxification

Sauna can support the liver and gut by means of amplifying the detoxification process by promoting sweating through the skin. Research has shown that heavy metals, pesticides, and other substances can be eliminated through sweat, and in some cases, the excretion of certain metals through sweat has been found to exceed their daily excretion through urine.

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Summary

The liver plays a central role in detoxification, helping to manage substances we are exposed to on a daily basis for proper elimination from the body. In addition, the importance of a healthy gut and intestinal microbiome cannot be overlooked. For those seeking to support their body's natural detoxification systems and pathways of elimination, healthy lifestyle habits, encompassing nutrition, physical activity, and sleep, are foundational. From there, dietary and herbal supplements can assist the essential reactions involved in liver and gut biotransformation of various elements. 

The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.

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Lab Tests in This Article

1. Greenan, S. (2021, December 14). Signs Of Toxic Overload And How To Properly Detox. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-approach-to-detox

2. Yoshimura, H. (2023, May 23). The Impact of Environmental Toxins on Autoimmune Diseases and The Use of Detoxification Protocols to Manage Symptoms. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-impact-of-environmental-toxins-on-autoimmune-diseases-and-the-use-of-detoxification-protocols-to-manage-symptoms

3. Christie, J. (2023, January 23). 3 Lab Tests That Can Help You Determine if a Liver Detox is Right For Your Patients. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/3-lab-tests-that-can-help-you-determine-if-a-liver-detox-is-right-for-your-patients

4. Christie, J. (2022, June 9). 8 Products That Contain Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (And How To Avoid Them). Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-chemicals-are-effecting-our-hormones

5. Anderson, S. (2022, June 6). How to Talk to Your Patients About Leaky Gut: An Overview. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/what-is-leaky-gut

6. LoBisco, S. (2023, January 13). Testing The Liver-Gut Axis For the Integrative Treatment of Liver Disease. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/testing-the-liver-gut-axis-for-the-integrative-treatment-of-liver-disease

7. Robinson, K. (2020, December 16). Detoxification: Natural Process & Supplementation. Fullscript. https://fullscript.com/blog/natural-detoxification

8. Christie, J. (2023, January 5). How to Personalize a Detox Program For Your Patients With Labs. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-to-medically-detox-from-environmental-toxins

9. Sweetnich, J. (2023, February 22). How Stress Affects Our Gut Health. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-stress-affects-our-gut-health

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