Among the hundreds of unique chemical pathways that the liver carries out on a daily basis are some very important detoxification reactions. The liver has the ability to detoxify the body by taking potentially harmful substances out of the bloodstream and, through a two-phase process, converting them to other forms, which can then be filtered and eliminated through the kidneys and colon. A variety of nutrients are required by the liver to successfully carry out these processes.
Phase I Nutrients
In phase I, molecules identified by the liver as dangerous or toxic are converted into intermediate forms by the addition or removal of a molecular group and then sent on to phase II, where these intermediaries will receive a second transformation to a water-soluble form, according to Herbs2000.com. This temporary step can, in some cases, make the new molecule more chemically reactive and, therefore, potentially more dangerous to surrounding cells. Zinc, molybdenum and iron are used during this phase to detoxify alcohol. Copper, magnesium, and vitamin C are some of the other necessary components of the over 50 different enzymes in these reactions.
Phase II Nutrients
In phase II, a second conversion attaches the intermediary molecule to a mineral or amino acid that allows it to be safely transported from the body. Phase II compounds are water-soluble, so they can be filtered through the kidneys. Phase II molecules that are too large to filter through the kidneys are transported in the bile and leave through the colon. Some of the nutrients needed for this phase include certain antioxidants, vitamins B5 and B6, as well as the amino acids cysteine, methionine, taurine, glutamine and aspartic acid. Betaine, a substance which must be obtained from food, is found in large quantities in beets, spinach, and the grain quinoa, helps in the formation of methionine, and also thins the bile. It is important to note that if these necessary nutrients are not present in sufficient quantities, the phase I intermediaries can build up throughout the body and cause cell damage.
Antioxidants
A variety of antioxidants are used by the liver to recycle and replenish enzymes and also to protect and repair liver cells. These substances are active in phases I and II. Some, such as lycopene, anthocyanidin, and selenium, cannot be manufactured by the body and must be obtained through food sources. Lycopene, a water-soluble form of vitamin A, is found in tomatoes and other pink and red fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, and pink grapefruit. Anthocyanadin, is a member of the bioflavonoid family and found in many brightly colored plant foods, notably beets and green tea. Other phase II antioxidants, such as glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid, which boosts production of glutathione, are able to be produced by the body, but the raw materials the body uses to manufacture these must be obtained through food sources. Many fruits, vegetables and some lean meats provide these components.
Fats
Healthy fats, which promote the production of healthy cell membranes and are used in the manufacture of hormones and other lipid-based substances, include fish oil, flax seed oil, olive oil and oils from raw nuts and seeds. Some practitioners, such as Dr. Hulda Clark, advocate the use of large quantities of olive oil to flush the liver and gall bladder and promote the release of built-up toxins through the bile.
Herbs
Several medicinal herbs are noted for their ability to enhance liver function. Milk thistle contains the chemical silymarin, which acts at the cell membrane to protect liver cells from absorbing toxins while at the same time promoting rapid cell turnover to replenish liver cells up to four times faster than normal, according to Vitaminstohealth.com. Additionally, dandelion root and artichoke have liver-active properties that promote production of bile.
Water
The liver is a filter of the blood, and as such it relies on a steady flow of well-hydrated blood, flowing at a rate that matches its filtering ability. Dehydration overtaxes the liver's filtration capacity and leaves substances in the bloodstream to go around the body and hopefully be removed at a later time. Activity level, environment, diet and medications determine how much water is enough. A good rule of thumb is to observe the urine and drink enough water so that it is light in color and odor.
