Liver & Detoxification Health

Body Parts and Structures Involved

Primary Detoxification Organs

• Liver – Filters blood, metabolises nutrients, and processes toxins for elimination.

• Kidneys – Filter blood and excrete waste via urine.

• Skin – Eliminates toxins through sweat.

• Lungs – Expel volatile compounds through breath.

Supporting Structures

• Gallbladder – Stores and releases bile for fat digestion and toxin removal.

• Lymphatic system – Transports immune cells and removes waste from tissues.

• Colon – Eliminates waste and metabolised toxins via stool.

Key Functions

Detoxification Phases

• Phase I (Oxidation) – Converts toxins into intermediate forms (can be more reactive) using cytochrome P450 enzymes.

• Phase II (Conjugation) – Neutralises and makes toxins water-soluble for elimination (via methylation, sulfation, glucuronidation, etc.).

• Phase III (Elimination) – Removes toxins via bile, urine, sweat, and stool.

Metabolic Functions

• Processes carbohydrates, fats, and proteins for energy production.

• Stores glycogen, vitamins, and minerals.

• Regulates cholesterol synthesis and breakdown.

Bile Production & Secretion

• Emulsifies fats for digestion.

• Assists in elimination of fat-soluble toxins and excess cholesterol.

Interconnections with Other Systems

• Digestive System – Gut–liver axis for nutrient absorption and toxin elimination.

• Immune System – Kupffer cells in the liver filter pathogens from the blood.

• Endocrine System – Hormone metabolism, including oestrogen clearance.

• Circulatory System – Liver filters and processes blood coming from the digestive tract.

• Lymphatic System – Assists in waste transport and immune defence.

Common Symptoms of Impaired Detoxification

• Fatigue and low energy;

• Brain fog and poor concentration;

• Skin issues (acne, eczema, rashes);

• Bloating and digestive discomfort;

• Sensitivity to alcohol, caffeine, or medications;

• Headaches or migraines;

• Hormonal imbalances;

• Chemical sensitivity (perfumes, cleaning products).

Investigation Methods

See what Testing can be performed

Functional and Medical Tests

• Liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin);

• Liver ultrasound;

• Comprehensive stool analysis (to assess bile function and gut–liver axis);

• Organic acids testing;

• Nutritional status assessments (B vitamins, antioxidants);

• Hormone testing for oestrogen clearance (including DUTCH test);

• Heavy metal testing.

Conditions That Can Be Managed with Nutrition

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD);

• Alcohol-related liver stress (support alongside medical care);

• Impaired detoxification capacity;

• Oestrogen dominance due to poor liver clearance;

• Chronic headaches or migraines linked to detox overload;

• Skin conditions linked to toxin buildup;

• Chemical sensitivity;

• Gallbladder dysfunction or bile insufficiency;

• Post-medication or post-alcohol liver recovery support.

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