Phase 1: Breaking Down
Think of this as the “shredder” phase. In Phase 1, your liver takes big, bulky toxins (like used-up hormones or chemicals) and breaks them into smaller pieces using enzymes — mainly the cytochrome P450 family.
Be aware though...
After Phase 1, these toxins are actually more reactive — like half-burned firewood that still gives off smoke. If they’re not quickly neutralized in Phase 2, they can create inflammation or oxidative stress (cell damage).
Phase 2: Neutralizing + Removing
Phase 2 is the “packaging and shipping” phase. Here, the liver attaches other molecules to those broken-down toxins — things like methyl groups, sulfur, or amino acids — so they can be safely excreted through bile (stool) or urine.
This step depends heavily on nutrients — especially:
- B vitamins (B2, B6, B12, folate) for methylation
- Glutathione, glycine, and taurine for binding
- Minerals like magnesium and selenium for enzyme support
Phase 3: Elimination
Once toxins are neutralized, they’ve got to leave the body. This happens via:
- Stool (via bile and digestion)
- Urine (via the kidneys)
- Sweat and breath (minor routes, but still helpful)
If someone’s constipated, dehydrated, or not sweating, detox can get “backed up,” leading to bloating, headaches, or skin flare-ups.
So, unlike the juice cleansing and diet culture fasting stories...detox is not about starving or flushing — it’s about:
- Giving your liver the nutrients it needs
- Keeping your bowels and kidneys moving
- Supporting natural balance so your body can keep up with daily exposure to chemicals, hormones, and stress
🌿 Best Practical Applications
One of my favorite recommendations is sulforaphane aka broccoli sprouts! Not only because they are as natural source as you can get, but also because they're so potent and vital for detoxification!
- Source: Fresh broccoli sprouts or a stabilized sulforaphane supplement (e.g., Avmacol, BrocElite, Thorne Crucera-SGS).
- Dose: 50–100 mg sulforaphane daily - SEE LINK BELOW!
- Timing: With meals that contain some healthy fat to enhance absorption.
- Supportive stack: Combine with methyl donors (5-MTHF, methyl-B12, choline), NAC, magnesium, and fiber (for estrogen excretion).
