To cope with stress, your body has a six-circuit system in place, the NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) Stress Response System. It works to help your body manage stress and maintain balance. The Detoxification circuit is one of the NEM stress response circuits.
When there is an overload of stressors to the body, it can cause imbalances within the various NEM circuits, including the Detoxification circuit. This article will take a closer look at Detoxification circuit dysfunction, what it is, and recovery.
What Is the Detoxification Circuit?
The Detoxification circuit is essential for removing toxins and metabolites from the body. In particular, it helps remove excessive reactive metabolites that come from stress.
It is made up of the:
- Liver
- Interstitium (or extracellular matrix, a network of non-living tissues that support cells)
- Immune system
In addition, the kidneys, lymphatic system, lungs, and skin also play a lesser role.
What Happens In Detoxification Circuit Dysfunction?
While the NEM system is designed to handle stress, when the stress load becomes too high, it can lead to Adrenal Fatigue. This is when your body is unable to keep up with long-term stress.
When this happens, imbalances within the NEM system can occur, and one of the circuits that can be affected is the Detoxification circuit.
There are various types of stressors that your body can experience. For the Detoxification circuit, excessive reactive metabolites are a source of stress and can trigger Detoxification circuit dysfunction.
What are Metabolites?
Metabolites are defined as substances that your body produces when it breaks down food, drugs, and chemicals [1]. This is part of the excretion process and helps to clear the body of unwanted by-products.
In addition, some substances that enter your body can be toxic, including:
Foods with pesticides or hormones- Chemicals in home or body care products
- Polluted air
- Medications
- Unclean water
To remove these substances, your body has a built-in detoxification mechanism to convert natural compounds into inert metabolites before excretion. These inert metabolites do not engage the cell’s metabolic activities, making them inactive.
The liver is the primary organ responsible for this. Most toxins are neutralized inside the liver by a two-step process.
Phase one converts fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble metabolites. Phase two takes the metabolites from phase one and deactivates them. The liver is also a depot for many immune cells, such as lymphocytes, which are ready to be called into action to neutralize pathogens.
What Are Reactive Metabolites?
While the body has a built-in detoxification mechanism, it has a limit to the number of metabolites it can convert to inert metabolites at a time.
When toxic substances are introduced in excess, they can cause the metabolites to not be removed properly or quickly enough. This causes the metabolites to remain active.
Active metabolites are also called reactive metabolites because they react with other things in the body and can become toxic. In most cases, the build-up of chemically reactive metabolites is temporary, and the body gets rid of them after multiple passes through the system. In some cases, such as with toxic metals like mercury, the toxin never leaves the body on its own.
Triggers for Excessive Metabolites in the Body
There are many potential triggers for excessive metabolites. These include:
Lifestyle Triggers:
- Lack of sleep
- Excessive exercise
- Excessive alcohol
- Aggressive fasting protocols
- Eating hard-to-digest food
- Exposure to changes in ambient temperature that the body cannot handle
- Exposure to changes in weather conditions, especially humidity
- Exposure to excessive EMF, such as from cell phones or computer monitors
- Excessive pollution, including from air, water, food, and chemicals
- Street and recreational drug use, including medical cannabis
Bodily Triggers
- Adrenal crashes
- Hormonal imbalances
- Menstrual cycle turbulence
- The time before and after menstruation, especially in people with existing estrogen dominance
- Excessive heat
- Gastric slowdown
- Catabolic state
- Excessive methylation
- Physical trauma leading to muscle breakdown
Supplement-Related Triggers
- Excessive chelation and IV nutritional therapy
- Improper use of natural compounds, including glandulars and herbs
- Over-aggressive detoxification modalities such as liver flushes and enemas
Medical Triggers
- Over-aggressive chiropractic manipulation or acupuncture
- Chronic and stealth infections and coinfections, such as:
- Candida
- Lyme
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
- Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- H. pylori
- Prescription medications, including:
- Painkillers
- Antidepressants
- Thyroid medications
- Proton-pump inhibitors
- Immunosuppressants
- Long-term ingestion of prescription medications such as:
- Steroids
- Sleep medications
- Certain antidepressants
- Benzodiazepines
- Proton pump inhibitors
Effects of Multiple Sources of Metabolite Exposure
Due to the vast amount of potential triggers, many individuals cannot escape being exposed to reactive metabolites. If you are exposed to a number of triggers, it can increase the risk of these reactive metabolites accumulating in your body.
The degree of damage from these reactive metabolites depends on the quantity and frequency of exposure. The more unwanted reactive metabolites in your body, the heavier the burden is on the body, especially the liver, to get rid of them.
Healthy individuals will generally be able to clear the reactive metabolites. Individuals with chronic medical conditions or chronic stress may not be able to and are vulnerable to a buildup of these reactive metabolites.
When there is a buildup of these reactive metabolites, it can cause reactive metabolite overload (RMO). This refers to excessive reactive metabolites in the body.
How Does RMO Cause Detoxification Circuit Dysfunction?
When RMO occurs, it can cause:
- Interstitial pollution
- Liver congestion
- Immune system hyperactivation
This triple overload can create a perfect storm that leads to Detoxification circuit dysfunction.
Because the body is a closed system, the balance can be disrupted when the accumulation of excessive metabolites exceeds the body’s ability to promptly clear them.
All metabolites, both inert and reactive, circulate within the entire body continuously until excreted through the lungs, skin, bowel, or kidneys. While in transit, one of the first systems to experience toxic effects is the interstitium.
Interstitial Pollution
The interstitium refers to the space outside of the cells. The interstitium consists of the extracellular matrix (ECM), a three-dimensional network that provides structural support for the cells and tissues, as well as various cells and interstitial fluid.
Not only does the interstitium provide structural support, but it also plays a role in the communication between cells [2]. It is also a network where metabolites can travel from one part of the body to another.
Metabolites, both inert and reactive, will travel via the interstitium to the liver for detoxification. There, reactive metabolites are broken down by the cytochrome P450 detox pathway in the liver.
When the load of reactive metabolites becomes high, this pathway will have to work harder, and this can burden the liver. Due to this burden, there can be an increase in both inert and reactive metabolites. This increase will start to congest the interstitium, slowing the flow of the interstitium and leading to interstitial pollution.
When the flow within the interstitium reduces, the reactive metabolites can cause damage to the interstitium. This can damage the extracellular scaffolding necessary for organ structural integrity. It can also disrupt the communication between cells, leading to defective messaging between cells.
The metabolites that are not cleared immediately recycle within the body, causing systemic inflammation and immune system activation. This sets the body up for multiple insults, leading to what is known as a retoxification reaction.
Liver Congestion
When reactive metabolites become high, the liver is put under strain. As the metabolites start to accumulate in the interstitium, it can cause the liver to become congested, causing toxicity and damage to the liver, also known as a sluggish liver.
Pollution in the interstitium and liver congestion can result in the body being filled with toxins. This is the point at which the Detoxification circuit becomes dysfunctional.
Immune System Hyperactivity
The immune system forms the third pillar of the Detoxification circuit. The immune system is able to detect pathogens that may become active when the body is under stress.
The job of your immune system is to attack and neutralize these active and potential pathogens.
When liver congestion and interstitial pollution occur, your immune system can sense an increase in metabolites. As protection, an inflammatory response is initiated. This is to neutralize any pathogens that may surface.
This inflammatory response will increase inflammation in the body.
Some blood work that may point to an active immune system is:
- Elevated white blood cells – These cells fight off infection from pathogens.
- Elevated C-Reactive Protein (CRP) – This protein is produced by the liver in response to inflammation and tissue damage [3].
Because the inflammatory response is initiated in response to an increase in metabolites, this response remains activated for as long as metabolites are in the body. This results in your immune system being constantly activated.
While an increase in inflammation can be due to Detoxification circuit dysfunction, other causes can increase inflammation. These include:
Flu and colds- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Sinus infections
- Food sensitivities
- Microbiome imbalances
- A leaky gut- an increased permeability in the intestines
- Sensitivities to heavy metals and chemicals
- Chronic infections
- Stealth infections
If you are experiencing inflammation, it is important not to jump to conclusions on whether you are experiencing a Detoxification circuit dysfunction, as there are many other causes of an activated immune system.
Symptoms of Detoxification Circuit Dysfunction
If you are experiencing Detoxification circuit dysfunction, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Brain fog
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Food sensitivities
- Autoimmune flare-ups
- Migrating aches and pains
- Paradoxical reactions to medications – where the reaction you experience is opposite to what is expected
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Electrolyte imbalances
If the reactive metabolite overload cannot be managed and relieved, these Detoxification circuit symptoms may continue and worsen over time.
Unfortunately, most of these symptoms are ignored and passed over as a normal part of the aging process until they become severe.
In some cases, medications will be given to help with the symptoms; however, over time, these medications often become less effective as they aren’t targeting the root cause of the overload.
If one of the three main parts of the Detoxification circuits is dysregulated, the symptoms may be less, and the body can recover more easily. In some cases, rest and fasting may be all that is needed. If all three aspects are affected, symptoms can worsen even with attempts to detoxify the body.
While there are symptoms of Detoxification circuit dysfunction that you can look out for, some other signs of Detoxification circuit dysfunction that you or your healthcare professional may find are:
- An unknown cause of low energy and fatigue.
- A history of preexisting problems, such as:
- Stealth infections
- Heavy previous antibiotic use
- Gastric disturbances
- Over-exercise
- Severe stress
- Hormonal imbalance
- A severe energy crash where you struggle to get your energy back.
- Relapses regardless of the type of relief, including medical, nutritional, and natural. Retoxification reactions may occur in these relapses.
- Multiple blood tests may come back within the normal range or borderline. Some tests that may be elevated are:
- Biologically inactive thyroid hormone (rT3)
- White blood cell count
- You may find that over time, your body becomes more sensitive to food, medications, and natural compounds.
- Energy crashes may increase in frequency and become more severe. This can result in individuals becoming bedridden.
Testing for Detoxification Circuit Dysfunction
While some markers may be tested, such as white blood cell count and CRP, there are other functional tests that can also be done. These tests may help determine the root cause of Detoxification circuit dysfunction and include:
Organic Acid Testing (OAT)
Organic acid testing (OAT) is a urine test that measures the amounts of various organic acids, toxins, neurotransmitters, nutrient status, and dysbiosis markers in your urine. This test can give you insight into your glutathione status and the different liver detoxification phases. This can give insight into how well your body is detoxifying.
Testing for Toxins: Heavy Metals and Molds
Testing for the presence of toxins such as heavy metals and molds can point to a potential Detoxification circuit dysfunction and can help confirm it if you are currently experiencing symptoms.
Genetic Tests: MTHFR or COMT Gene Mutation
Genetic tests, such as genetic SNPs, test for a single gene variation. Two genetic tests that may be connected to detox issues are the MTHFR and the COMT gene mutation.
The MTHFR gene mutation occurs when the body is unable to metabolize methylated forms of vitamins such as folate and vitamin B12. Testing the levels of various nutrients, such as folate and vitamin B12, can also help to confirm MTHFR gene mutation.
The COMT gene provides instructions for making an enzyme that breaks down hormones such as dopamine and adrenaline. If there is a mutation within this gene, these hormones are unable to be broken down properly. This can prolong an individual’s experience of stress and may increase the risk of Adrenal Fatigue.
Both of these gene mutations affect your body’s ability to break down various compounds and can put pressure on your Detoxification circuit. There are also a variety of other Genetic mutations that could cause detox pathway issues, and this is easily tested for at Lam Clinic.
Vitamins and Mineral Level Tests
Testing the levels of certain nutrients, such as folate and vitamin B12, can help to confirm issues such as MTHFR, as noted above.
4-point Cortisol Test
Testing cortisol levels can help determine whether you are experiencing Adrenal Fatigue.
Testing cortisol through your saliva is more accurate as it measures the free saliva.
For this test, multiple saliva samples may be taken to get a sense of your body’s natural cortisol rhythm, which peaks in the morning and dips in the evening. This will help determine whether your cortisol levels are continually low or high.
Identifying Detoxification Problems
Due to the complex nature of Detoxification circuit dysfunction, many individuals may not connect it to their symptoms.
Sometimes, symptoms are attributed to an autoimmune condition, and they are generally blunted after medications. You may become dependent on medications until the medication stops working.
If you are concerned that you are experiencing symptoms of a Detoxification circuit dysfunction, seeing a healthcare professional who understands Detoxification circuit dysfunction is important. This can help determine whether it is because of a Detoxification circuit dysfunction or if there is another cause of your symptoms. This can sometimes take time to determine.
Detoxification Circuit Dysfunction Recovery
Recovery can take time and is not a quick fix. This is possible by gently reducing the overload that triggered the dysfunction. Recovery includes:
- Reducing reactive metabolites
- Decreasing liver congestion
- Depolluting the interstitial space
- Preventing excessive activation of the immune system
Recovery approaches may vary between individuals due to the complex nature of Detoxification circuit dysfunction. This is why choosing a healthcare professional with experience in Detoxification circuit dysfunction is important.
Even in recovery, it is important to remember that relapses may be experienced from time to time, but the intensity and frequency usually reduce over time.
However, while seeing a healthcare professional with experience in Detoxification circuit dysfunction is important, there are some strategies that you can try. These include supplementation and detoxification protocols.
Supplementation
There are various nutrients, herbs, and compounds that can help with detoxification.
Fulvic acid is a natural compound that contains fulvic minerals, which are mineral compounds that are formed as a result of decomposition. These minerals can help bind to heavy metals and remove them from the body, assisting in detoxification.
Antioxidants can also help with detoxification by neutralizing the harmful free radicals that are produced. By helping to neutralize the free radicals, antioxidants help to protect the body from further damage and can help support the liver to produce more detoxification enzymes. Examples of antioxidants include:
- Milk thistle
- Glutathione
- Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)
Milk thistle can also help to protect your liver cells and may help increase your body’s natural production of glutathione. Glutathione is considered the master antioxidant and can also help bind to toxins and poisons, helping to remove them. ALA can also help boost your levels of glutathione and can bind to heavy metals.
While these antioxidants can help with detoxification in the blood, charcoal can help with detoxification in the gut, preventing toxins from entering the bloodstream. With charcoal, it’s important to remember that it can also bind to medications and nutrients, so it needs to be used carefully.
While food sources can help increase levels of fulvic acid, glutathione, and ALA, supplementation can help to provide higher amounts of these compounds. Supplements that contain these compounds are:
Milk thistle and charcoal, however, need to be taken through supplementation. Supplements that can help provide milk thistle and charcoal are:
- LiverCharge by Dr. Lam for milk thistle
- Matrifix Charcoal by Dr. Lam for charcoal
Detoxification Protocols
Apart from supplementation, there are also protocols that may help with detoxification. These include:
- Drinking distilled water: This water does not contain impurities and can help remove toxins and flush out waste products.
- Oil pulling: This involves swirling edible oil in your mouth for several minutes and spitting it out. This may help remove bacteria and toxins in your mouth, preventing them from entering your gut and potentially bloodstream.
- Foot bath: This involves soaking your feet in a bath containing an ionized solution. The thought is that the positively charged ions in the solution will attract the negatively charged ions of the toxins in your feet, and bind to them, thus helping with detoxification.
- Sauna: Using heat, a sauna can help remove toxins through your sweat and help to improve blood flow. This may help to enhance your kidney and liver functioning, thus assisting in detoxification.
Cautions with Supplementation and Detoxification Protocols
While supplements and detoxification protocols may help, they need to be practiced with caution, especially if you are experiencing a Detoxification circuit dysfunction.
Note that, in most cases, it’s best to avoid drastic detoxification protocols, as these often backfire, causing retoxification reactions and additional problems. Gentle detoxification measures are generally best.
Guidance from an experienced healthcare provider can help you choose the next best steps for your body.
Takeaway
Detoxification circuit dysfunction affects your interstitium, liver, and immune system, and can drastically affect your quality of life. However, recovery is possible with a holistic functional perspective, coupled with clinical experience and a systematic plan.
At Lam Clinic, we believe in Rooted Care that transforms lives and empowers futures. If you are concerned about your Detoxification circuit and are looking for an experienced team that offers compassionate and integrative care, contact Lam Clinic for a step toward recovery.