Your Genetics Determine How You Detox

Most people think about detoxification as a juice cleanse, a supplement regimen, or simply “sweating it out.” But the truth is, detoxification is a highly sophisticated process that your body manages every single day—and your genetics play a massive role in how efficiently (or inefficiently) that process happens.

Understanding your genetic blueprint can reveal whether your body is a “fast metabolizer,” prone to toxin buildup, or somewhere in between. And with that knowledge, you can make targeted choices to support your liver, gut, and cellular detox pathways.

If you would like more information about your genetic predisposition, we can order your genetic blueprint (typically $299).

How Detoxification Works

Your body detoxifies in three major phases:

1. Phase I (Activation/Modification):
   This step relies on enzymes in the cytochrome P450 family (like CYP1A1, CYP2D6, CYP3A4). These enzymes take toxins, hormones, and medications and “activate” them—often making them more reactive and sometimes more harmful.

2. Phase II (Conjugation):
   Now your body has to neutralize those reactive molecules. Genes like GST (Glutathione-S-Transferase), COMT (Catechol-O-Methyltransferase), and NAT (N-Acetyltransferases) help attach molecules such as glutathione, methyl groups, or sulfur to make toxins water-soluble and easier to excrete.

3. Phase III (Transport/Excretion):
   Finally, your body uses transporters (like ABCB1) and bile flow to move toxins into urine, stool, or sweat.

If any of these genetic variants are slowed, backed up, or overactive, the entire detoxification system can become imbalanced.

Key Genetic Variants That Impact Detox

• MTHFR (Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase):
  Determines how efficiently you produce methyl groups. Poor function can reduce Phase II methylation, impacting hormone and neurotransmitter detox.

• COMT (Catechol-O-Methyltransferase):
  Breaks down catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, estrogen metabolites). Slow COMT = estrogen dominance and anxiety risk; fast COMT = lower dopamine levels and more fatigue.

• GSTM1 & GSTT1 (Glutathione-S-Transferases):
  Important for binding toxins with glutathione. “Null” variants (deletions) mean less capacity for glutathione detox, leading to higher toxin sensitivity.

• CYP1A1, CYP1B1 (Cytochrome P450s):
  Involved in estrogen metabolism and activation of environmental toxins. Overactive CYP1B1 may lead to harmful estrogen metabolites that increase cancer risk.

• NAT2 (N-Acetyltransferase 2):
  Impacts how you detoxify environmental chemicals, especially from smoked/charred foods and certain medications. “Slow acetylators” have higher risk of toxin accumulation.

How to Support Detoxification by Genetic Type

If You Have Slow Methylation (MTHFR/COMT Variants):

• Prioritize methylated B vitamins (methylfolate, methylcobalamin, riboflavin).

• Eat foods rich in folate (dark leafy greens, asparagus, legumes).

• Support choline intake (eggs, liver, sunflower lecithin).

If You Have Weak Glutathione Genes (GSTM1/GSTT1 Deletions):

• Supplement with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and liposomal glutathione.

• Eat sulfur-rich foods (garlic, onions, cruciferous vegetables).

• Use sauna and exercise to stimulate natural detox pathways.

If You Have Overactive Phase I Enzymes (CYP Variants):

• Increase antioxidant intake (vitamin C, E, polyphenols, green tea, resveratrol).

• Limit exposure to charred meats, cigarette smoke, and environmental toxins.

• Balance with cruciferous vegetables that support Phase II.

If You Are a Slow Acetylator (NAT2 Variants):

• Avoid charred, smoked, or processed meats that increase nitrosamine exposure.

• Support liver detox with milk thistle, turmeric, and rosemary.

• Focus on clean protein sources (wild-caught fish, organic poultry).

The Blueprint to Optimal You

Without understanding your genetics, detox protocols can backfire. For example, aggressive “liver cleanses” may upregulate Phase I detox, creating more reactive metabolites—but if your Phase II pathways are sluggish, those metabolites accumulate, leaving you feeling worse.

By tailoring detox strategies to your unique genetic profile, you can improve hormone balance, reduce inflammation, increase resilience to environmental toxins, and even optimize mental health.

References

1. Bailey, L. B., & Ayling, J. E. (2009). The MTHFR gene: functional significance, polymorphisms, and impact on folate metabolism. Annual Review of Nutrition, 29, 263–282.

2. Chen, C., et al. (2016). Glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms and susceptibility to environmental toxins. Environmental Health Perspectives, 124(2), 187–194.

3. Daly, A. K. (2012). Pharmacogenetics of CYP2D6 and CYP2C19: impact on drug response. Pharmacogenomics, 13(8), 787–802.

4. Hein, D. W. (2009). NAT2 genetic polymorphism and carcinogen metabolism. Nature Reviews Cancer, 9(12), 957–970.

5. Lajin, B., & Alachkar, A. (2013). The catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158Met polymorphism and cancer risk: a meta-analysis. Pharmacogenetics and Genomics, 23(11), 591–606.