Tag: Xenobiotics

According to a 2020 study, mycotoxins, a type of naturally occurring xenobiotic, are one of the most prevalent food contaminants globally, with up to 80% prevalence in some food crops. What foods contain xenobiotics, and how do these foreign substances find their way into our diet?. This guide explores the various natural and man-made xenobiotics present in our food supply and offers practical advice for minimizing exposure.

While the liver’s two-phase detoxification system is well-documented, a common point of confusion revolves around where the master antioxidant, glutathione, fits in. The truth is that glutathione plays a critical, dual role by both helping to neutralize reactive intermediates from Phase 1 and serving as a major player in the Phase 2 conjugation pathway.

According to the National Institutes of Health, xenobiotics are chemical substances that are foreign to an organism's normal biochemistry and can include drugs, pesticides, and some food additives. This foundational distinction helps answer the core question: are nutrients xenobiotics? The answer lies in their purpose, metabolism, and the body's expected physiological response to them.

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant found in nearly every cell of the body, with the liver containing some of the highest concentrations. So, what does glutathione remove from the body? It targets harmful substances like heavy metals and free radicals to protect cellular health and support detoxification.