Intro To Biotransformation

Intro To Biotransformation

We’ve all heard of the term “detox,” but do we understand what it really means? Detoxification is a process of biotransformation in our bodies. Its fundamental purpose is to release any waste we might be carrying around. Our bodies are constantly cleaning house by way of our paths of elimination like the liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph, colon, and skin. Each of these organs works to eliminate excess waste products (or toxins) produced by our natural metabolic process.

How waste is handled

Biotransformation and elimination refer to how the body handles products of metabolism, toxic elements, drugs, and other chemicals and eliminates waste through the urine, stool, and sweat. Isn’t it amazing that our bodies know to do this on their own?

In the modern world, everyone is exposed to a mixture of chemical compounds daily. Research by the Centers for Disease Control found detectable levels of more than 200 environmental chemicals like pesticides, flame retardants, and tobacco smoke by-products in the blood and urine of large sample groups. Some of these substances are carcinogens, while others likely mess with hormones and organ function. When you add these on top of the Standard American diet, heavy in processed foods, refined sugars, additives, and preservatives, it’s no surprise that we can feel groggy, tired, and inflamed.

Our bodies do it naturally

Our bodies are equipped to detoxify natural compounds, like a little too much sugar from an indulgent night out. However, it’s difficult to process the amounts of toxins in food and the air that we all encounter today. Some chemicals, like those derived from plastics, are stored in our fat cells for years.

When there are imbalances in the biotransformation and elimination processes, a person may notice sensitivity to perfumes or smells, painful periods, skin issues, headaches, chronic fatigue, brain fog, muscle pain, digestive problems, and more. An overloaded detoxification pathway may also lead to clinical patterns such as immune dysfunction or endocrine disruption.

Dietary changes can help

Fortunately, dietary changes can help us eliminate some of this. Foods that may support the biotransformation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), for example, include cruciferous vegetables, berries, soy, garlic, and spices like turmeric (1). Phytonutrients in cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, regulate liver enzymes and support phases one and two of liver detoxification (2). Consuming more fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients may help the liver and promote efficient biotransformation and elimination.

Specific nutrients necessary for the biotransformation and elimination processes include vitamin A, glutathione, magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate, glutamine, N-acetylcysteine, copper, zinc, etc. In addition to nutrients, modifiable lifestyle factors like
sleep, movement, and stress play a role here and support the body’s natural drainage pathways.

Holistic whole body approach

Overall, the presence and use of plastics, herbicides, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, food additives, household cleaners, personal care products, and toxic metals have burdened what the body has evolved to tolerate in its environment. This is why it’s essential to consciously support our biotransformation and elimination processes so our bodies stay strong, healthy, and resilient. Here are our targeted products to support Biotransformation:

Our signature cleanse program

The 21-Day Clean Program is designed specifically to support biotransformation and elimination by providing essential nutrients to optimize the detoxification process. It also allows us to reduce the toxic load by adding in more organic, whole foods and decreasing conventional foods containing pesticides, herbicides, and antibiotics.

Short + sweet reset

This 7-Day Cleanse utilizes whole herbs to restore vitality. Clean 7 blends the principles of Ayurveda, an ancient holistic healing science, Intermittent Fasting, a fasting and eating pattern, and Functional Medicine. The ingredients included in Clean 7 are designed to support biotransformation and elimination. For example, spirulina and chlorella are well known for their ability to help remove heavy metals from the body.

Elimination is vital

Many people are deficient in magnesium, which is needed for hundreds of reactions in the body. Eliminate is a cherry-flavored magnesium powder that provides a natural source of magnesium. It’s easily-absorbed and can provide heightened relaxation, relief from muscle pain and cramping, and healthy bowel movements.

Move waste out

Move is a prebiotic fiber supplement composed of oat hull fiber and apple fiber. It supports digestive health and regularity. Fiber helps us keep things moving through the system, eliminate toxins, excrete excess hormones, and supports our gut health, all of which help us feel healthier overall.

Revive and Clean your system

Getting adequate vitamins and minerals takes effort. Clean Greens powder is designed to bridge any nutritional gaps in our daily diet to keep us feeling healthy and energized. This vegan superfood greens powder supports cleansing, energy, and rejuvenation and has a delicious flavor. It’s an easy addition to smoothies or your Clean Daily Shake. With this superfood mix, you’ll get various antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and enzymes to support immune function and optimize biotransformation.

Sources:

1. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jnme/2015/760689/

2. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jmf.2015.0079

 

Written by the Clean Team

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like The Science of the 7 Systems