Detox Pathways 101
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1. Liver Phase 1
Breaks toxins down into intermediate compounds, often more reactive than the original toxin.
When Phase 1 is fast but Phase 2 is slow, people may feel:
• wired
• anxious
• nauseous
• inflamed
• “overstimulated”
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2. Liver Phase 2
Neutralizes those intermediates using:
• methyl groups
• sulfur
• glycine
• glutathione
• choline
This phase is the one most affected by genetic variants like MTHFR, COMT, CBS, PEMT, and GST/GPX.
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3. Lymphatic System
Carries waste out of tissues. When sluggish, it creates:
• puffiness
• breast tenderness
• groin/neck tenderness
• slow immune response
Dry brushing, walking, warm water, nettles, and red clover help.
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4. Kidneys
Filter water-soluble waste.
Dehydration or low minerals slow this entire process.
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5. Colon
Clears fat-soluble toxins, hormones, and old metabolites.
When sluggish:
• detox stalls
• hormones recirculate
• the skin takes over and breakouts increase
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6. Skin + Lungs
Backup detox organs that activate when the others are overwhelmed.
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If any of these pathways are sluggish, detox may feel overwhelming:
headaches, fatigue, irritability, histamine flares, skin breakouts, OR “nothing happens at all.”
This is not failure: it simply means the body needs support before stimulation.
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Genetic Factors That Slow Detox Pathways
These are the most common contributors to detox overwhelm, supplement intolerance, or “mysterious reactions.”
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1. MTHFR Mutation
Affects:
• methylation
• folate use
• B12 activation
• glutathione creation
• hormone + environmental toxin clearance
With MTHFR, the body may struggle to:
• run Phase 2 efficiently
• neutralize intermediate toxins
• tolerate high-sulfur or high-methyl supplements
• produce steady energy
This does NOT mean detoxing is unsafe.
It means you must support methylation first.
Helps:
• L-5-MTHF (methyl folate)
• Methylcobalamin or hydroxy-B12
• P5P (B6)
• Riboflavin (B2)
• Choline (eggs, lecithin)
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2. COMT Mutation
COMT slows the breakdown of:
• adrenaline
• dopamine
• estrogen
• stress hormones
These individuals detox emotionally and physically slower.
They also react more easily to:
• methyl donors
• caffeine
• green tea extract
• high-dose B12
Helps:
• Magnesium (glycinate or L-threonate)
• Small-dose SAMe
• P5P
• Holy basil, lemon balm
• Nervous-system–calming herbs
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3. MAOA Mutation (often paired with COMT)
MAOA slows serotonin + dopamine clearance.
These people may feel:
• moody
• overstimulated
• anxious on 5-HTP, St. John’s Wort, Rhodiola
• reactive to methylated B vitamins
Helps:
• Glycine
• Vitamin C
• Ashwagandha
• Calm, non-methylated B vitamins
This is a very helpful addition because many women react to “mood supplements” but don’t know why.
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4. GST & GPX Mutations
These genes recycle glutathione.
If slow, the person may experience:
• chemical sensitivity
• mold sensitivity
• migraines
• high oxidative stress
• slower recovery from illness
Helps:
• NAC (only if tolerated without sulfur flares)
• Selenium
• Vitamin C
• Milk thistle
• Broccoli sprouts
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5. CBS Mutation
Affects sulfur metabolism.
These people may react to:
• NAC
• MSM
• garlic
• onions
• glutathione
• high-sulfur detox protocols
Helps:
• P5P
• Low-sulfur detoxing
• Molybdenum
• Magnesium
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6. PEMT Mutation
Reduces endogenous choline production.
Choline is needed for:
• bile flow
• liver fat metabolism
• hormone clearance
• Phase 2 detox
Helps:
• Eggs
• Sunflower lecithin
• Milk thistle
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7. DAO Mutation (Histamine Pathway)
DAO clears histamine from food and the gut.
When slow, detoxing can trigger:
• headaches
• flushing
• itchiness
• hives
• sinus congestion
• anxiety
• “detox reactions” that aren’t detox — they’re histamine
Helps:
• Vitamin C
• Quercetin
• Magnesium
• DAO enzymes
• Low-histamine probiotics
Adding this completes your detox explanation because histamine intolerance mimics “detox symptoms.”
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8. GAD1 Mutation
Affects conversion of glutamate → GABA (calming neurotransmitter).
People with GAD1 may become overstimulated by glycine or collagen.
Helps:
• Magnesium L-threonate
• L-theanine
• Topical magnesium
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So What Should You Do to Detox Well: Especially With MTHFR?
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1. Support methylation FIRST
Your body cannot detox if Phase 2 doesn’t have the methyl groups it needs.
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2. Keep daily herbs gentle
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3. Save deep detox for the waning moon
This syncs with the body’s natural downward, releasing rhythm.
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4. Keep minerals high
Minerals the body burns through during detox:
• magnesium
• potassium
• sodium
• zinc
• molybdenum
Mineral depletion creates detox symptoms more than the toxins themselves.
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5. Focus on glutathione support
Especially for MTHFR, GST, GPX, and chronic inflammation.
Support includes:
• milk thistle
• NAC (if sulfur-tolerant)
• vitamin C
• broccoli sprouts
• gentle antioxidant-rich herbs
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Final Thought
Genetics do not define your wellness.
They simply reveal where the body needs more nourishment.
When you support your pathways, honor your timing, and bring your detox rhythm into alignment with the moon, minerals, prayer, and intuition, detox becomes gentler, safer, and far more effective.
Your body is capable, created with wisdom, and fully designed to heal when given the right raw materials.
🌿 Modestly Authentic Wellness Disclaimer
The information provided by Modestly Authentic is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not licensed medical professionals. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new health-related program, especially for children, during pregnancy, or when taking medications. Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and content are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Use your own discretion and seek professional guidance where needed.
