Kate Street

Interest in detoxification has surged in recent years, driven in part by growing awareness of environmental contaminants and their potential implications for human health. Among the most discussed are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as 'forever chemicals', and microplastics.1 Once considered largely environmental issues, these contaminants are now routinely detected in water, food, and human tissues, highlighting the pervasive nature of these modern environmental exposures.1 Exposure to these compounds is difficult to avoid entirely. PFAS are used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products and can enter the body through food, drinking water, and everyday household items.2 Microplastics and nanoplastics are similarly pervasive, with exposure occurring through ingestion, inhalation, and the food chain.3 Their persistence in the environment, and growing evidence of biological activity, have prompted increasing interest in how the body processes and eliminates both naturally occurring waste products and environmental chemicals.  <h3>Why is healthy detoxification important?</h3><h3></h3>While research into the long-term health implications of these exposures continues to evolve, studies suggest some environmental contaminants may interact with metabolic and elimination pathways. PFAS exposure has been associated with alterations in liver enzymes, lipid metabolism, and bile acid regulation, and the liver is increasingly recognised as a major target organ for PFAS accumulation and toxicity.2 Beyond the liver, PFAS exposure has also been associated with thyroid disorders, reduced fertility, pre-eclampsia, and several cancers.2 Microplastics and nanoplastics have also been detected throughout the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and reproductive systems, prompting ongoing investigation into their potential health effects.3 Their presence within the reproductive system has been correlated with reduced gestational age and adverse birth outcomes, while gastrointestinal studies suggest potential associations with gallstone formation and alterations in gut microbial composition.3 As exposure to these contaminants becomes increasingly difficult to avoid, supporting normal biotransformation and elimination pathways, alongside reducing avoidable exposures, represents a practical approach to supporting overall health and resilience.  <h3>The liver's detoxification pathways</h3><h3></h3>Every day, the body metabolises and eliminates a wide range of endogenous and exogenous compounds, including metabolic waste products, hormones, medications, and environmental chemicals.4 Although multiple organs and elimination pathways contribute to these processes, the liver is a major site of biotransformation, converting compounds into forms that can be more readily eliminated from the body.5 Hepatic detoxification occurs through a series of interconnected biotransformation and transport pathways commonly described as three phases.6 These phases work together to transform compounds and facilitate their eventual excretion (see Figure 1).7 Phase 1: Transformation 
Compounds are chemically modified by enzyme systems, including cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes. This process can generate reactive intermediates, highlighting the importance of antioxidant defences. Phase 1 reactions typically involve oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis reactions that prepare compounds for further metabolism and elimination.4 
 Phase 2: Conjugation 
Compounds are linked to molecules such as glutathione, sulfate, or glucuronic acid, increasing water solubility and preparing them for elimination.4 Phase 3: Transport and elimination 
Following biotransformation and conjugation, metabolites are transported for excretion from the body.6 <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt948bd74310fc0ad0/bltcba5818397f1d750/6ad6e6cee271b4d39d01bb57/Screenshot_2026-10-20_145738.png" alt="Screenshot_2026-10-20_145738.png" width="866" height="537" class="embedded-asset" style="max-width:866px;width:866px;max-height:537px;height:537px" />Figure 1. Liver detoxification pathways and supportive nutrients.7<h3></h3><h3>
Nutritional and herbal support </h3><h3></h3>Several nutrients and herbs have established biochemical roles or a history of use in supporting liver and hepatobiliary function. <table><tbody><tr><td>Ingredient </td><td>Mechanism of action </td></tr><tr><td>B vitamins </td><td>Supports methylation pathways involved in normal detoxification processes.4 </td></tr><tr><td>Cruciferous vegetables </td><td>Provide glucosinolates and isothiocyanates that may influence antioxidant and biotransformation pathways.8 </td></tr><tr><td>Chicory (Cichorium intybus) </td><td>Traditionally used to support hepatobiliary function.9 </td></tr><tr><td>Glutathione </td><td>Plays a key role in detoxification and supports intracellular antioxidant defence.10 </td></tr><tr><td>Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) </td><td>Silymarin has antioxidant and hepatoprotective actions.11 </td></tr><tr><td>N-acetylcysteine (NAC) </td><td>Key antioxidant, provides cysteine for glutathione synthesis, and is an established antidote to protect against severe liver damage caused by paracetamol poisoning.12 </td></tr><tr><td>Sulfur-containing amino acids (methionine and cysteine) </td><td>Provide substrates required for glutathione production.13 </td></tr><tr><td>Turmeric (Curcuma longa) </td><td>Curcumin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties, and has been shown to improve selected markers in people with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).14 </td></tr></tbody></table><h2></h2><h2></h2><h3>Why the gut matters for detoxification</h3><h3></h3>While the liver performs many of the body’s biotransformation reactions, it does not work in isolation. The gastrointestinal tract communicates bidirectionally with the liver through the biliary tract, portal circulation, and systemic mediators, collectively known as the gut–liver axis.15 Through this interconnected relationship, the liver can influence gut microbiota composition and intestinal barrier function, while intestinal factors can regulate bile acid metabolism, as well as glucose and lipid metabolism in the liver.15 This highlights the importance of healthy gastrointestinal function in supporting the body's natural detoxification processes. <h2></h2><h2></h2><h3>Putting detoxification into practice</h3><h3></h3>Diet and lifestyle foundations <ul><li>Consume adequate protein to provide amino acids required for Phase 2 detoxification pathways.4</li><li>Include a variety of high-fibre foods to support bowel regularity.16</li><li>Regularly consume cruciferous vegetables, which contain glucosinolates and isothiocyanates that may influence antioxidant and biotransformation pathways.8</li><li>Include citrus fruits as part of a varied diet to provide vitamin C and flavanones with antioxidant activity.17</li><li>Maintain adequate hydration to support normal kidney function and urinary elimination.18</li><li>Engage in regular physical activity to support optimal health outcomes.19</li><li>Consider activities that promote healthy sweating, such as sauna use, where appropriate.20</li><li>Limit excessive alcohol intake to reduce liver burden and oxidative stress.21</li><li>Prioritise sufficient sleep to support toxin and metabolic waste removal from the brain.22</li></ul>Reducing your exposure load <ul><li>Vacuum and remove household dust regularly, as indoor dust may contribute to exposure to a range of environmental contaminants.23</li><li>Ensure adequate household ventilation, particularly in bathrooms, laundries, and other damp-prone areas, and address water leaks, persistent dampness, and visible mould promptly. Moisture control is central to reducing indoor mould growth and associated exposures.24</li><li>Use glass, stainless steel, or appropriate lead-free ceramic containers for food storage and preparation and avoid heating food in plastic containers.25</li><li>Reduce avoidable contact with PFAS where practical, including by considering local advice about contaminated drinking water.26</li><li>Consider water filtration where appropriate, based on local water-quality information.27</li><li>Avoid smoking and minimise exposure to second-hand smoke, which can contribute to exposure to numerous harmful compounds.28</li></ul><h3>Conclusion </h3>Detoxification is an ongoing physiological process rather than a short-term cleanse. Supporting healthy biotransformation and elimination depends on adequate nutrition, healthy liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal function, and effective elimination pathways. While environmental exposures such as PFAS and microplastics have increased interest in detoxification, a practical approach focuses on supporting the body's natural systems through diet, lifestyle, and reducing avoidable exposures where possible. References 1 Wang P, Shi YZ, Guan Q. The microplastic-PFAS nexus: From co-occurrence to combined toxicity in aquatic environments. Toxics. 2025;13(12):1041. doi:10.3390/toxics13121041 2 Maerten A, Callewaert E, Sanz-Serrano J, Devisscher L, Vinken M. Effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on the liver: Human-relevant mechanisms of toxicity. Sci Total Environ. 2024;954(176717):176717. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176717 3 Zielli SO, Pascali JP, Mazzotti A, Fais P, Fini M, Faldini C, et al. Microplastics and Nanoplastics in human tissues: Systematic review of evidence, analytical protocols, and methodological challenges. Talanta Open. 2026;13(100615):100615. doi:10.1016/j.talo.2026.100615 4 Hodges RE, Minich DM. Modulation of metabolic detoxification pathways using foods and food-derived components: A scientific review with clinical application. J Nutr Metab. 2015;2015:760689. doi:10.1155/2015/760689 5 Black JL. Detoxification and biotransformation. In: Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2020. p. 205–12. 6 Susa ST, Hussain A, Preuss CV. Drug metabolism. StatPearls Publishing, Treasure Island; 2025. 7 Cline JC. Nutritional aspects of detoxification in clinical practice. Altern Ther Health Med. 2015;21(3):54–62. 8 Mitsiogianni M, Koutsidis G, Mavroudis N, Trafalis DT, Botaitis S, Franco R, et al. The role of isothiocyanates as cancer chemo-preventive, chemo-therapeutic and anti-melanoma agents. Antioxidants (Basel). 2019;8(4):E106. doi:10.3390/antiox8040106 9 Służały P, Paśko P, Galanty A. Natural products as hepatoprotective agents-A comprehensive review of clinical trials. Plants. 2024;13(14):1985. doi:10.3390/plants13141985 10 Bradauskienė V, Moščenkova E, Šniepienė G, Kubiliūtė R, Vaičiulytė L. Glutathione in our diet and its role in the body: From disease prevention to anti-aging. Nutrients. 2026;18(10):1640. doi:10.3390/nu18101640 11 Surai PF. Silymarin as a natural antioxidant: An overview of the current evidence and perspectives. Antioxidants (Basel). 2015;4(1):204–47. doi:0.3390/antiox4010204 12 Pedre B, Barayeu U, Ezeriņa D, Dick TP. The mechanism of action of N-acetylcysteine (NAC): The emerging role of H2S and sulfane sulfur species. Pharmacol Ther. 2021;228(107916):107916. doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107916 13 Olsen T, Elshorbagy A, Johnson JE, Nichenametla SN, Dong Z, Sambamurti K, et al. Sulfur amino acids, metabolic health and beyond: Recent advances, translational implications, and future research considerations. Anal Biochem. 2026;709(116008):116008. doi:10.1016/j.ab.2025.116008 14 Lukkunaprasit T, Tansawet A, Boonmanunt S, Sobhonslidsuk A, McKay GJ, Attia J, et al. An updated meta-analysis of effects of curcumin on metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease based on available evidence from Iran and Thailand. Sci Rep. 2023 [cited 2026 Sept 28];13(1):5824. Available from: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-33023-3 15 Tripathi A, Debelius J, Brenner DA, Karin M, Loomba R, Schnabl B, et al. The gut-liver axis and the intersection with the microbiome. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2018 [cited 2026 Sept 29];15(7):397–411. Available from: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41575-018-0011-z 16 Dreher ML. Fiber-rich dietary patterns and foods in laxation and constipation. In: Dietary Patterns and Whole Plant Foods in Aging and Disease. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2018. p. 145–64. 17 Richa R, Kohli D, Vishwakarma D, Mishra A, Kabdal B, Kothakota A, et al. Citrus fruit: Classification, value addition, nutritional and medicinal values, and relation with pandemic and hidden hunger. J Agric Food Res. 2023;14(100718):100718. doi:10.1016/j.jafr.2023.100718 18 Perrier ET, Armstrong LE, Bottin JH, Clark WF, Dolci A, Guelinckx I, et al. Hydration for health hypothesis: a narrative review of supporting evidence. Eur J Nutr. 2021;60(3):1167–80. doi:10.1007/s00394-020-02296-z 19 Bull FC, Al-Ansari SS, Biddle S, Borodulin K, Buman MP, Cardon G, et al. World Health Organization 2020 guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Br J Sports Med. 2020;54(24):1451–62. doi:0.1136/bjsports-2020-102955 20 Hussain J, Cohen M. Clinical effects of regular dry sauna bathing: A systematic review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018;2018(1):1857413. doi:10.1155/2018/1857413  21 Lee JY, Jee YM, Yang K, Ryu T. Alcohol-induced oxidative stress and gut-liver-brain crosstalk: Expanding the paradigm from ALD to MetALD. Antioxidants (Basel). 2025;14(10):1196. doi:10.3390/antiox14101196  22 Arendash GW. The brain toxin cleansing of sleep achieved during wakefulness. J Clin Med. 2025;14(3):926. doi:10.3390/jcm14030926 23 Hartmann EM, Dannemiller KC, Farmer DK, O’Brien RE, Berberich J, Ditto JC, et al. Ten questions concerning indoor dust. Build Environ. 2026;288(113988):113988. doi:10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.113988 24 Du C, Li B, Yu W. Indoor mould exposure: Characteristics, influences and corresponding associations with built environment—A review. J Build Eng. 2021;35(101983):101983. doi:10.1016/j.jobe.2020.101983 25 Moura J, Ferreira-Pêgo C, Fernandes AS. Consumers’ practices and safety perceptions regarding the use of materials for food preparation and storage: Analyses by age group. Food Chem Toxicol. 2023;178(113901):113901. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2023.113  26 NHMRC. 2025. Questions and answers on review of PFAS in drinking water. Available from: https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/health-advice/environmental-health/water/PFAS-review/questions-and-answers 27 Zarębska M, Bajkacz S, Malorna K, Torchała K. Effectiveness of pitcher and bottle filters to remove poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water. Sci Total Environ. 2025;976(179327):179327. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179327 901 28 Australian Government. Department of Health Disability and Ageing. 2026. Smoking. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/give-up-for-good/smoking

<h2>Key highlights 
 </h2><ul><li>Detoxification is an ongoing physiological process involving the metabolism and elimination of endogenous and exogenous compounds.</li><li>Growing exposure to environmental contaminants such as PFAS and microplastics has renewed interest in the body's natural detoxification pathways.</li><li>Several nutrients and herbal medicines have established roles in supporting healthy liver and detoxification function.</li><li>Practical diet and lifestyle strategies can help support healthy detoxification and reduce everyday exposure to environmental contaminants.</li></ul>

Key highlights

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