Detoxification: How It Works & Which Supplements Can Help

In today’s world, we are constantly exposed to toxins – through the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, and even the products we apply to our skin. From environmental pollutants and heavy metals to alcohol, pesticides, and processed foods, our bodies are tasked with processing and eliminating a wide variety of harmful compounds every day. 

Thankfully, our bodies come equipped with a sophisticated detoxification system, designed to neutralise, transform, and eliminate these toxins efficiently. But how exactly does this process work, and how can we support it through diet and supplementation? Let’s explore the science of detoxification – and the powerful roles of sulforaphane, glutathione, and milk thistle in keeping our internal systems running clean and strong. 

What is Detoxification? 

Detoxification is a natural biological process by which the body identifies, breaks down, and eliminates harmful substances. The liver plays a central role in this process, although the kidneys, intestines, skin, and lungs also contribute. Detoxification is continuous and essential for survival [5]. 

There are three main phases involved in detoxification: 

1. Phase I – Activation (Functionalisation) 

In this phase, enzymes – especially the cytochrome P450 family – modify toxins to make them more reactive. Ironically, this can make the compounds more dangerous than before, as they are now in a reactive intermediate form that needs to be handled quickly. However, this is a necessary first step that prepares the body for the crucial detoxification work that follows in Phase II [1]. 

2. Phase II – Conjugation 

After Phase I, the reactive intermediates enter Phase II detoxification, where they are neutralised and converted into water-soluble compounds to enable easier elimination from the body. The reactive metabolites from Phase I are neutralised by binding (conjugating) them with protective molecules such as glutathione, sulfate, or glycine. This conversion renders them water-soluble so they can be excreted through urine or bile [1]. 

Phase II is important as it helps neutralise the reactive byproducts generated in Phase I. If Phase II detoxification is underactive compared to Phase I, it can lead to a buildup of these toxic intermediates. Since Phase I often transforms toxins into even more reactive forms, an imbalance – where Phase I is efficient but Phase II is sluggish – can leave the body overwhelmed with harmful compounds it’s not equipped to safely eliminate [1]. 

3. Phase III – Elimination 

Finally, these neutralised, water-soluble toxins are eliminated from the body through the kidneys, liver, intestines, or via bile, stool, and even sweat. Healthy gut function is essential during this phase to prevent the reabsorption of waste products – a risk that increases with constipation, as it can cause bile and toxins to remain in the intestines and colon for prolonged periods [1,4]. 

Supporting all three phases is essential for optimal detoxification – and certain supplements can enhance these phases in specific ways. 

Sulforaphane: Plant-Based Detox Booster 

Sulforaphane is a natural compound found in cruciferous vegetables, especially broccoli sprouts. It’s renowned for its ability to stimulate Phase II detoxification enzymes, including glutathione S-transferase and quinone reductase – enzymes that help neutralise and eliminate toxins [1]. 

Sulforaphane works by activating Nrf2, a protein that acts as a master switch for detox and antioxidant gene expression. When Nrf2 is activated, it upregulates genes involved in glutathione production, antioxidant defence, and inflammation control [1]. 

What’s more, sulforaphane doesn’t just support detox; it has shown anti-inflammatory, immune-supporting, and neuroprotective properties in emerging research [1]. However, since raw vegetables may not deliver enough of this compound, many people turn to sulforaphane-rich supplements made from broccoli seed or sprout extracts for a more reliable and bioavailable dose [4]. 

Try Phytopure® Sulforaphane Advanced for an active form of sulforaphane from broccoli seed that does not require conversion by the body and is ready for immediate utilisation. 

Read more on sulforaphane here.

Glutathione: The Master Detox Molecule 

Glutathione is often referred to as the body's “master antioxidant” – and for good reason. This tripeptide (composed of glutamine, cysteine, and glycine) plays a critical role in neutralising free radicals and heavy metals, recycling other antioxidants, and, most importantly, conjugating toxins in Phase II detox [1,2]. 

Glutathione is especially concentrated in the liver, where it attaches to harmful compounds and escorts them safely out of the body. Without adequate glutathione, toxins can accumulate and oxidative stress can damage cells. Over time, low glutathione levels have been associated with fatigue, poor immunity, liver dysfunction, and even chronic disease [2]. 

As we age – or when we’re exposed to high levels of toxins—our glutathione levels can become depleted. Supplementing with glutathione, especially in its reduced or liposomal form, can help restore levels and improve detox capacity [2]. 

According to Advanced IV Health, glutathione helps “tag” harmful toxins for removal, especially in the liver. It also protects mitochondria (our energy factories) from oxidative damage, helping to support energy production, recovery, and long-term wellness [2]. 

Try Biomax® Glutathione Liposomal containing Setria®, a patented Japanese glutathione, enhanced with liposome technology for a highly bioavailable form of glutathione. 

Read more on glutathione here. 

Milk Thistle: The Liver’s Herbal Ally 

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a flowering herb that has been used for centuries to support liver health. Its active compound, silymarin, is a potent antioxidant that helps reduce liver inflammation and promotes the regeneration of liver cells [3]. 

In addition to protecting the liver from toxin-induced damage (including alcohol, medication, and environmental pollutants), milk thistle may help increase glutathione levels in the liver, indirectly enhancing the body’s detoxification capacity [3,6]. 

Milk thistle is widely used as a supportive supplement during liver cleansing protocols or after periods of high toxin exposure. It’s generally well tolerated and may also offer secondary benefits such as lowering cholesterol, reducing insulin resistance, and supporting healthy skin – though more research is needed in these areas [3]. 

Try Biomax® Bio-Milk Thistle Complex Liposomal, containing patented and highly bioavailable silybin-phospholipid complex for detoxification and liver support. 

How These Supplements Work Together 

Together, these compounds form a synergistic trio: glutathione binds and removes toxins, regenerates other antioxidants, and protects mitochondria; sulforaphane activates detoxification genes (via Nrf2) and enhances Phase II enzymes for toxin neutralisation; and milk thistle shields liver cells from damage and supports glutathione levels and liver regeneration.