Order a Laboratory Test
Testing for Impaired Detoxification
Specific tests may be useful in those who score high in the detoxification section of the questionnaire, or those with a history of cancer, neurological diseases, Chronic fatigue and Fibromyalgia, autoimmune and hormonal disorders. They can also be used as screening tools that can identify hidden weakness in our capacity to handle the toxic burden we all are prone to.
DETOXIFICATION CHALLENGE TEST FOR PHASE 1 AND PHASE 2 PATHWAYS
This innovative test acts like a stress test for the liver. After taking a dose of caffeine, aspirin and acetaminophen, saliva, urine and blood samples are collected to measure how your liver processes these chemicals. They go through specific Phase 1 and Phase 2 detoxification pathways. If there is a problem it will likely be picked up and specific nutrients, foods or herbs that promote the healthy functioning of those pathways can be prescribed. This needs to be done by a physician experienced in environmental or functional medicine.
Measurement of Detoxification Enzymes and Chemicals
Glutathione
Glutathione is the main final detoxifier and antioxidant in the body. A lack of this critical compound that is generally produced in the body from the amino acids glycine, glutamine and cysteine can cause liver failure from taking as little as four grams (eight 500mg pills) of Tylenol in a twenty four hour period, especially if you have had a few alcoholic drinks. Alcohol and Tylenol both deplete glutathione, while vitamin C increases it. This can be measured in the blood
Glutathione peroxidase
This critical enzyme necessary for recycling of our glutathione is dependent on selenium. This is why selenium has been shown to prevent cancer. It aids in our detoxification system.
SOD (super oxide dismutase)
This is a critical enzyme necessary for neutralization of super oxide anion, a potent free radical. Low levels of this enzyme have been found in ALS and Down's syndrome and account for an inability to protect us from toxins and oxidative stress. This enzyme requires zinc, copper and manganese for proper functioning. Deficiencies in any of these nutrients can lead to problems this critical enzyme.
Heavy Metals
Hair analysis can identify heavy metals quite accurately. Hair samples have shown that Andrew Jackson had toxic levels of lead from buckshot and mercury from a19th century remedy called calomel, and that Napoleon had arsenic toxicity from chronically poisoned wine.
Chelation challenge can often better identify the level of heavy metals. A chemical chelation agent (FDA approved) called DMPS or DMSA can be used to mobilize the metals that are then found in a 6 to 24-hour urine sample that is collected and sent to the lab.
Urinary Organic Acids
Specific compounds can be measured including sulfates, pyroglutamate, glucarate, orotate and others that can give clues to problems with detoxification pathways.
Chemical Antibodies
Measurement of antibodies to various toxins and metals can occasionally be useful.
Organophosphates
These can be identified through a 24-hour urine collection.
Organochlorine Residues
These can be identified through a fat biopsy. This is used mostly for research purposes but certain labs process clinical specimens.
Urinary Porphyrins
These are by products of damaged hemoglobin, can be clues to damage done by chemical or heavy metal toxins
Urinary D-Glucarate
This can be used to assess exposure to industrial toxins or xenobiotics can be used to assess exposure to industrial toxins or xenobiotics
Urinary Trimellitic Anhydrides (TMA)
These can be used to assess exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOC's)
