How can we improve detox in our kids?

We are all exposed to more than 700,000 toxins daily.

When our detoxification pathways are functioning fine, the liver should be able to manage the load and excrete them without difficulty,

There are situations where people have liver disorders, oxidative stressful conditions promoting inflammation that could suppress glutathione levels, or retained toxins due to trouble with constipation or reduced urination.

Our liver handles the bulk of detoxification, and the toxins are then released through breathing, peeing, pooping, and sweating.

The majority of autistic kids have dysfunctional detoxification pathways.

One of the major areas that we see this occurring is with the folation-methylation-transsulfuration cycle that occurs inside cells and forms many vital compounds involved in detox.

Two of the most important are methylfolate/folinic acid and glutathione.

Many autistic kids have genetic variants in MTHFR enzymes impairing regulating methylation of folic acid and GST enzymes impeding glutathione from binding to toxins to eliminate them.

When these pathways are dysregulated, there is an increase in inflammation and reduction of glutathione and methylfolate leading to impaired detoxification.

With this, we see toxins such as heavy metals, herbicides, pesticides, hormone disruptors such as BPA and phthalates, and biological toxins such as mold building up in kids with autism.

So, how can we evaluate these pathways and improve them?

There is genomic testing to determine if there is a genetic variant in MTHFR, GST and many others.

Supporting detox pathways with methylfolate/folinic acid, methylcobalamin (B12), magnesium, NAC, vitamin C, glutathione, milk thistle and NAC can be beneficial.

Be aware that the B vitamins such as methylfolate/folinic acid and methylB12 can cause hyperactivity.

Hydration, fruits, veggies, infrared sauna, and ionic foot baths can help detox.

Make sure your child is pooping and peeing regularly to eliminate the toxins.

When toxins are removed and not blocking cell receptors, nutrients can penetrate, inflammation and oxidative stress will go down to make for a healthier, happier child.