Phase 1 liver detoxification is all about altering the chemical structure of toxins to make them less toxic, and eventually moving them out of the body. Cytochrome P450 enzymes are present in the highest concentration in the liver and facilitate phase 1 detox by converting toxins into smaller substances or making toxins water soluble. This modification of toxic compounds enables the toxins to be dealt with in phase 2: conjugation.

Examples of fat-soluble toxins include: pesticides, Phthalates (i.e. BPA), Perchloroethylene (in dry cleaning) Fluoride, flame retardants, heavy metals: tin, lead (paint), mercury (dental amalgams), air pollution (exhaust), diesel fuel.

If phase 1 of the liver is inefficient, fat soluble toxins will be stored in fat tissue- which include fatty organs such as your brain and endocrine (hormone) glands. As a reminder, the liver is not a filter. It’s the cornerstone of your metabolism which impacts your thyroid function, hormone balance, gastrointestinal health, and much more. You NEED your liver to be effective!

Essentials for phase 1:
-B vitamins
-Vitamin C
-Fat Soluble Vitamins: Retinol (Vitamin A), Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Vitamin K
-Minerals
-Glutathione precursors (glutamate, glycine and cysteine)
-Oxygen

Continue reading about liver detox in these other articles:  Liver 101, Phase 2 (Conjugation) + Phase 3 (Transportation)