Detoxifying enzymes have the ability to protect a cell in two different ways. They compete with activating enzymes and they prevent electrophiles from forming. The actions of detoxifying enzymes are the catalyst for the detoxification of drugs or xenobiotics from the cell.

There are several types of detoxifying enzymes. Dehalogenases reduce toxicity in halogenated aliphatic compounds. Glutathione-s-transferose and epoxide hydrolase also play important roles in removing potentially harmful elements from cells. When the body is in top shape, removal of harmful substances happens rapidly. When illness sets in, it becomes more difficult for detoxifying enzymes to work quickly.

Stimulatinng Detoxifying Enzymes

Detox has, in a way, become its own industry. Centers that offer to cleanse one's body of contaminants have sprung up all over the country. People can spend days or weeks purifying themselves. There are also a myriad of detoxification products. There are teas, herbal supplements, aromatics, and shakes that one can choose from. Each works at a different pace, and each takes a different toll on the body. While detoxification is, ultimately, meant to make one feel better, the process itself can often bring on fatigue or even illness. This has caused some in the field to question these over-the-counter methods.

Many believe that the safest and most effective method is to simply allow the body's detoxifying enzymes to do their job. There are all natural immune builders that can increase the body's resistance to toxins, providing the enzymes with a bit of help. Unlike many other products, these supplements do not put physical stress on those who take them.