Mycotoxins Uncovered Part 1
No details spored.
Mycotoxins are a fascinating subject and still largely a specialist field. With the limited number of human studies available, they are not yet fully understood.
I’ve spoken to many people struggling with their effects, and the symptoms can be debilitating. They have been linked to impaired ribosome function, altered DNA expression, suppressed immune function, autoimmunity and even cancer.
First, let’s get our vocabulary straight:
Mould
A type of fungus. Unlike their relation the mushroom, moulds spread much easier and do not require a specific substrate. Their mycelium (roots) can grow on many surfaces: damp walls, food, fabric, soil and sometimes inside the human body.
Mycotoxins
These are chemical defenses produced by mould. Their release can be triggered by acidic conditions, warm, or damp environments
Fortunately, our bodies have an excellent system to clear them.
The Liver Delivers!
Our good friend the liver clears mycotoxins through a miraculous process called the phase 1, phase 2 detoxification pathways. This same system also handles pharmaceutical drugs, environmental chemicals, and, yes, even the overindulgence of red wine.
Phase 1 Liver Detoxification
The liver uses enzymes to break down mycotoxins into a more exposed structure. This process can make the mycotoxin more reactive, increasing the potential for oxidative stress, which brings us to Phase 2.
Phase 2 Liver Detoxification
In Phase 2, the liver conjugates (attaches) specific molecules or chemical groups to toxins. These conjugates often carry an opposing charge that neutralizes the toxin and makes it more water-soluble, allowing easier excretion through urine or bile.
One example is glucuronidation, where the liver adds glucuronic acid. Think of it as a “packing system” that makes toxins easier for the body to flush out.
Phase 3 Detoxification and Entereopathic Recycling
Every story has a hero, now meet the villains: beta-glucuronidase and enterohepatic recycling.
Before we begin I should explain that beta-glucuronidase isn’t inherently bad, it has an important role, but elevated levels can delay detoxification through a process called enterohepatic recycling.
Beta-glucuronidase is an enzyme found mainly in the small intestine. Its job is to recycle useful molecules. But when it encounters our glucuronidated toxin, it reverses the glucuronidation process, recycling the glucuronic acid and leaving the now fat-soluble toxin in the intestine. These now fat-soluble toxins can easily pass through the intestinal lining and be reabsorbed into the bloodstream, and the detoxification process has to begin all over again!
Next I’ll explain how we can stop this from happening and help our livers to get rid of these mycotoxins once and for all!
