Category: Toxic Overload

Toxic overload develops when exposure to environmental and dietary toxins surpasses the body’s ability to eliminate them, leading to elevated SAH and homocysteine and a slowdown in methylation. This creates a feedback loop—impaired methylation reduces detox capacity, allowing more toxins to accumulate. According to the Walsh model, zinc deficiency is a major contributor, as zinc is required for enzymes that remove SAH and regulate copper–zinc balance. Dr. Epstein’s functional medicine approach focuses on restoring methylation and liver detox pathways together. The liver relies on conversion of homocysteine to glutathione, the body’s primary antioxidant, which depends on adequate NAC, glycine, and vitamin B6. These nutrients, along with zinc and SAM support, enhance methylation-driven detoxification. Posts in this section explain how alkalinizing strategies—such as baking soda, mineral-rich hydration, and a produce-based diet—improve enzyme efficiency and kidney filtration of acids and toxins. By reducing toxic exposure and supporting methylation and glutathione synthesis, this approach helps restore liver function, antioxidant capacity, and overall metabolic balance.