Functional Areas

Toxic Load

Toxic load is the summation of stress placed on your body by harmful compounds (from both internal and external sources). These compounds strain bodily filtration processes and have potential to cause excess stress on other bodily functions.

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Overview

Toxic load is the summation of stress exerted on the body by harmful compounds from both internal and external sources. These toxins can overwhelm the body's detoxification processes that work to eliminate these harmful substances and metabolic byproducts.

There are multiple pathways and organ systems through which the body works to detoxify itself. The liver and kidneys serve as the main organs that work to reduce toxic load. While these serve as the primary organs of detoxification, the lungs, digestive system, lymphatic system, and skin also aid in detoxification efforts.

Despite the detoxification efforts of these systems, chronic exposure to toxic compounds can lead to higher absorption rates, resulting in increased toxic load and low-grade toxicity. This can have a compounding effect as detoxification systems are overloaded and become even more strained, further hindering their ability to reduce toxic load in the body.

The effects of toxins can be cumulative and may not always be immediately apparent. Over time, consistently high levels of toxic exposure can lead to a gradual decline in both physical and mental capabilities.

When the liver and other organs are overburdened, biomarkers associated with toxicity can accumulate in the bloodstream, indicating that the body's detoxification systems are strained. This excess stress diverts essential resources away from other physiological functions, hindering the body's ability to support optimal physiological processes.

Role in Performance

Physical performance A high toxic load can manifest in several ways. It can lead to reduced energy levels as the body diverts resources from other working systems to support detoxification processes. This diversion results in decreased endurance, strength, and motor control. (source, source, source)

Inflammation A high toxic load may contribute to increased inflammation in the body, potentially impairing recovery processes. (source)

Immune function can be negatively affected by toxin exposure. (source) This may lead to pathological infection, hindering performance and training time.

Cognitive performance is significantly affected by toxic load. Toxins can exert neurotoxic effects and an accumulation of harmful substances can interfere with neurotransmitter function and overall brain health. (source, source, source) This interference hinders information processing, attention, memory, and executive functioning. (source, source)

Sleep performance has been shown to be negatively affected by exposure to toxins. (source)

Common indications of toxic load are included in the table below:

High Toxic Load	Optimal Toxic Load
Lethargic	Energetic
Delayed recovery	Adequate overnight recovery
Brain fog	Clear, fluid thought
Poor sleep	Restful, restorative sleep

Optimization

Include garlic Garlic contains a variety of antioxidative and anti-inflammatory compounds that work to support the liver, a key organ in detoxification. These compounds also help support the kidneys. (source, source) Recommendation: Eat at least one clove of garlic daily.

Avoid Alcohol Alcohol has been shown to strain detoxifying organs such as the liver and kidneys. Reducing alcohol intake decreases the strain on these vital organs, allowing them to function optimally. (source, source) Recommendation: Monitor alcohol intake. Try to limit consumption to one or two drinks daily, with the goal of less than three per week.

Supplement with N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) works to neutralize inflammation and free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. Through these mechanisms, NAC helps remove toxic compounds and support important detoxifying organs like the liver. (source) Recommendation: Consume with at least 500 mg of NAC daily.

Associated Biomarkers

Toxic compounds can hinder multiple physiological processes and negatively influence cognitive and physical performance. Examining markers associated with organs that work to remove these compounds, particularly the liver, further paints a picture of toxicity levels in the body.

Key Patterns

Liver Stress The liver metabolizes nutrients, detoxifies harmful substances, and produces proteins for blood clotting and fluid balance. It also stores vitamins, glycogen, and minerals, playing a crucial role in overall metabolic regulation. Measuring markers of liver stress gives insight into how hard the liver is working to detox the body and, thus, toxic load.

Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) is an enzyme found throughout the body, though it is most commonly found in liver cells. This biomarker is a measure of liver function and an indicator of alcohol intake. (source, source) The liver plays a critical role in body detoxification. Measuring GGT gives further insight into the amount of strain placed on the liver by potentially toxic compounds.
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) is a liver enzyme. While this enzyme can be found throughout the body, its presence in the blood is often an indicator of liver health. (source, source) As a marker of liver health, AST can help indicate how hard the liver is working to detox the body.
Alanine Amino Transference (ALT) is a liver enzyme that is made in the cytosol of liver cells. While these enzymes are typically already found in the blood at low levels, any compromise of liver cell integrity can cause an increase of ALT concentrations. (source) Stress caused by overuse can damage liver cells. An over abundance of toxic compounds cause the liver to work harder and cause stress. Measuring ALT can lend insight into liver workload and potentially toxic load.