Sulfation
The sulfur connection. Sulfation is a crucial Phase II detoxification pathway that attaches sulfate groups to toxins, hormones, and neurotransmitters to make them water-soluble for excretion. Many people have impaired sulfation, leading to sensitivity to chemicals, foods, and medications.
What Gets Sulfated
Estrogens
Estrone, estradiol clearance. Poor sulfation = estrogen dominance. Important for hormone balance.
Thyroid Hormones
T3, T4 inactivation. Part of thyroid regulation. Affects hormone levels.
Neurotransmitters
Dopamine, serotonin breakdown. Catecholamine clearance. Mood regulation.
Phenols
Salicylates, food colorings. Phenolic compounds in foods. Sensitivity if impaired.
Medications
Acetaminophen, many drugs. Poor sulfation = slow clearance. Medication sensitivity.
Toxins
Environmental chemicals. BPA, phthalates. Xenoestrogens. Need sulfation for removal.
Signs of Impaired Sulfation
Chemical Sensitivity
Perfumes, cleaning products. New car smell. Paint, gasoline. Strong reactions.
Food Reactions
Red/yellow dyes. Salicylates (berries, tomatoes). Aged foods. Wine intolerance.
Medication Sensitivity
Tylenol reactions. Slow drug metabolism. Need lower doses. Side effects common.
Histamine Issues
Sulfation helps clear histamine. Impaired = histamine buildup. Allergic symptoms.
Hormone Imbalance
Estrogen dominance symptoms. PMS, fibroids. Slow hormone clearance.
Sulfite Sensitivity
Wine, dried fruit reactions. Sulfite → sulfate conversion impaired. Need molybdenum.
Supporting Sulfation
Sulfur Foods
Cruciferous vegetables, garlic, onions. Eggs, meat. Provide sulfur substrates.
Epsom Salt Baths
Magnesium sulfate absorbed through skin. Bypasses gut. Relaxation + sulfate.
MSM
Methylsulfonylmethane. Sulfur donor. 1-3g daily. Also anti-inflammatory.
Molybdenum
For sulfite oxidase. Converts sulfite to sulfate. 150-500mcg. Key cofactor.
B Vitamins
B6 for CBS enzyme. B12, folate for methylation-sulfation balance.
Fix the Gut
Gut bacteria recycle sulfate. Dysbiosis impairs sulfation. Heal gut first.