Detox and Cellular Repair Protocol
| Category | Protocols |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Glutathione Protocol, NAD+ Detox Protocol, Liver Support Protocol |
| Last updated | 2026-04-14 |
| Reading time | 7 min read |
| Tags | protocolsdetoxglutathionenadlivercellular-repairantioxidant |
Overview
The term "detox" is widely misused in wellness marketing, often applied to interventions with no physiological basis. However, the body does possess genuine detoxification systems — primarily hepatic (liver) phase I and phase II biotransformation, renal (kidney) filtration, and cellular antioxidant defense. These systems can become overwhelmed or underperforming due to environmental toxin exposure, chronic alcohol use, medication burden, poor diet, and the accumulative oxidative damage of aging.
This protocol focuses on supporting the body's actual detoxification and repair pathways through two key compounds: glutathione (the master intracellular antioxidant and phase II conjugation substrate) and NAD+ (essential for phase I cytochrome P450 function, DNA repair, and mitochondrial energy production). The approach is evidence-based and targets real biochemical pathways rather than pseudoscientific "cleansing."
For longevity-focused approaches, see the Longevity Protocol and Anti-Aging Protocol.
Compounds Involved
| Compound | Class | Primary Effects | Route | Typical Dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glutathione (reduced, GSH) | Tripeptide antioxidant | Phase II detox, free radical neutralization, immune support | SubQ, IV, or oral (liposomal) | 200–600 mg SubQ; 500–1,000 mg liposomal oral |
| NMN or NR | NAD+ precursors | NAD+ restoration, sirtuin activation, DNA repair | Oral | 500–1,000 mg/day |
| N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) | Amino acid (GSH precursor) | Glutathione synthesis substrate, mucolytic | Oral | 600–1,200 mg/day |
| Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) | Organosulfur compound | Universal antioxidant, glutathione recycling, heavy metal chelation | Oral | 300–600 mg/day |
| Milk thistle (Silymarin) | Flavonoid complex | Hepatoprotection, glutathione synthesis support | Oral | 200–400 mg/day |
Glutathione
Glutathione (gamma-glutamylcysteinylglycine, GSH) is a tripeptide present in virtually every cell in the body at millimolar concentrations. It serves as the primary intracellular antioxidant (neutralizing reactive oxygen species and free radicals), the essential substrate for phase II conjugation reactions (glutathione S-transferase enzymes attach GSH to toxins, drugs, and metabolic waste for excretion), and a critical regulator of immune cell function, protein thiol status, and cellular redox balance.
Glutathione levels decline with age, chronic disease, toxic exposure, and oxidative stress. Supplementation can be challenging due to oral bioavailability issues — standard oral glutathione is largely degraded in the GI tract. Effective delivery routes include subcutaneous injection, intravenous administration, and liposomal oral formulations (where lipid encapsulation protects glutathione from digestive degradation).
NAD+ Precursors
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme essential for cellular energy production (mitochondrial electron transport chain), phase I detoxification (cytochrome P450 enzymes require NAD+/NADPH), DNA repair (PARP enzymes consume NAD+), epigenetic regulation (sirtuins, the "longevity genes," require NAD+ as a substrate), and cellular stress response.
NAD+ levels decline approximately 50% between ages 40 and 60. NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide riboside) are precursors that raise intracellular NAD+ levels. See Mitochondrial Research for the scientific background.
Protocol Structure
Phase 1: Glutathione Precursor Loading (Weeks 1–4)
Before direct glutathione supplementation, build the substrate supply and supporting systems.
Daily protocol:
| Time | Compound | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | NMN or NR | 500 mg | Empty stomach |
| Morning | NAC | 600 mg | Away from food (30 min before meals) |
| With breakfast | Alpha Lipoic Acid | 300 mg | With food |
| With breakfast | Milk thistle (silymarin) | 200 mg | Standardized to 80% silymarin |
| Evening | NAC | 600 mg | Away from food |
| Evening | Alpha Lipoic Acid | 300 mg | With dinner |
Dietary support:
- Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts) — contain sulforaphane, which upregulates glutathione synthesis and phase II enzymes
- Sulfur-rich foods (garlic, onions, eggs) — provide cysteine for glutathione production
- Adequate protein (1.2+ g/kg) — glycine, cysteine, and glutamate are glutathione building blocks
- Minimize alcohol, processed foods, and unnecessary medications during the protocol
Phase 2: Direct Glutathione + NAD+ Optimization (Weeks 5–12)
Add direct glutathione supplementation to the precursor base.
Injectable protocol (most effective):
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glutathione (reduced) | 200–600 mg | 2–3x per week | SubQ |
| NMN | 500–1,000 mg | Daily | Oral |
| NAC | 600 mg | 2x daily | Oral |
Oral-only alternative:
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liposomal glutathione | 500–1,000 mg | Daily | Liposomal formulation essential |
| NMN | 500–1,000 mg | Daily | Empty stomach |
| NAC | 600 mg | 2x daily | Away from food |
- SubQ glutathione injection provides significantly higher bioavailability than oral administration
- If using IV glutathione (typically in clinical settings), doses of 600–2,000 mg are standard, administered 1–2x weekly
Phase 3: Maintenance (Weeks 13+)
Transition to a sustainable long-term maintenance approach.
| Compound | Maintenance Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| NMN or NR | 500 mg | Daily |
| NAC | 600 mg | Daily |
| Liposomal glutathione or SubQ glutathione | 500 mg oral or 200 mg SubQ | 2–3x weekly |
| Alpha Lipoic Acid | 300 mg | Daily |
Liver Function Support
The liver performs the vast majority of biotransformation (detoxification). Supporting hepatic function is central to this protocol:
Phase I Detoxification
Phase I enzymes (cytochrome P450 family) oxidize, reduce, or hydrolyze toxins, making them more water-soluble. This phase requires NAD+/NADPH, B vitamins (especially B2, B3, B6, B12, folate), and adequate protein.
Phase II Detoxification
Phase II enzymes conjugate the products of Phase I with glutathione, glucuronic acid, sulfate, or amino acids for excretion. This phase requires glutathione (the most important conjugation pathway), sulfur-containing amino acids, and adequate glycine and taurine.
Phase III Transport
Phase III involves the transport of conjugated toxins out of cells and into bile or urine. This requires adequate fiber intake for bile-bound toxin elimination and sufficient hydration for renal clearance.
Practical support: Ensure adequate water intake (minimum 2–3 liters/day), fiber intake (30+ g/day from whole foods), and regular bowel movements. Constipation recirculates toxins that the liver has conjugated for elimination.
Monitoring
| Test | Baseline | Follow-up | Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT) | Week 0 | Weeks 6, 12 | Normal ranges; declining if initially elevated |
| Glutathione (RBC) | Week 0 | Week 12 | Increasing from baseline |
| Oxidative stress markers (8-OHdG, F2-isoprostanes) | Week 0 | Week 12 | Decreasing from baseline |
| NAD+ levels (if available) | Week 0 | Week 12 | Increasing from baseline |
See Blood Work Monitoring for laboratory guidance.
Important Considerations
- Not a hangover cure: While glutathione and NAC support alcohol metabolism, this protocol is not designed to enable continued heavy drinking. Reducing alcohol exposure is far more effective than trying to mitigate its damage after the fact.
- NAC timing with medications: NAC can interact with nitroglycerin and activated charcoal. Inform your healthcare provider of NAC use.
- Glutathione injection technique: SubQ glutathione can cause temporary injection site stinging due to its acidity. Proper reconstitution technique and slow injection minimize discomfort. See Subcutaneous Injection.
- Individual variation: Glutathione metabolism is significantly influenced by genetics (GST polymorphisms affect phase II efficiency). Some individuals are inherently lower producers and may benefit more from supplementation.
- Quality: Glutathione must be the reduced (GSH) form, not oxidized (GSSG). Liposomal formulations must use genuine liposomal technology, not simply emulsified glutathione. See Purity and Testing.
- Avoid "detox" pseudoscience: This protocol targets real biochemical pathways. It does not involve juice cleanses, foot pads, ionic baths, or other interventions without physiological basis.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, and no therapeutic claims are made. Peptide research is ongoing, and individual outcomes may vary. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any peptide protocol. All compounds discussed are intended for research purposes.
Related entries
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- Longevity Protocol— A comprehensive anti-aging peptide stack combining Epithalon, NAD+ precursors, MOTS-c, and SS-31, targeting telomere maintenance, mitochondrial function, and cellular senescence.
- Metabolic Health Protocol— A structured protocol combining GLP-1 receptor agonists, MOTS-c, and AOD-9604 for metabolic optimization, targeting insulin sensitivity, energy metabolism, and body composition.