High Bilirubin & Gilbert's Syndrome: The Truth About Your Detox Pathways
Have you been told you have high bilirubin? Or maybe you've received a diagnosis of Gilbert Syndrome? If so, you might be nodding along, thinking it's just "how your body is." But what if those numbers are actually pointing to something deeper – a hidden detox issue your body is silently battling?
As an Integrative Healing Practitioner, I've spent years helping clients understand the true language of their bodies. Our society often programs us to believe that symptoms or unusual lab results mean something seriously wrong. And the fear that comes with that can actually hinder our healing journey. I learned this firsthand: I was convinced I had a serious illness, and my focus on that fear actually created more dysfunction.
Through my own journey, I discovered that what often presents as a single diagnosis can be a "mashup" of symptoms, each with unique root causes. This same principle applies to high bilirubin. While Gilbert Syndrome is a genetic condition involving specific UGT enzymes, it's not the only reason for elevated bilirubin. In fact, I often see high bilirubin levels without the genetic component of Gilbert Syndrome.
The Hidden Link: Your Glucuronidation Pathway
So, if it's not always genetic, what's going on? More often than not, elevated bilirubin points to an injury in one of your Phase 2 detoxification pathways called glucuronidation.
Our bodies have three phases of detoxification, working hard to process and eliminate toxins:
Phase 1 uses CYP enzymes.
Phase 2 has seven sub-phases, and glucuronidation is one of them. This crucial pathway uses UGT enzymes to do its work.
Phase 3 is how the body physically gets those processed toxins out, primarily through bile (and then stool), kidneys, or skin.
Accutane and Other Surprises
One significant culprit that can injure this glucuronidation pathway is Accutane. Many people who were put on Accutane for acne unfortunately end up with high bilirubin levels due to the damage it causes to glucuronidation. Even if you don't have the UGT genetic mutations, long-term use of certain medications can significantly impact this pathway.
Understanding Your Genetics vs. Your Body's Function
You might be wondering about those UGT genetic mutations. When looking at your genetics (which you can check with an Ancestry test and a report from Nutrigenomics by True Report), a single mutation means your UGT enzyme might be working about 30% slower. Two mutations (often seen in true Gilbert Syndrome) could mean it's 60% slower. But here's the key: just because you have a mutation doesn't mean it's active! Even with genetic mutations, your bilirubin levels can sometimes be completely normal.
Empowering Your Body's Detoxification
So, how can you support this vital glucuronidation pathway and help your body process bilirubin more effectively?
A key supplement that helps the UGT enzyme work faster is D-Laminine.
Beyond specific enzyme support, it's crucial to support all your detoxification phases. When one pathway isn't working optimally, others pick up the slack. You want to support Phase 1, all sub-phases of Phase 2, and Phase 3.
A major focus should be on bile flow, as this is a primary route for toxin elimination.
Also, pay attention to your kidney function. You can check your eGFR on a complete metabolic panel; if it's below 90, your kidneys might need some extra support.
Understanding these intricate connections empowers you to move beyond a simple diagnosis. It's about looking at the whole picture, identifying root causes, and giving your body the intelligent support it needs to detoxify effectively and truly thrive!