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GSTP1 and Your Detox Pathways: What the rs1695 Genotype Means for You

The GSTP1 gene makes glutathione S-transferase Pi 1, an enzyme that helps the body neutralize and remove toxins. GSTP1 attaches glutathione (GSH) to harmful compounds, making them easier to excrete and reducing damage to DNA, proteins, and cell membranes. GSTP1 links closely to methylation and the transsulfuration pathway because those pathways produce cysteine, the rate-limiting building block for glutathione. Variations in GSTP1 can change how well this enzyme works and influence your resilience to oxidative stress and environmental chemicals.

How GSTP1 Function Affects Health

  • Detoxification: Lower GSTP1 activity can slow conjugation of electrophiles and allow harmful compounds to linger.
  • Oxidative stress: Reduced detox capacity increases oxidative damage risk, which affects long-term cellular health.
  • Methylation connection: Impaired methylation or low cysteine reduces GSH synthesis, further limiting GSTP1 function.
  • Sensitivity to exposures: People with reduced GSTP1 activity can be more vulnerable during high chemical or inflammatory load.

Practical Ways to Support GSTP1 and Glutathione

Regardless of genotype, lifestyle and nutritional strategies can help maintain healthy glutathione levels and support GSTP1 activity. Below are focused recommendations to consider with your healthcare provider.

Diet and Food Strategies

  • Protein building blocks: Eat high-quality protein sources to supply cysteine and glycine. Include eggs, poultry, fish, legumes, and small portions of nuts and seeds.
  • Sulfur-rich vegetables: Regularly consume cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower), garlic, and onions to support glutathione precursors and phase II detox.
  • Folate-rich foods: Leafy greens, asparagus, and beans provide natural folate to support methylation.
  • Colorful antioxidants: Berries, citrus, tomatoes, and leafy greens supply vitamins and polyphenols that reduce oxidative load and spare glutathione.
  • Avoid excess alcohol and processed foods: These increase oxidative stress and can deplete glutathione.

Targeted Supplements to Discuss with Your Provider

  • N-acetylcysteine (NAC): A direct precursor to cysteine and glutathione; useful when dietary intake is insufficient.
  • L-glycine: Supports glutathione synthesis when combined with cysteine and glutamate.
  • Liposomal or reduced glutathione: Helpful in selected cases to raise circulating GSH, under clinical guidance.
  • Methylation support: Methylfolate and methylcobalamin (B12) if indicated to optimize methylation and transsulfuration flow.
  • Selenium: A cofactor for glutathione peroxidases, supporting antioxidant defenses.
  • Magnesium: Supports many metabolic reactions including those in detox and antioxidant pathways.
  • Antioxidant cofactors: Vitamins C and E can reduce oxidative burden and protect glutathione reserves.

Lifestyle and Environmental Considerations

  • Reduce exposures: Minimize contact with cigarette smoke, heavy metals, solvents, pesticides, and unnecessary chemical products.
  • Manage inflammation: Maintain healthy weight, sleep, and stress reduction practices to lower chronic inflammatory load.
  • Regular exercise: Moderate aerobic and resistance training support mitochondrial function and antioxidant defenses; avoid extreme workouts without adequate recovery, as they can temporarily increase oxidative stress.
  • Sleep: Aim for consistent, restorative sleep to support detox and repair processes.
  • Hydration and elimination: Adequate fluids and fiber help excrete detoxified compounds through bile and urine.

Genetic Interpretations for rs1695 (GSTP1)

2 effect alleles — GG

Interpretation: You carry two copies of the effect allele (GG), a genotype associated with reduced GSTP1 enzyme activity. This can slow the conjugation and removal of electrophiles and oxidative byproducts, especially when chemical or inflammatory load is high.

What this may mean for you:

  • Higher sensitivity to environmental toxins, heavy metals, and reactive oxygen species.
  • Increased reliance on adequate glutathione production and methylation support to compensate.

Recommended actions to discuss with your healthcare provider:

  • Prioritize dietary sources of cysteine and glycine and consider supplemental NAC or glycine if needed.
  • Support methylation with folate and B12 if laboratory tests or clinical history suggest insufficiency.
  • Enhance antioxidant intake (vitamin C, selenium, vitamin E) and reduce exposures to known toxins.
  • Consider periodic bloodwork to monitor liver function, antioxidant status, and markers of oxidative stress when clinically appropriate.
1 effect allele — AG

Interpretation: You carry one copy of the effect allele (AG), which may moderately reduce GSTP1 activity. Under normal low-exposure conditions you may function close to typical, but capacity can become limited during high oxidative or chemical stress.

What this may mean for you:

  • Possible mild increase in sensitivity to toxins during periods of high exposure or inflammation.
  • Glutathione and methylation support can help maintain detox capacity.

Recommended actions to discuss with your healthcare provider:

  • Maintain a diet rich in sulfur-containing vegetables, quality protein, and folate-rich greens.
  • Consider targeted supplementation only if lifestyle, symptoms, or labs indicate need (NAC, glycine, methylfolate/B12, selenium).
  • Keep exposures low and use antioxidant and lifestyle measures described above to reduce stress on detox pathways.
0 effect alleles — AA

Interpretation: You carry two copies of the non-effect allele (AA), associated with typical GSTP1 function. Your enzyme activity is expected to be within the usual range under normal conditions.

What this may mean for you:

  • Standard dietary and lifestyle measures are generally sufficient to maintain detox capacity.
  • Supportive habits remain important to prevent overwhelm of detox systems during high exposures or illness.

Recommended actions to discuss with your healthcare provider:

  • Follow a balanced diet that supports methylation and glutathione precursors.
  • Minimize environmental exposures and maintain healthy sleep, exercise, and stress management habits.
  • Use supplements only as indicated by symptoms or lab findings.

When to Talk with Your Healthcare Provider

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions and possible ways to support biochemical pathways. This information is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting supplements, changing medications, or making significant lifestyle changes. Ask about testing that can clarify methylation status, glutathione levels, liver function, and exposure to metals or other toxins if you have symptoms or relevant exposures.

Summary

Your GSTP1 rs1695 genotype offers insight into one piece of how your body handles detoxification and oxidative stress. Whether you have reduced, moderate, or typical GSTP1 activity, supporting glutathione synthesis, optimizing methylation, minimizing exposures, and following healthy lifestyle habits help protect long-term cellular health. Work with your healthcare provider to interpret these findings in the context of your overall health and to design safe, personalized strategies.