But it’s not about detoxing or cleansing the liver itselfscientifically, that’s not really a thing.
It’s what your liver does naturallyand helping to protect and rejuvenate it from inevitable environmental stressors.
What is a liver cleanse?
Are liver “cleanses” necessary?
The liver is a workhorse.
This impacts normal metabolism and can make us feel subpar.
It also can contribute to extra fluid and bloat."
The truth is, liver detoxing requires a holistic approach, not a quick fix.
And you certainly don’t have to buy into expensive cleanses or extreme detox diets.
(In fact, we recommend you don’t!)
Summary
Signs you might need a liver cleanse or detox.
Think back to the time in your life when you felt the healthiest.
How does your current state compare?
Nothing could be farther from the truth.
To ensure optimal liver (and overall) well-being, prioritizing healthy body composition is key.
Excessive sugar
One of the many roles of the liver is to make fat out of fructose.
Too much alcohol
The liver is charged with processing a lot of things, including alcohol.
Women should aim for no more than one drink per day, and men no more than two.
BPA), heavy metals, aerosols (e.g.
5 ways to cleanse your liver naturally.
Adopt a liver- and gut-friendly diet.
Nope, you don’t need a fancy cleanse.
A good first step: Ditch the processed foods and drink more water.
Consider ditching common sources of food sensitivities and allergens, including gluten (for some).
Hyman recommends 8 to 10 glasses of filtered water daily.
Liver-friendly foods.
Artichokecontains phenolic derivativesthat have been used for centuries to stimulate bile flow and help protect the liver.
Consider trying one of these10 delicious beet recipes for a healthy liver.
Citrus fruits
Lemons, tangerines, and oranges contain a phytonutrient compound called D-limonene.
In apreclinical rodent study8, D-limonene has been shown to buffer the physiological stress of a high-fat diet.
Reap the benefits by sipping ondandelion root tea, which makes a great caffeine-free alternative to coffee.
Lentils
When feces remain in the bowel, toxins can be reabsorbed into your system.
Trylegumes (especially lentils), raspberries, root vegetables, apples, pears, avocados, and almonds.
A nutrient-rich diet is key.
Think of this as your body’s chance to leave work and catch up on some house cleaning.
One of the cool self-cleaning tools utilized during fasting is something calledautophagy, which literally translates to ‘self-eating.’
Try this for a week or two and see if you notice any changes in energy or mood.
For more specific guidance, check out ourguide to intermittent fasting meal plans and schedules.
Use liver-supporting supplements strategically.
We’ve already compiled ourfavorite liver supplements, but these are some specific nutrients to look for.
Many of these “cleanses” are harsh on the body and fail to comprehensively support liver function.
If you take other supplements in the morning, consider takingone activated charcoal tabletbetween lunch and dinner.
Selenium
This important antioxidant mineral is vital to the body’s natural detoxification pathways for its free-radical-quenching abilities.
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Schedule a daily sweat session.
Ridding the body of the toxins is done through three major pathways.
Additionally, exercise boosts your body’s glutathione production, which aids in detoxification.
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If you don’t exercise already, then embrace whatevermovement brings you joyand works with your schedule.
Start with something like walking and build up to 30 minutes of aerobic activity per day.
Strength training can also be helpful.
Practice self-care on the regular.
Something as simple as an aromatherapy bath once or twice a week can do the trick.
Targetednutritional approachescan help promote calm too.
Quite simply, anything that brings you joy is a form of self-care.
The takeaway
Ultimately, a liver cleanse or detox is a lifestyle change.
