3 Best Ways to Detox Your Liver: Complete Guide 2024
When it comes to listing the most important organs of our body, the heart or brain usually tops the list. However, there’s another vital organ that works overtime to keep your body running smoothly…the liver.
The liver is a large organ located in the upper right side of your abdomen. It’s responsible for a range of functions, including clearing harmful substances and toxins from your body.
Because our liver works overtime, we’ve devised different ways of helping the liver clear out these toxins. This has led to the concept of liver detoxification.
What is a Liver Detox?
A liver detox (also called a liver cleanse) is a term used to refer to a variety of methods. It is used to remove harmful substances from the body, similar to how the liver works. This may range from simple dietary and lifestyle choices to medications and natural supplements.
There are diets and general practices which can help preserve liver function. But there is no medically outlined liver detox program. Many so-called “liver detox” programs are ineffective at best and harmful at worst.
What Is the Theory Behind Liver Cleanses?
Due to the role of the liver in detoxifying a wide range of substances and toxins which enter our bodies, there is an erroneous belief. The belief that the liver “stores” these toxins. Therefore, it can be overwhelmed leading to a buildup of toxins within the body and various ill effects.
However, this is not quite accurate.
The role of the liver is to convert these potentially harmful substances into less dangerous forms which are then usually released from the body in many ways. Therefore, the liver merely acts as a processing point rather than a toxin warehouse and does not need to be “detoxed”.
A healthy liver naturally cleanses itself, but it may need some help in certain situations
As mentioned earlier, different conditions can affect liver health and its function as a detoxification center. This can then lead to the accumulation of harmful substances within the body. Also, it can host other problems.
In that case, there are various liver disease lifestyle changes you can adopt which can help reduce the liver’s workload, promote optimal liver function, support liver enzymes, and prevent further damage.
Common Reasons People Undergo a Liver Cleanse
The truth is that people undergo liver detoxes for a wide range of motives ranging from health-related to merely trendy. Let’s take a look at a few common reasons why people undergo liver detoxes.
To lose weight
Many weight loss gurus and fitness enthusiasts recommend liver cleanses as a healthy way to shed some weight while improving your overall health.
However, there is little evidence that liver detoxes actually help with weight loss and any weight loss.
It may be due to general calorie restrictions rather than the particular detox regimen. However, losing weight does reduce your risk of liver disease.
Help you recover from hangovers
Because the liver is responsible for metabolizing most of the alcohol that we consume, many people believe that liver cleanses are a good way of flushing out alcohol from your system.
Also, it helps us in recovering more quickly from hangovers. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting this belief.
But here are some medically supported ways of dealing with a hangover:
- Taking plenty of fluids
- Getting some carbs into your system
- Take pain killers for that hangover headache, but avoid Tylenol (paracetamol) as this may interact with the alcohol and cause liver damage
- Caffeine may be helpful, so some coffee or tea might be a good idea
- Take the B vitamins and zinc
Promote general health
Some common benefits of liver cleanses promote better general health by boosting your metabolism and preventing the buildup of harmful toxins which may lead to diseases.
While some detox diets may offer some health benefits, there haven’t been extensive studies to support these claims.
Protect against liver diseases
The liver is a powerhouse and is responsible for more functions than virtually any other organ in the body.
Therefore, there is a wide range of conditions that can affect the health of your liver ranging from infections to toxins and even cancers.
While certain dietary and drug modifications are certainly helpful in a number of these conditions, no one liver detox method is protective against all liver diseases.
Promote liver healing
The liver is an organ that is well-known for its regenerative abilities. Many detox programs claim to reverse liver damage and promote regeneration but there’s little evidence to support these claims.
>> Related Article: The Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Solution Reviews 2024: Does it Really Work?
3 Different Ways to Protect Your Liver
When it comes to undergoing a liver detox, the first thing to consider is safety. Avoid extremely restrictive diets due to the risk of malnutrition.
Also, avoid regimens that promote drastic or invasive procedures like coffee enemas.
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions such as any form of liver disease, diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension, or pregnancy, you must check in with your doctor before following any detox program.
Here are a few common (and safe) ways you can protect your liver and promote healthy liver function.
1. Through Natural Methods
Here are a few natural ways of taking care of your liver without having to use any drugs or supplements.
Adopt a Healthy Diet
The liver does more than just detoxify your blood, it’s also involved in the processing of virtually all the nutrients we take in.
That means all the food in your body is metabolized by the liver and a healthy diet is very important for maintaining a healthy liver as well.
Eat a balanced diet with all the food groups in their right quantities, but especially lots of fruits and vegetables (at least five to nine servings).
Take in plenty of fiber, healthy fats, and water, as these are also very important for your liver health. Avoid processed foods, sugars, and saturated fats.
While we are not promoting or disapproving any particular detox diet, it’s important to remember that some liver cleanse diets may be harmful to your liver.
Milk thistle, turmeric, and dandelion have been said to be good for the liver, but there is little to no data backing these claims besides anecdotal evidence.
Control Your Weight and Exercise Regularly
Funny enough, even though a lot of people undergo liver cleanses to lose weight, losing weight is good for your liver.
Obesity has been linked to several conditions which can affect the liver like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, liver cancer, and gallbladder disease.
Regular exercise has been linked to a reduced risk of several liver conditions, especially fatty liver disease.
Limiting Alcohol intake
The harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption on the liver have been well studied and are common knowledge.
The liver is the primary organ responsible for processing alcohol and can be easily overworked in the process.
This is especially true when excessive amounts of alcohol are taken over prolonged periods.
Alcohol abuse can lead to several related conditions which are collectively referred to as alcohol-related liver diseases.
These include alcoholic fatty liver disease, acute alcoholic hepatitis, and finally liver cirrhosis (which is irreversible).
This is especially true for individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or a family history of liver disease.
Avoid Certain High-risk Behaviors
Several common liver diseases like viral hepatitis can be spread through the blood and other bodily fluids. Therefore, avoid high-risk behaviors such as unprotected sex with multiple sexual partners, sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes, drug abuse, or unsafe tattooing.
2. Taking Medications
While there are no FDA-approved medications that detoxify the liver or promote liver health, there are certain ways to protect your liver from harm.
Get Vaccinated
Vaccines are available for several forms of viral hepatitis such as hepatitis A and B. Getting tested for viral hepatitis and being vaccinated is very important.
Be Careful With Medications
Most drugs are metabolized within the liver and can have profound effects on our liver health.
This is especially true for individuals with a pre-existing liver condition or a family history of liver disease.
Therefore, make sure you discuss this with your doctor before taking any prescription or non-prescription medications.
3. Taking Supplements
Here are a few top supplements which are great for promoting healthy liver function.
6 Best Supplements for Liver Health
1. Top Consumer’s Choice: Organifi’s Liver Reset
Organifi’s Liver Reset is a super blend of natural ingredients that support liver health.
It is a consumer-friendly organic product that is completely gluten-, soy-, and dairy-free.
To top it all off, it’s vegan-friendly and cruelty-free too.
Shop Organifi’s Liver Reset at Official Website.
2. Best Recommended Liver Supplement: 1MD LiverMD
This is a scientifically formulated liver booster. 1MD LiverMD provides a mix of liver-friendly herbs and important vitamins and minerals.
It provides double the ingredients in one amazing formula to rejuvenate and protect the liver.
Shop at 1MD LiverMD Official Website.
3. The Complete Liver Support: LiverWell
The incredible Liver Well product not only protects but aids and supports the natural cellular function as well.
The combined action of patented Siliphos milk thistle extract and L-cysteine & ALA it contains, promote excellent function and cleanse to the liver.
Shop at LiverWell Official Website.
4. Best Practical Choice: Amy Myers MD Liver Support
The Amy Myers supplement supports efficient liver function including detoxification and bile production.
It contains glutathione (a strong toxin neutralizer), alpha-lipoic acid (a free radical scavenger), and selenium (an important antioxidant mineral).
It also provides milk thistle which aids in protecting liver cells.
Shop at Amy Myers MD Liver Support Official Website.
5.Top Liver Support Supplement in the Market: VistaPost Liver Support Plus
VitaPost’s product combines modern and traditional ingredients including herbal and botanical extracts and zinc to give your liver the all-around support and nourishment it needs.
It also possesses natural antioxidants such as ginger and turmeric roots to aid the combat of free radicals and oxidation in the liver.
Shop at VitaPost Liver Support Plus Official Website.
Full Article: VitaPost Liver Support Plus Reviews: Does it Really Work?
6. The Most Active Liver Supplement: ActivatedYou Morning Complete
Ladened with 8 unique wellness-support blends in one drink, Activated You is an original formula made to arm your body with the necessary nutrients needed to function at peak level on a day-to-day basis.
The Cellular Function and Liver Support Blend, features Gymnema sylvestre leaf, a staple of ayurvedic therapy practiced in liver cleansing.
Shop at ActivatedYou Morning Complete Official Website.
>> Related Article: 11 Best Liver Supplements • Top Supplements for Liver Health Support of 2024
Our Top Pick
Organifi’s Liver Reset supplement is a great way to boost your liver health and get that liver detox. Just two capsules daily of this potent nutritional blend of superfoods has been reported to provide a cleansing solution to over 100,000 toxins within the body.
This product has been painstakingly perfected over time by world-class clinicians to provide a safe “natural liver reset for optimum detox, cleansing, and rejuvenation.”
In summary, this product:
- Contains all the necessary ingredients for overall great liver health, support, and protection.
- Possesses other great benefits for the body such as weight loss, greater nutrition, increased energy levels, clarity of mind, and overall better health to help your whole body work smoothly and efficiently.
- Is made using all-natural, safe, organic ingredients thus eliminating chances of further intoxication.
- Is vegan, dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free making it safer for general consumption.
Conclusion
When it comes to liver health, you can never be too careful. While the evidence around detoxes is shaky, there are other ways to promote liver health.
Liver supplements are great products for building a healthy liver and are quite safe. Among the many available liver supplements, Organifi’s Liver Reset certainly stands out.
The product is all-natural, made from a blend of powerful liver-friendly ingredients, and is well-trusted within the industry. It is also vegan-friendly, as well as gluten-, soy-, and dairy-free.
So what are you waiting for? A stitch in time saves nine, but a pill of Organifi’s Liver Reset a day keeps the liver doctor away.
Click here to get Organifi’s Liver Reset at a Discounted Price.
Liver Detox FAQs
Can a liver cleanse make you sick?
Most liver cleanse programs are safe, however, it would be wise to avoid extremely restrictive diets due to the risk of malnutrition and avoid regimens that promote drastic or invasive procedures like coffee enemas.
Also, certain liver conditions may be worsened by detox regimens. For example, green tea extract may worsen hepatitis.
What are the signs you need a liver cleanse?
Bloating, excessive sweating, chronic fatigue, skin, eye and nail changes, bad breath, body odor, digestive issues, and mood swings.
How long should you perform a liver cleanse?
Most liver detox programs are only a few days to weeks long. Of course, things like a balanced diet and exercise should be a part of your everyday life.
