Liver Flush Diet

The liver flush diet, also known as the fat flush diet, has become popular along with the rising popularity of other flush and cleanse diets. The general idea of the liver flush diet is to assist the liver in ridding the body of fats, oils and toxins that we put into our bodies. This is a three-phase diet that starts off very restrictive in the first phase and ends as a low-carbohydrate diet that can be maintained for life.

Phase one

• The first phase of the liver flush diet lasts for two weeks and is intended to detoxify the liver to increase the amount of fat it burns. Calorie intake is limited to 1,100 to 1,200 daily, including eight glasses of cran-water (one part unsweetened cranberry juice and four parts of unfiltered water) a day and excludes all wheat and dairy. Two special components of the diet are introduced in week one: a "lifelong cocktail" made up of 1 tsp. of powdered psyllium husks or 1 tbsp. of ground or milled flaxseed in 8 oz. of cran-water, and a gamma linolenic acid (GLA) supplement taken twice a day. Eight ounces of lean protein is eaten daily, along with one egg per day, at least two servings of fruit, raw or steamed vegetables, no-salt beef, chicken or vegetable stock for cooking, and some herbs and spices.

Phase two

• The second phase of this diet lasts until your desired weight is reached. It is basically an extension of the first phase with an increased caloric intake of 1,200 to 1,500 calories a day. You can also add certain carbohydrates back into your diet, such as sweet potatoes and brown rice, but only once a week.

Phase three

• The final stage of the diet is supposed to be carried out through the rest of your life, with 1,500 calories or more taken in daily, and mostly carbohydrates, proteins and fats consumed. You slowly start to add starchy vegetables, fruits and dairy products into the diet. It is recommended to add these foods one at a time to your diet to check for any negative reactions.