Best Ways to Detoxify the Liver

The liver acts as a filter for the chemicals, toxins and waste that go through the body. It cleans substances from the blood so that vital nutrients are able to reach our organs successfully. When the liver is overexposed to pollutants or toxic buildup, it may not function properly. When the liver is not working as well as it should, you might suffer from nutrient imbalances that lead to tiredness, disease and stomach ailments. The liver can be detoxified to increase overall functioning.

Fasting

• A juice fast will cleanse the liver of any toxic buildup quickly and efficiently. Drink pure vegetable and fruit juices for at least three to four days, and eliminate solid food from your diet. Vegetable and fruit juices are best if they are made using a juicer to avoid any sugar, salt or preservatives. When juicing at home, use carrots, celery, cabbage, tomatoes, garlic and turnips for a liver cleansing vegetable juice. A fruit juice might contain watermelon, grapes, apples, grapefruit and other fruits. You might also purchase these juices at a health food store; just be sure they contain pure juice for best results.

Herbs

• Take herbs such as motherwort, dandelion, tumeric, chamomile, tarragon, goldenseal and peppermint. These are known as bitter herbs and help stimulate the liver to increase bile. This will help the liver process nutrients more efficiently. Herbal tea that contains dandelion and barberry is also helpful for a liver cleansing.

Hydration

• Drink at least eight 8 ounce glasses of water each day. This will help to flush the liver of any toxic accumulation. Add one tbsp. lemon juice and a tbsp. of aloe vera to the water to increase detoxing effects.

Raw Foods

• After the four-day fast, eat only raw fruits and vegetables for the next three to five days to further detox the liver. Add some brown rice, olive oil and psyllium husk to enhance digestion. Use a food processor to form a paste out of these foods to aid in nutrient absorption.

Solid Food

• The dietchannel.com recommends getting high amounts of vitamin E, C and B-complex, as well as choline, methionine and cysteine to further detox the liver. Foods such as citrus fruits, cauliflower, broccoli, sunflower seeds, asparagus, peanuts, egg yolks, red peppers and beans contain these vitamins and should be included in the liver cleansing process. Increase solid foods daily after the fasting period by including these foods in your diet.

Recommendations

• Do not ingest alcohol, caffeine, saturated fats or other unnatural foods during the bowel detox diet. Stay on the diet for at least one week and up to more than three weeks for best results. It can take quite some time for the liver to eliminate toxins completely.