Your liver is responsible for breaking down toxins, medications, and other substances in the body. A liver detox is a popular health practice based on the idea that certain diets or supplements can remove toxins from the liver and support its function. Are there signs of liver detox working? We’ll examine the facts.
If you’re a health-conscious individual who keeps up with the latest health trends, there’s a good chance that you’ve come across the term ‘liver detox’ in your conversations or research. Some people dismiss the idea as a trivial and frivolous waste of resources, while others consider it to be the next best thing in holistic health.
Regardless, there’s no denying the buzz around this subject has health professionals and others taking a closer look at the potential benefits and risks associated with liver detox. There’s a wide array of supplements, cleanses, and concoctions claiming to aid liver function and contribute to overall wellness. In order to get a better understanding of how liver detox works, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the liver’s overall function and purpose.
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Signs of liver detox working:
Liver function overview
The liver is a major organ located in the upper right-hand quadrant of the abdomen, and it’s responsible for several bodily functions. These include aiding in digestion through bile production, acting as a part of the body’s blood filtration process, and aiding in protein synthesis.
The liver is an integral component in the process of balancing blood chemistry and processing nutrients. However, an imbalanced diet rich in highly saturated fats, excessive alcohol consumption, recreational drug abuse, and certain medications can cause damage to the liver. Liver damage or impairment can have long-term and sometimes fatal consequences. Common signs of liver damage, also known as cirrhosis or liver failure, include yellowing of the skin or eyes, fatigue, dry skin, nausea, and edema, among many others.
Signs of liver detox working:
Nutrition and diet
Like most of the body’s organ systems, the liver requires a proper balance of nutrients for optimal performance and functionality. A balanced food intake that includes a large percentage of fruits and vegetables, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, and high-fiber whole grains is the best natural recommendation for supporting healthy liver function. Avoiding recreational drugs and alcohol is also recommended for those concerned with liver health.
Additionally, some specific foods are known to be associated with reducing the risks of liver diseases and cancers. One study demonstrated that consuming raw garlic twice weekly reduced the likelihood of developing liver cancer. Similarly, another study provided evidence that eating green leafy vegetables more regularly was associated with a lower risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Signs of liver detox working:
Liver detox cleanse overview
In most cases, individuals with a healthy liver do not need a cleanse or detox, as the function and purpose of the liver itself is to aid in detoxifying the blood. It is also important to note that a liver cleanse or liver detox will not heal or improve liver function in individuals with cirrhosis or liver disease. However, some studies suggest that certain herbs or foods may improve liver function.
Supplements that contain recommended levels of the herb milk thistle may provide some benefits to healthy liver function. Milk thistle is a holistic remedy that professionals and holistic practitioners have used for generations to support a wide array of liver functions. However, there is not enough data to sufficiently support claims that these supplements provide detoxification of the liver.
Signs of liver detox working:
Medicine Man Plant Co.
If you’re considering a liver detox supplement or cleanse, it is important to consider the ingredients before making a purchase. The Liver Pill from Medicine Man Plant Co., which has roots in traditional herbal medicine, is a detoxifying, cleansing, and liver maintenance supplement that contains only seven ingredients, including burdock root, flaxseed, rosemary, and milk thistle. Like milk thistle, both burdock root and flaxseed have been linked to a reduced risk of NAFLD when consumed regularly. Unlike other products that promise to provide support for healthy liver function, Medicine Man Plant Co.’s The Liver Pill offers an organic supplement with simple ingredients.
Signs of liver detox working:
Examining results
Finding valid research regarding the effectiveness and efficacy of any kind of supplement can be difficult due to many factors. While product reviews may provide supporting claims that supplements designed to aid in improving liver function are superb, there is little to no scientific evidence to support those claims.
Such reviews may report positive results that may or may not be a direct result of adding a supplement or other factors such as dietary changes, as many liver detox programs encourage strict adherence to a more balanced diet. Additionally, identifying the physical or physiological results of liver detox and cleanses can be challenging. However, some studies suggest that organic supplements made from natural ingredients may be beneficial for aiding in continued liver function.
Signs of liver detox working:
Final considerations
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for overall wellness, but it can sometimes be challenging to balance the body’s systems and ensure proper nutrition with dietary restrictions and requirements. From a medical standpoint, there is limited evidence to support or refute the potential benefits of liver detox supplements or cleanse products, although many reviews and users support claims of improved health and well-being. While a liver detox cannot undo years of weekend drinking or a lifetime of cheeseburgers, a supplement that encourages and supports liver function might be the added boost to help improve your overall wellness.
Further reading:
American Liver Foundation: The Healthy Liver
Arjun Kalra; Ekrem Yetiskul; Chase J. Wehrle; Faiz Tuma.: Physiology, Liver
Johns Hopkins Medicine: Liver: Anatomy and Functions
Li H, Wang X, Ye M, Zhang S, Zhang Q, Meng G, Liu L, Wu H, Gu Y, Wang Y, Zhang T, Sun S, Wang X, Zhou M, Jia Q, Song K, Wang Y, Niu K.: Does a high intake of green leafy vegetables protect from NAFLD? Evidence from a large population study.
Mayo Clinic: Cirrhosis
Medical News Today: Do liver cleanses work? Evidence and risks
Nutrients: Hepatoprotective Effect of Herb Formula KIOM2012H against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Ted George O. Achufusi; Raj K. Patel: Milk thistle
Yari Z, Rahimlou M, Eslamparast T, Ebrahimi-Daryani N, Poustchi H, Hekmatdoost A.: Flaxseed supplementation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a pilot randomized, open labeled, controlled study
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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