Do I Need a Liver Cleanse Detox?

Print this Article

Pin It!

The liver is an organ that carries out of the function of detoxification as well as many other functions. It’s found on the right side of your upper abdomen. 

We don't really need liver “detoxes" or "cleanses". What these detoxes and cleanses do is basically provide you with a system of decreasing the load on your liver and provide nutrients to support the liver while also helping you have good bowel movements. That's why people usually feel good and light after these – they’re eating nutrient-dense foods, eliminating well, decreasing the toxic burden on their bodies, eliminating processed and refined sugars, having less saturated fat in their diets, not overeating, and hydrating well. These cleanses and detoxes can be helpful to sort of allow you to pause your regular habits and provide structure to eat in a more healthful way, which is great. But the problem usually is that once the detox or cleanse is done, many people go back to their previous life and food habits. 

If we live in a way where we decrease our overall toxic burden while adding in foods, lifestyle habits, movement, and adequate hydration to support the liver and digestive systems, then we can achieve healthy/healthier liver function and improved overall health outcomes on a regular basis.

That all being said, if you have higher-than-average toxic exposures, especially of heavy metals, mold, and such, you may need extra support through supplements and other means. This also applies to those of you who may have genetic mutations in some of the genes that help our body with waste elimination. In these cases, definitely talk with your healthcare team to receive the guidance you need. 

For most of us, the considerations and tips below can be implemented on a regular basis to support our natural detoxification processes. Start somewhere and slowly do what you can. Your body and your liver are resilient. Liver dysfunction tends to happen over a long period of time when the toxic load is high and resources are scant.

• Eat lots of vegetables, especially leafy greens and cruciferous veggies like bok choy, kale, cabbage, and arugula

• Eat your fruit, especially dark-pigmented fruits like pomegranates, cherries, and berries for antioxidants and other nutrients

• Consume adequate fibre from plant foods including whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes and lentils, and fruits and veggies

• Decrease saturated fat consumption that put a burden on your metabolism and liver. Saturated fat is found in high quantities in red meats and butter. 

• Incorporate culinary herbs and spices for anti-inflammatory and other health benefits. My favourites are cilantro, parsley, mint, ginger, garlic, turmeric, cayenne, rosemary, oregano, cumin, and fennel. 

• Eat enough for your body's needs - overeating increases the risk of developing fatty liver disease and blood sugar dysregulation, while undereating doesn't provide adequate resources and stresses your body out

• Sleep, rest, and take care of yourself

• Hydrate adequately!

• Decrease or avoid alcohol intake

• Avoid exposure to chemicals found in household products that increase the burden on the liver - cleaners, flame retardants, paint etc. Vinegar + water can clean many household surfaces.

• Move regularly! Sweat and get your heart rate up. There is no substitute for exercise. 

• Minimize medication use as your liver has to metabolize all meds - obviously, this is something that may be out of your control based on your what your health needs and situations are.

• Transition to non-toxic beauty and personal care products. You can do it one product at a time as you run out. The Environmental Working Group's website is a good place to check your products.

• Less coffee, more green and herbal teas (dandelion root, milk thistle, globe artichoke are all supportive of optimal liver function)

• Less plastic exposure - choose stainless steel or glass containers and bottles when possible

• Choose organic produce when possible - pesticide residues have to be metabolized by the liver

• Make sure your bowels are moving regularly – pooping regularly is key to eliminating all kinds of waste products from the body

• Manage your blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels by eating nutritionally diverse that have adequate protein, carbs, and fats, making sure you’re having lots of whole plant foods.