Liver Detox Programs

All blood passes through the liver, which acts as a cleaning stop for the circulatory system by removing toxins and other harmful compounds from the bloodstream. Environmental toxins are increasingly common in food, air, and water and can overload the liver, leading to fatigue and illness. A simple detoxification program involving herbs and diet can cleanse the liver, resulting in increased vitality.

Milk Thistle

The seeds of milk thistle contain a group of related chemical compounds collectively called silymarin, which has been shown to have a strong effect on the liver. Silymarin protects the liver from toxins, boosts the activity of detoxifying enzymes, reduces inflammation, and promotes liver regeneration. All in all, milk thistle is a powerful beneficial herb for the liver and is an indispensable part of any detoxification regime. Milk thistle is usually taken in commercially-prepared capsules, which have defined amounts of silymarin.

Dandelion Root

The common weed dandelion actually has medicinal value, particularly as a liver tonic. Dandelion root aids in detoxification of the liver by promoting bile flow, which transports toxins from the liver into the intestine. Dandelion is also a mild diuretic, so it increases the removal of water-soluble toxins through the urine. Dandelion root can be taken in capsule form or as a tea.

Diet

An important part of a detoxification regime is a healthy, balanced diet that provides the body adequate nutrition while promoting detoxification. Eat plenty of leafy green vegetables such as kale, lettuce, chard, and collard greens, as they provide abundant nutrients and compounds that support cleansing and healing. Fiber also helps to cleanse the body by removing toxins through solid waste, so eat plenty of high-fiber fruits and vegetables, such as apples, tomatoes, broccoli, peppers, and asparagus. Choose light sources of protein, such as fish, poultry, or soy, rather than heavier meats like beef or pork. In addition, drink at least 6 eight-ounce glasses of water a day.

References

• "The Complete Medicinal Herbal", Penelope Ody, 1993.
• "Herbs Demystified", Holly Phaneuf, 2005.
• "The Herb Companion": Herbs for the Liver.