We are exposed to toxins in the air we breathe, the water we drink and the foods we eat. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, one of the liver's main functions is to break down these harmful chemical substances so that the body may expel them in the form of feces or urine. Liver cleansing has become popular, and many spend upwards of $100 on liver cleansing products and supplements. However, there are natural ways of cleansing one of your most important organs.
The Master Cleanse Diet
According to TheMasterCleanse.org, this very simple diet consists of drinking 6 to 12 glasses of a lemonade concoction for at least ten days. It is recommended to take a laxative or do a salt water flush in order to have a bowel movement before beginning the diet. In addition, an ease-in phase will help prepare the body for a liquid diet.
The main part of the Master Cleanse, or the Lemonade Diet, contains the following ingredients:
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp. mayple syrup
1/10 tsp. cayenne pepper powder (or to taste)
8 oz. water
While the diet calls for 6 to 12 glasses a day, it is recommended to drink the "lemonade" whenever you are hungry or feeling a lack of energy. You should adjust your intake according to your body's needs. The diet may last as long as you want, but at least 10 to 14 days is recommended for optimal results.
There are other things to consider on the Master Cleanse Diet. Drinking water is important because it maintains the illusion that your stomach is full. It is also essential to flush your system. Bowel movements are essential to cleansing the liver. Laxitives are recommended. Just as an ease-in phase prepares the body to start the diet, an ease-out phase helps reintroduce foods slowly.
Fat Flush Diet
"The Fat Flush Plan," written by Ann Louise Gittleman, offers a detox plan to boost metabolism, reduce water retention and promote fat loss. A goal of the plan is to cleanse the liver. The diet has three phases.
Phase 1--1100 to 1200 calories per day. For one to two weeks, you are not allowed to eat margarine, alcohol, sugar, oils or fats, grains, break, cereal, starchy vegetables or dairy products.
Phase 2--1200 to 1500 calories per day. This phase should be continued until desired results are achieved.
Phase 3 (Maintenance)--1500 calories or more per day. In this phase, some carbs and dairy are gradually reintroduced.
Other practices that are important to the diet are significant exercise and exactly eight hours of sleep per night.
Martha's Vineyard Detox Diet
The Martha's Vineyard Diet was created by Roni Deluz, founder and director of the Martha's Vineyard Holistic Retreat. The program includes a liver flush. While the diet was mainly designed to cleanse the body's digestive system, boost immunity, reduce cellulite and enhance mental clarity, substantial weight loss is an added bonus.
Fresh vegetable juices, live green drinks, berry drinks, herb teas and pureed veggie soups are a few of the staples in this detox diet. Garlic, beans, carrots, cucumbers, celery, collard greens, kale, beets, sweet potatoes, summer squash, tomatoes, purple cabbage and most green vegetables are permitted. In addition, the diet calls for required supplements: vitamins, digestive enzymes and aloe vera juice. Total daily intake is around 1000 calories. Alcohol and caffeine are strictly prohibited.
Raw Food Diet
Nutritionist and author Natalia Rose recommends a raw food diet for those who wish to detox their livers and body. She outlines different levels that gradually help a person detoxify at a gentle pace so that uncomfortable symptoms are kept to a minimum. While raw fruits and vegetables are the foundation of the diet, it is a misconception that a dieter must eat 100 percent raw foods. Depending on how strict the dieter wants to be, Rose includes several different levels of the diet a person may choose. A sample diet for a lenient dieter would consist of a fruit in the morning, raw vegetable salad for lunch with sweet potatoes and raw crackers with organic butter, and roasted organic chicken with steamed vegetables for dinner. Throughout the day dieters can snack on baby carrots, raisins or health bars/cookies. Rose says that dieters will see results without having to exercise
General Liver Cleansing Diet
Every body is different and will respond to diets and supplements in different ways. Tips for all cleansing diets include staying away from junk food, anything that increases blood sugar (especially soft drinks), deep-fried foods, fast foods or anything cooked in vegetable and corn oils. Anything with preservatives, additives or colorings contains toxins that the liver works hard to filter out, so they should be avoided as well. Shellfish, processed meat and dairy products are not good on a cleansing diet. Lastly, refrain from drinking alcohol, smoking and excessive amounts of caffeine.
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