The liver is a hard working organ that plays a large role in the body's detoxification. Detoxification can be specific, as in a detox program for a specific chemical substance, or it can be more general, helping the body to rid itself of toxins accumulated from environmental factors. By helping the liver to operate at its full capacity, detoxification of the entire body can be achieved. Be sure to check with your physician before beginning a detox program.
The Importance of the Liver
According to the "7-Day Detox Miracle" book, most of the biochemical activity of detoxification takes place in the liver, which transforms toxic substances and cleans and purifies the blood. It also metabolizes carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and stores important nutrients like vitamins A, D, B12 and iron. Drs. Bennett and Barrie believe that any imbalance in the liver will affect the rest of the body's systems. Many different detox diets exist and but not all are right for every person. However, there are some basic tenets you can follow to properly detoxify the liver.
Liver Detox Diet Tips
If your diet contains excessive amounts of protein, fats, processed foods, sugar and starches, your liver may be stressed. In "Detox 4 Women," the author explains that these types of foods should be avoided as much as possible, or eaten in moderation, to help the liver and gallbladder work more easily. Sometimes just by cutting out these foods, you can make great strides in detoxification.
The "7-Day Detox Miracle" recommends a gentle, seven-day cleanse. The doctors who wrote the book explain that a liquid fast for only two days can safely detoxify the blood without stressing the body. After the first two days, the book recommends eating simple brown rice and organic produce to avoid harmful pesticides, which the liver would need to detoxify.
The book lists leafy green vegetables, like spinach, endive, kale, bok choy and arugula as being healthy for the liver. According to Dr. Weil's website, these foods contain folate, antioxidants, and B vitamins. Root veggies like carrots, beets, sweet potatoes and turnips can also be eaten, as well as anything in the cabbage family.
Vegetables can be eaten raw or gently steamed. Fruits can also be consumed, although grapefruit is not recommended, as it contains a compound that inhibits liver detoxification. An article published in "Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics" in 2006 discussed how grapefruit juice inhibits the cytochrome P450 pathway, which is part of the liver's detoxification system. "Detox 4 Women" also states that organic eggs, fresh fish, and avocados can be eaten daily as well.
Supplements During Detoxification
Because the body is ridding itself of toxins, it is important to take supplements with certain vitamins and minerals to protect your body tissues from the chemical products generated during detoxification. Antioxidants are very important, according to Drs. Barrett and Barrie, for their ability to protect tissues from damage. "7-Day Detox Miracle" recommends vitamin C, vitamin E and lipoic acid.
Amino acids can help to remove toxins from the body, and the book lists n-acetyl-cysteine, glycine and methionine as beneficial. A study published in "Drug and Chemical Toxicology" in 2010 indicates that n-acetyl-cysteine can help the body prevent toxicity. Charcoal, surprisingly, is also of great importance during the detox process. Charcoal capsules keep bile from releasing toxins. According to "Healing Remedies," charcoal is an adsorbent substance, meaning it attaches things to its surface rather than absorbing them into itself. Two capsules per meal is typically recommended.
Taking more than a handful of supplements can be expensive, so if you want to keep it simple, "7-Day Detox Miracle" recommends three critical nutrients: charcoal, one capsule, three times a day; vitamin C, 500mg, three times daily; and milk thistle, one capsule, three times a day.
References
- "7-Day Detox MIracle"; Bennett, P, N.D. and Barrie, S, N.D.; 2001
- "Detox 4 Women"; Rose, N; 2009
- "Healing Herbs" Wilen, J and Wilen, L; 2008
- "Drug and Chemical Toxicology"; Tissue-specific effects of fenthion on glutathione metabolism modulated by NAC and BSO in Oreochromis niloticus; Sevgiler Y, and Uner N; June 2010
- "Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics"; Effect of grapefruit juice on cytochrome P450 2A6 and nicotine renal clearance; Hukkanen J, Jacob P 3rd, and Benowitz NL; November 2006
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