The world around you can challenge your liver. Although your body constantly produces toxic compounds just from the production of energy and the breakdown of food, your toxic load may increase significantly because of pollution, synthetic additives, pesticide residues and alcohol. Xandria Williams, a naturopathic practitioner and the author of "Liver Detox Plan," believes that undergoing such a protocol improves the health of the liver and allows for better health and vitality. Consult your physician before undertaking a liver cleanse.
Function
The aims of most liver cleanses and detoxes revolve around the elimination of toxins stored within the body. Clearing of such toxins can improve energy production, hormonal balance and the digestive process, says Christopher Hobbs, a master herbalist who has written a book on liver detoxification, "Natural Therapy For Your Liver." Hobbs explains that the liver functions better once the burden of toxins has been successfully reduced.
Methods
Most detox protocols involve the reduction of food intake to encourage the body to spend its energy on elimination of stored toxins rather than the breakdown of consumed food. Williams reports how the clearance of toxic compounds from the body occurs as a two-stage process; initially, the body's cells release the stored toxins into the bloodstream, then the liver takes over to chemically transform them to make them easy to eliminate from the body altogether. This process places a high strain on the liver; some foods can help ease this strain.
Useful Foods
Many experts recommend particular combinations to facilitate the clearance of toxins released from the cells. Williams points to lemons and limes as particularly useful foods; both contain high concentrations of citric acid, an effective chelator of heavy metals like lead and mercury. Spices like ginger and turmeric can provide a powerful antioxidant action which helps the liver to complete the first phase of detoxification. She also explains how milk thistle helps protect liver cells from damage during the chemical processes that occur in this organ and also increases the rate at which its cells regenerate.
Foods to Avoid
Detoxification procedures may fail if the liver and the body remain overloaded by a continual onslaught of hard-to-handle foods. Patrick Holford, a nutritionist and founder of the Institute of Optimum Health, recommends the complete removal of wheat, dairy, milk, alcohol and transfats during any detox program. This should aid both digestion and reduce the workload on the liver.
Regularity
Practitioners do not always agree on the necessity of liver cleanses, or how often you should undertake such a procedure. However, Holford believes that undertaking a liver detox once each year represents a wise move to take care of this busy organ.
References
- "The Liver Detox Plan"; Xandria Williams; 1998.
- "Natural Therapy For Your Liver"; Christopher Hobbs; 2002.
- Patrick Holford: 9 Day Liver Detox
Member Comments