Liver Detox With Fruits

Andrew Wadge, chief scientist of Britain's Food Standards Agency, dismisses detoxifying diets and plans as a complete waste of time and money. The body's own detoxifying process -- spearheaded by the liver -- is already supremely efficient, says Wadge. While no one will argue the efficacy of the liver in ridding the body of toxins, certain fruits do support overall vital organ function, including the hard-working liver.

Function

The second largest organ in the body -- the largest being the skin -- the liver processes food into energy and nutrients, and removes harmful toxins from the blood. The liver also produces bile, a yellowish-green liquid that is necessary for the digestive process. A host of diseases can impact liver function, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Drugs, poisons or excessive alcohol intake can also form scar tissue on the liver, which is called cirrhosis.

Citrus Fruits

Vitamin C rich citrus fruits such as oranges, limes and tangerines can aid in liver function. According to Real Age, the vitamin C in lemons helps convert toxins into a water-soluble variety that the liver can then flush away. If you're looking for an easy way to get more lemons into your diet, squirt a wedge into your glass of water.

Other Fruits

Pineapples, in addition to being rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, may also aid the liver in reducing the accrual of mercury in the body's tissues. According to the Dole Nutrition News Desk, researchers studying the eating habits of inhabitants of the Brazilian Amazon found that those who ate pineapples and other tropical fruits such as mangoes and bananas demonstrated 80 percent less mercury buildup.

Research

While some people feel more energetic and focused during and after a fruit detox, little evidence that a fruit detox diet actually remove toxins from the liver exists, according to the MayoClinic.com. Sometimes the good feelings associated with detox programs and fruit fasts are psychosomatic in nature, and stem more from the belief that you're doing something beneficial for your body, according to MayoClinic.com. As a general rule, the liver efficiently and effectively eliminates most ingested toxins on its own.

Warning

Eating fruit alone is tantamount to fasting; it does not provide enough nutrients. A fruit-alone detox can have possible side effects, according to the MayoClinic.com. These may include dehydration, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and general weakness. Take care of your overall health as well as your liver and include vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein along with fruits.