Your liver is one of the hardest-working organs in your body. It sorts through and eliminates garbage from the blood stream. A seven-day liver detox is done with the intent of boosting that process of flushing out toxins. The Mayo Clinic, however, says there is very little evidence supporting the effectiveness of detox diets. Always consult your physician before starting a detox diet.
Function
The goal of the seven-day liver detox is to cleanse your body of harmful toxins brought in by food, water and air. The premise is that the accumulation of toxins in various organs can leave you feeling tired, bloated or irritable. Supporters of the detox claim that it may help with weight loss and reduce the risk of high-blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease.
The Program
Doing a seven-day liver detox three times a year is ideal, according to the self-care advisory website Quickcare. Drinking 64 ounces of water daily, preferably with lemon, is advised. The first meal of the day should include fruit and whole grains. Mid-day and evening meals should be composed of vegetables. To ensure that you receive the proper nutrients, eat a variety of vegetables daily, the website DetoxYourBody advises.
Foods
Your daily servings of fruit should be fresh and organic. When choosing beans, stick to pintos, peas, garbanzos, kidney and adzuki. Abstain from meats and dairy products. In addition, stay away from oats, rye, corn, barley and wheat. Choose rice cakes, rice pastas, brown rice and whole grains such as buckwheat and amaranth. Avoid foods with preservatives, flour, fats, tea, coffee and sugar while on the detox.
Side Effects
When you make a sudden change in diet, you may experience side effects. According to the Mayo Clinic, detox programs lasting seven to 10 days may cause fatigue, dehydration, dizziness or nausea. If symptoms become serious, see your doctor.
Warnings
Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, require a specific diet. Do not go on this diet if you are diabetic. Furthermore, if you lead a highly active lifestyle, the liver detox may not be suitable for you, as your body requires proper amounts of nutrients to function at an optimal level.
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