The average American's diet features refined and processed foods that contain harmful substances called toxins. Examples of toxins include trans-fatty acids, sugar, chemical additives, preservatives, hormones and antibiotics. Excessive consumption of these substances can damage the liver and prevent it from functioning properly. A liquid diet for the liver relies on fresh fruit and vegetable juices, water, and herbal teas to restore the organ to proper health. No other foods or drinks are consumed during a liquid diet. This is a very low-calorie diet that may be deficient in certain nutrients such as protein, dietary fat and fiber. Speak with your doctor about these dietary concerns before starting any liquid diet.
Function
In "The Liver Cleansing Diet," author Dr. Sandra Cabot says that the liver is one of the most vital organs involved in your body's natural detoxification system. The liver functions by changing toxins into water-soluble byproducts. According to Cabot, this process allows toxins to be eliminated from the body through fluids such as bile, sweat and urine. If the liver is not functioning correctly because of a toxic overload, these toxins get stored in your tissues and contribute to weight gain, says Cabot. The function of a liquid diet is to supply your liver with an adequate amount of fluids to break down and eliminate accumulated toxins.
Significance of Water
Dehydration occurs when there is a shortage of water in the body. According to Dr. F. Batmanghelidj, author of "Water for Health, for Healing, for Life," dehydration causes damage to the liver and affects its ability to metabolize and detoxify waste byproducts. Symptoms of a liver dysfunction include mood changes, depression, allergies, abdominal bloating, constipation, headaches, fluid retention and weight gain. Cabot recommends drinking at least 10 to 12 glasses of filtered water daily to help cleanse the liver and aid with weight loss.
Benefits of Juices
Cabot says in her book "The Juice Fasting Bible" that fresh juices benefit the liver by providing you with living enzymes, polyphenols, organic sulfur compounds, minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals. Juices offer your liver enzymes that improve digestion and break down accumulated mucus. Sulfur compounds found in vegetables such as onions and garlic can detoxify poisonous chemicals and cleanse the liver. According to "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth," by Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., phytochemicals and polyphenols have antioxidant properties, which may help neutralize and fight the damaging effects of toxins. Cabot says that juices supply your liver with a concentrated source of vitamins and minerals needed for proper functioning.
Organic Produce
In this diet, organically grown produce should be your first choice when making fresh juices, says Cherie Calbom, author of "Juicing, Fasting, and Detoxing for Life." According to Calbom, organically grown produce is less likely to contain potentially harmful toxins like those found in conventionally grown produce. Examples include pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and insecticides. Organic produce is more costly so begin by purchasing organic fruits and vegetables that are more likely to be contaminated, such as apricots, nectarines, apples, beets, carrots, spinach and bell peppers. Always wash produce well in running water to eliminate harmful chemicals.
Considerations
A liquid diet is not advised for a few medical and health-related conditions or situations. Pregnant and nursing women should not follow this liquid diet. Those who suffer from diabetes, eating disorders, asthma, cancer, low blood sugar, heart or kidney conditions should not participate in this diet. According to "The Juice Fasting Bible," any change in your diet will add mental and physiological stress to these circumstances that are already battling for health. Consult with a health care professional before committing to a liquid diet for the liver.
References
- "Juicing, Fasting and Detoxing for Life"; Cherie Calbom, M.S.; 2008
- "The Juice Fasting Bible"; Dr. Sandra Cabot; 2007
- "The Liver Cleansing Diet"; Dr. Sandra Cabot; 2008
- "Water for Health, for Healing, for Life"; F. Batmanghelidj, M.D.; 2003
- "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth"; Jonny Bowden, Ph.D.; 2007
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