Many people swear by short-term detox diets to lose weight and, supposedly, "flush toxins" from the body, but there's little scientific evidence that they actually work. They also can have negative side effects like dehydration, dizziness, nausea and fatigue. Taking preventive measures to keep your liver healthy should keep you from having to take on any detox measures at all. Always talk to your doctor before going on a diet, especially if you already have liver disease.
Detox Warning
The theory behind many detox programs is that your liver or another body part needs to be flushed of "toxins." However, removing toxins is the normal function of your liver and kidneys. The job of these organs is to filter out any toxic substances you might ingest and excrete them via your urine and stool. There should be no need to detox your liver itself unless it's not performing its essential functions correctly.
Alcoholism Detox
One case in which your liver might legitimately need detoxification is if you have alcoholism. Excessive amounts of alcohol can cause liver damage, impeding the liver's ability to perform its essential functions. In this case, detoxing involves taking medication to ease withdrawal symptoms after you stop drinking alcohol. You should follow all other diet and medication instructions from your doctor; detoxing at home requires close medical supervision.
Prevention
To maintain a healthy liver, eat a balanced, plant-heavy diet, watch your weight and limit your alcohol intake. Don't partake in risky behaviors like sharing needles, mixing medications with alcohol or practicing unsafe sex. Be careful around toxic chemicals that might come in contact with your skin or lungs.
What to Avoid
If you do decide to partake in a detox, get your doctor's OK first. Avoid any herbal supplements or remedies that contain the following herbs, as they could be harmful to your liver: black cohosh, ma-huang, chaparral, comfrey, germander, greater celandine, kava, mistletoe, pennyroyal, skullcap and valerian.
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