Juices to Cleanse the Liver

Juices to Cleanse the Liver
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Drinking fresh juice is a popular way to cleanse your body of waste products and toxins. Some people believe that your liver becomes filled with waste and chemicals, causing ill health. A juice cleanse supposedly improves your liver's ability to detoxify your body. Consult a physician or other health professional about the safety of a juice cleanse before detoxifying your liver through dietary changes.

Purpose

Your liver performs several important metabolic functions. It keeps your blood free of toxins by breaking down dangerous chemicals flowing through your bloodstream. The liver also produces important proteins, breaks down alcohol and eliminates harmful compounds from your body. Performing a liver cleanse supposedly improves your energy levels, reduces mental confusion, eliminates muscle pain and boosts your mood.

Juice Cleanse

A juice cleanse for your liver features olive oil, fruits, vegetables and Epsom salts, according to the website Just Cleansing. Cleanse practitioners make fresh, homemade juice from grapefruits and apples. They drink these juices throughout the day. A juice cleanse for your liver also requires you to drink Epsom salts dissolved in water as well as olive oil mixed with grapefruit juice, according to cleanse instructions on The Life Tree website. These substances supposedly help your liver create bile, eliminate gallstones and decrease your appetite.

Other Foods

Although some people only drink juice, Epsom salts and olive oil for the duration of the liver cleanse, others eat small meals. Acceptable foods to eat during the juice cleanse include whole-grain products, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Avoid all processed foods, which may contain toxins that your liver must detoxify.

Warning

There is no scientific research demonstrating that a juice cleanse helps your liver. Many people feel better following a juice cleanse because they cut high-calorie, unhealthy foods from their diets and replace them with fresh fruits and vegetables. Your liver naturally detoxifies your body and does not need the help of a juice cleanse to function. Because a juice cleanse may leave you feeling hungry or weak, you should discuss your cleanse plans with a physician before beginning.

References

Article reviewed by Christine Brncik Last updated on: Jul 18, 2011

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