Natural Liver Cleanse

The liver has the critical role of purging your body of toxins resulting from the digestion of what you consume. Unfortunately, the liver is a very delicate organ and can be easily damaged by toxic factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption. Many believe that a natural liver cleanser may help this crucial organ by aiding in elimination of harmful substances. However, do not begin any course of natural detoxification without first talking to your doctor.

Herbs

Damage is likely to occur when the liver is unable to remove excess toxins. Herbal supplements can provide natural methods of liver detoxification. A medicinal herb, milk thistle, protects liver cells from the damaging effects of drugs and toxins. It increases levels of antioxidants in the blood that prevent toxic chemicals from entering the cell or move toxins out of the cells before damage begins, according to Karen Bradstreet, author of the book "Herbs for Detoxification." Other herbs that take part in liver detoxification include dandelion root, turmeric and burdock.

Greens

Several micronutrients in fruits and vegetables help flush toxins out of the body, aiding the liver in detoxification, notes the "Herbal Encyclopedia": antioxidants, vitamins K and E, omega-3 fatty acids, copper, iron, selenium and natural sulfur compounds are some of these nutrients, all of which must be ingested in your daily diet. Natural sources of these nutrients include green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, cereals, legumes, nuts and seeds.

High-Fiber Foods

Water-soluble fiber, which is found in whole grains, legumes and cereals, can help remove harmful substances from the digestive tract and thus may ease the burden on the liver, suggests the "Herbal Encyclopedia." It can regenerate new cells to repair the damage.

Considerations

You body has a number of detoxifying organs that help clear the toxic burden from the body. If any of these organs fail to remove accumulated toxins, your body will begin to experience the effects of this malfunction. A healthy diet helps detoxify the body. The use of natural herbs is also a safe way to help detox the body's systems. Nevertheless, natural detoxification programs should be undertaken with caution and only under the supervision of a physician.