How to Do a Liver Cleansing Detox
Expectations for the Liver
What is the role of the liver in the body? This organ has many functions, most of which revolve around the processing of food and other substances. The liver breaks down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. It releases bile, which is necessary for digestion and the proper elimination of the waste-products of food. It filters toxins from the blood, and is a refuge for red blood cells.
Remarkably, even when the liver is damaged, it will still function. It is also capable of regenerating tissue when necessary. Over time, the body inevitably takes in so many toxins, from processed foods, polluted air, alcohol, prescription drugs, and other substances, that it becomes difficult for the liver and other organs to efficiently remove pollutants. Toxins build-up in tissue, and put extra strain on the organs of elimination, decreasing their ability to function properly.
Doing a liver cleansing detox will give this organ the opportunity to regain its strength and return to a healthy state. Detoxing the liver periodically can greatly benefit overall well-being. Signs that a liver cleanse may be necessary include unusual fatigue, food and skin sensitivities, constipation followed by diarrhea, limp, slow-growing hair, liver spots on the skin, bags forming under the eyes, and digestive troubles.
The First Two Days
Three days is sufficient to cleanse the liver naturally. For two days, simply eat a diet focused on foods which are easy to digest and that will support the liver,such as:
- Cucumbers
- Watermelon
- Green leafy vegetables
- Beets
- Artichokes
- Radishes
- Celery
- Eggs
- Dried Fruits
- Bananas
- Yogurt
- Seafood
- Miso soup
Drink at least eight glasses of water, as well as two or three glasses of fresh apple, carrot, and pineapple juice. Also, drink three cups of herbal tea. There are many herbs which are beneficial for the liver. Burdock root and dandelion are very important for cleansing toxins. Milk thistle and yellow dock increase the secretion of bile. Red sage and cardamon can be combined to nourish the liver. A useful herbal infusion to drink during a liver cleansing detox is yellow dock, dandelion, and burdock.
The Third Day
The third day of the liver cleanse is more focused. Start the day with a glass of water with the juice of one lemon. This is a wonderful tonic for the liver. Drink a glass of mixed vegetable juice for breakfast, followed by a cup of cleansing peppermint tea. For lunch, have miso soup, or vegetable broth. During the afternoon, drink a herbal infusion for the liver, such as the dandelion, burdock, yellow dock blend, as well as a glass of fresh fruit juice, such as apple. Have a another glass of fresh vegetable juice or broth in the evening, and a cup of peppermint tea before bed. Throughout the day, drink at least eight glasses of water.
After this natural liver cleanse, this organ will be functioning very well. Continue taking care of the liver with a healthy diet, plenty of water, fresh air, and the occasional detoxification.
Resources
Hoffmann, David. “The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal: A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies.” (Element Books, 1996).
Page, Linda. “Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self-Healing for Everyone, 11th Edition” (Traditional Wisdom, 2003).
Photo Credit
photo by: Correa Cravalho (CC/flickr) https://www.flickr.com/photos/jpcorreacarvalho/3426653741/.
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