Hi Everyone,

I have decided to do a liver detox to help cleanse my liver from toxins and alcohol. The best liver detox has supplements included. I will be listing the best methods and also the best healing foods to eat, for maximum results. If you consume alcohol regularly and or smoke, then this detox should be beneficial to you. Also, if you have any of the following symptoms, you may be in need of a liver detox – excessive abdominal fat, bloating, digestion issues, acne/rosacea or blotchiness, excess perspiration or overheating, pain or discomfort in the area of the liver or have had your gall bladder removed. If you are trying to lose weight but it isn’t working or you have had unexplained weight gain then it is also possible you need a liver detox.

Other causes for concern include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglycerides, fatigue, mood swings and or depression, sleep apnea/snoring and fatty yellowish lumps around eyes. Always contact your health care provider before commencing a course of supplements. Any of those listed problems are worth talking to your Doctor about. Read the full disclaimer here.

I will start with the supplements. You can do this detox for a month if you like but I am going to be doing this particular liver detox for 2 weeks. I already take Spirulina as a supplement and it is a brilliant detox supplement so I’m going to list it here but it is not necessary. I just think it is a great way to get your nutrients. Here is a bit more about it – “Spirulina is a natural “algae” (cyanbacteria) powder that is incredibly high in protein and a good source of antioxidants, B-vitamins and other nutrients. When harvested correctly from non-contaminated ponds and bodies of water, it is one of the most potent nutrient sources available.”

This post contains affiliate links to the supplements mentioned below. I make a small commission if you purchase through my site, at no extra cost to you. Helps keep the blog running! Thanks.

Milk Thistle – You can not take milk thistle if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Milk thistle contains silymarin and silybin, antioxidants that are known to help protect the liver from toxins, including the effects of alcohol. Not only has silymarin been found to increase glutathione (a powerful antioxidant that is crucial for liver detoxification), but it also may help to regenerate liver cells.

Organic Turmeric (1000mg daily) “Turmeric supplementation helps prevent high cholesterol levels in the blood and reduces the risk of fatty liver disease by regulating the enzymes responsible for cholesterol metabolism in laboratory animals fed on high-fat diet.” From a study published in the April 2011 issue of the “Journal of Food Science.”

Dandelion 

Dandelion helps to detoxify the liver and promote increased bile production, says Andrew Chevallier in his book, “Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine.” In the folk medicine of many countries, dandelion is used as a liver tonic to stimulate a sluggish or congested liver. The roots provide a mild laxative effect and are used to improve digestion and relieve stomach upsets like flatulence, constipation and fullness. Additionally, dandelion root may relieve headaches and treat skin disorders, boils and other ailments related to liver dysfunction. Because dandelion helps to clean the liver and gallbladder, it is believed to be important for the removal of toxins deposited in the liver from pharmaceutical drugs. There is some indication that the root of the plant may boost the production of natural, healthy bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

From Livestrong.com

Sea Buckthorn

A new study on sea buckthorn has found that the extract may ward off liver disease, leading researchers to conclude that it could be incorporated into a nutraceutical food or supplement targeting the condition. See the full article here.

Aloe Juice – “Adding aloe vera to water or smoothies during a cleanse is a great way to support good daily bowel movements and keep waste and toxins moving out of your system. Aloe vera is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants – nutrients needed by your liver, kidneys and detox organs to function optimally.”

Kefir – can help prevent or mitigate the effects of fatty liver disease.

Foods to help cleanse the liver –

Sprouted seeds – see my article on Buckwheat with sprouted seeds tutorial here.

Grapefruit – fortified with vitamin C and antioxidants, a glass of freshly squeezed juice helps produce liver detoxification enzymes that help flush out carcinogens and other toxins.

Leafy green veg – help remove environmental toxins from the blood stream.  Also help neutralize heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides while increasing the flow of bile.

Broccoli and cauliflower – help produce enzymes that flush carcinogens and toxins and help reduce the risk of cancer.

Artichokes and asparagus – aid in liver function.

Cabbage – kimchi, sauerkraut and cabbage soup are a good way to consume in order to maximise liver detoxification.

Avocado – helps the body produce glutathione, a compound that is necessary for the liver to cleanse harmful toxins.

Lemon and limes – help remove toxins. Try and drink a cup of lemon or lime water in the mornings for best results.

Gluten free grains –  amaranth, buckwheat, rice (brown, white, wild), millet, quinoa, sorghum and teff.

Garlic – helps activate liver enzymes that help your body flush out toxins. Allicin and selenium are highly effective in liver detoxification.

Beetroot and carrots – both of these are high in plant-flavonoids and beta-carotene. They help improve overall liver function.

Walnuts – rich in amino acid arginine, walnuts support the liver in detoxifying ammonia. Omega 3 fatty acids and glutathione make them a great choice. Must be chewed well to absorb properly.

Avoid processed foods, sugar, saturated fats, salt and alcohol.

Drink lots of water. Aim for 8 glasses a day. See my healthy flavoured water ideas in this post.

So there you have it. It is recommended that everyone do a liver detox twice a year for optimum liver functionality. Have you ever tried one before? Let me know in the comments.

Do you think you will give this a try for yourself? If so, save this for later or hey, why not start today?! This is the best liver detox for optimum results.

If you have anything to add to this list, feel free to comment below.

Let me know how it goes if you do try this, I love hearing the positive effects 🙂

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Chat soon!

Ciara x