About Liver Cleansing

By Food For Health, on August 3rd, 2009

WHAT DOES THE LIVER DO?

The liver is essential for the body to eliminate toxins (i.e. alcohol), break down dietary fats, and assisting the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins. The liver is also responsible for converting the carbohydrates that we eat into the glucose that our body needs for energy.

WHY CLEANSE YOUR LIVER?

Cleansing your liver can help to reduce issues such as headaches, weakness, fatigue, allergies, food sensitivities and poor concentration.

WHAT FOODS TO AVOID

When detoxing or cleansing your liver it is wise to avoid foods that are high in fat, carbohydrates, cholesterol and sugar, as well as avoiding alcohol. These include such foods as pasta, bread, processed foods (i.e. chips, ready-made meals etc.), lollies, soft drink etc.

WHAT FOODS TO EAT

Along with drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, it is recommended that you eat fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as other fibre sources such as beans, nuts, and legumes. If you don’t think you can live without a delicious bowl of pasta, consider trying brown or wholemeal pasta or rice instead of white grains.

To make cleansing you liver that bit easier, Food For Health have created The Liver Cleansing Muesli. The Liver Cleansing Muesli is a delicious mix or all things good for your liver & digestive system. You have lecithin which is a source of amino acids; choline & inositol and also added amino; taurine; which altogether help cleanse the liver & metabolise fat. Fibre high psyllium & essential fatty acid source; LSA (linseeds, sunflower seeds & almonds). Slippery elm and barley bran is also added to support digestive function.

Robbert Verhoef

July 18, 2011 at 1:31 am · Reply

The liver is involved in thousands of biochemical mechanisms making it second only to the brain in importance and complexity. Natural health practitioners are also acutely aware of the detrimental effects on the liver of modern living, with its chemicals, excessive fat intake, pesticides, hormones, and stress. This suggests that we as a culture are in need of liver support. You should consider liver support supplementation if you:

• Have a history of a Fatty Liver
• Consume Alcohol
• Consume Tobacco Products
• Have been taking Medications/Drugs
• Are exposed to Environmental Toxins or Chemicals or Second Hand Smoke
• Have a history of Liver or Gall Bladder Problems

Dandelion
Dandelion root enhances bile flow, thus improving conditions such as liver congestion, bile duct inflammation, hepatitis, gallstones, and jaundice. Dandelion increases bile flow by affecting the liver directly to cause an increase in bile production and flow to the gallbladder, and exerting a direct effect on the gallbladder by causing a contraction and release of stored bile. Dandelion’s hepatic tonic effect may be attributable to the high choline content.

Milk Thistle
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used since Greco-Roman times as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, particularly liver problems. Several scientific studies suggest that active substances in milk thistle (particularly silymarin) protect the liver from damage caused by viruses, toxins, alcohol, and certain drugs such as acetaminophen (a common over the counter medication used for headaches and pain; acetaminophen, also called paracetamol, can cause liver damage if taken in large quantities or by people who drink alcohol regularly.)

Many professional herbalists recommend milk thistle extract for the prevention and/or treatment of various liver disorders including viral hepatitis, fatty liver associated with long term alcohol use, and liver damage from drugs and industrial toxins such as carbon tetrachloride.