Most people focus on the digestive system when they consider a detoxification program, but a liver flush should also be a part of any body cleanse regimen. The liver is responsible for the detoxification of many biochemical compounds excreted by the body in stools and urine. The liver is also responsible for processing different types of proteins used in the body. However, toxins that can damage and even destroy the cells of the liver are byproducts of this process. In this article, we’ll explain how liver detoxification works and how it can improve your health.
The liver is a very self sufficient organ that can regenerate cells which have become damaged by toxins. A healthy one can easily clean away toxins in the body, but substances like acetaminophen, environmental pollutants, cigarette smoke, large quantities of alcohol and high fat food are all toxic to this vital organ. Many advocates of the liver flush and alternative detoxification believe that these programs can prevent cancer by preventing toxins from building up. Some even believe that cancer can be reversed.
A liver flush involves eating or drinking a combination of juices and oils, often with selected herbs, enzymes, and other components. However, the flush formulas vary widely from practitioner to practitioner. Most liver cleanse regimens are done over the course of two or more days and result in several bowel movements. Practitioners often recommend doing them once or twice a year. The herbal combination provides antioxidants and increases blood flow to the liver to help wash away the build-up of stagnant material. Well known western herbs like Milk Thistle, Burdock and Dandelion, plus the lesser known Chinese herbs, Fructus Lycii chinensis, Gardenia jasminoidis, Polygonum multiflorum (Fo Ti) and Artemisia capillaris are often used. Practitioners also recommend drinking lots of apple or vegetable juice two to three days before beginning a flush. The malic acid found in the apple juice dissolves and softens gallstones and increases the program’s effectiveness.
While some practitioners believe deeply in the health value of a liver cleansing, there is no recognized medical evidence to confirm its effectiveness. A flush can also produce uncomfortable side effects like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Oily or fatty components of liver flushes may cause the gallbladder to contract, which could lead to problems in people with gallstones, since they could get stuck in the bile duct. You should consult your doctor before beginning any cleansing and detoxification program.
A liver flush can be a helpful tool in your healthcare regimen. A healthy liver can clean away toxins but sometimes it needs help. Liver detoxification can help clean and restore itself and it can be done without undergoing any painful side effects. A few days is all it takes to keep this essential organ functioning properly.
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