Is it possible to cleanse your liver

And while a healthy liver naturally cleanses itself, it might not necessarily be functioning optimally if it's constantly faced with dietary and environmental toxins.

More than ever before, our bodies are bombarded with stressors, from pollution to chemicals in skin care products to preservatives in the foods we eat. These can deplete nutrient stores, cause a buildup of dangerous substances in the body , like heavy metals or molds, and lead to chronic inflammation —all of which can make us tired and sick and give our livers a whole lot more work to do.

This makes us sick and impedes normal metabolism. It also causes fluid retention, bloat, and puffiness. So, helping this vital organ only seems fair—whether you call it a liver "cleanse" or "detox" or whatever, it doesn't really matter. Even though we can't necessarily control our exposure to all pollutants and chemicals, we can make strategic dietary and lifestyle shifts that counter their effects by aiding the liver's detoxification pathways and lightening our overall toxic load.

The truth is it's a multifaceted approach, but you certainly don't have to buy into expensive cleanses or extreme detox diets. Think back to the time in your life when you felt the healthiest. How does your current state compare? If you feel significantly less vital, then it could be a sign that your liver needs some support or that your diet and lifestyle need a general overhaul.

Here are some signs your liver needs a little support :. While most people associate a compromised or damaged liver with diseases like hepatitis, there are plenty of other factors that can put an unnecessary burden on your body's main detoxifying organ, all of which you should take steps to remedy immediately:.

Plus, extra fat can build up in your liver and cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease NAFLD , which impedes liver functioning. Some research shows that sugar can be as damaging to your liver as alcohol, even if you're not considered overweight. Women should aim for no more than one drink per day, and men no more than two.

Tylenol or acetaminophen is in loads of medications, and too much acetaminophen can harm your liver. Never take more than the recommended dose, and never combine it with alcohol. These can include pesticides, fungicides, or paint , or even chronic exposure to pollution. Avoid these whenever possible, and if you can't, it might be a good idea to consider detoxing. Leaky gut, caused by unmanaged food sensitivities, antibiotics, poor overall diet, and other factors, leads to the release of pro-inflammatory toxins into the bloodstream that tax the liver.

If you've been wondering how to detox or cleanse your liver without compromising your health, then read on. Just keep in mind, these strategies aren't about detoxing or cleansing the liver itself per se; they're about supporting the liver so it can perform optimally.

Nope, you don't need a fancy cleanse. What you need is a balanced, healthy diet that promotes weight loss or weight maintenance, if you're already at a healthy weight and contains nutrients that promote liver and gut health. A good first step: Ditch the processed foods and drink more water. Skip most processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol, and focus on whole, preferably organic foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, sustainably raised meats, fish, eggs, and minimally processed oils, such as olive or coconut oil.

This means you'll be taking a break from most of the foods, additives, and pesticide residues that tax your system while adding in nutrient-dense foods that will nourish the body.

Consider ditching common sources of food sensitivities and allergens , including gluten. This can help heal damage to the gut and reduce the number of toxins that enter your bloodstream and stress the liver. Hyman recommends 8 to 10 glasses of filtered water daily.

Some experts believe warm water with or without lemon is even better because it helps promote good digestion and optimal functioning of the lymphatic system, both of which indirectly support liver health. Next, add in specific liver-friendly foods: Once you've got the basics down, you can start adding in foods that promote healthy liver functioning, i. Almonds, sunflower seeds, peanuts, wheat germ, salmon, and avocado are all great sources of vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that research suggests can counter the oxidative stress associated with fatty liver disease.

Bile helps to transport toxins so they can be removed from the body, so an impairment of bile flow can result in the buildup of toxins and liver injury. Artichoke contains phenolic derivatives that have been used for centuries to stimulate bile flow and protect the liver. Deep-hued berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries aren't only loaded with fiber; they contain phytochemicals called anthocyanins, which have potent antioxidant properties that have been shown to scavenge free radicals and promote normal inflammatory processes.

These ruby-hued roots contain pigments called betalains, which help promote normal inflammatory processes and support cellular repair in the liver thanks to their potent antioxidant properties. They also contain betaine , which helps liver cells eliminate toxins, and pectin, a type of fiber that helps bind and clear toxins. Cruciferous veggies such as broccoli sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and watercress contain sulfur-containing phytochemicals called glucosinolates, which are protective against chronic conditions and help the body remove toxins.

One study found that a drink made with broccoli sprouts activated enzymes that help pick up pollutants from the bloodstream and flush them out via urine, and another found that broccoli consumption slowed the progression of fatty liver disease in mice.

Lemons, tangerines, and oranges contain a compound called D-limonene, which has been shown to help slow oxidative damage caused to the liver as a result of a high-fat diet. Sipping on lemon water throughout the day is also a great way to stay hydrated, which promotes the movement of toxins out of the body.

Dandelion is known for its cleansing properties, and one study found that both the root and leaf helped rid the body of reactive oxygen species that cause oxidative stress. Reap the benefits by sipping on dandelion root tea , which makes a great caffeine-free alternative to coffee.

Dandelion greens along with other bitter greens such as mustard greens and arugula are great, too, because they help stimulate bile production and promote healthy digestion. Cold-pressed organic oils such as olive, hemp, and flaxseed offer great support for the liver, providing the body with a liquid base that can suck up harmful toxins in the body.

It has also been shown to decrease the levels of fat in the liver. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, research and advice about your mitochondria and cellular empowerment.

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Buy Now. How MitoQ Works. Research Studies. About Us. Contact MitoQ. Did you know that the liver is responsible for over functions in the body? Those jobs take energy, so your liver cells are packed with mitochondria.

Here is our list of the top eight super-foods to naturally detox and cleanse your liver. Want to learn how to take better care of your liver? All Bombay Times print stories are available on. We serve personalized stories based on the selected city OK.

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Kajol's take on gender-equal parenting hits all the right notes in this video. Signs you are being too strict as a parent. The three most important factors to help you lose weight are calorie intake, calorie use, and diet quality. Calorie intake: The recommended daily calorie intake is approximately 1, to 2, calories a day for adult women and 2, to 3, calories for adult men. Your doctor can provide you with a range tailored to your individual health profile.

Calorie output: Exercise is necessary to burn calories and lose weight. Moving and using up calories help the body eliminate extra weight. Processed junk food is low quality. To assist your liver in functioning at its best and to help you lose weight, choose high-quality foods instead. Switching your diet to high-quality unprocessed foods is one of the best ways to achieve weight loss. This is because it naturally decreases your caloric intake while increasing the number of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial compounds you consume.

Check out: 6 essential nutrients and why your body needs them ». The two biggest risk factors for liver disease are drinking alcohol excessively and having a family history of liver disease. Keep alcohol intake limited: Alcohol is a toxin that your liver is responsible to deal with.

When consumed in excessive amounts, it may cause liver damage. The recommended intake is just one standard drink per day for women and two for men up to the age of After age 65, men should also revert to one standard drink per day.

Drinking alcohol in moderation is the most crucial factor to protect against liver disease. Never take medications, even acetaminophen Tylenol , in the same hour period as drinking alcohol. Vaccinate against hepatitis: Hepatitis is a liver disease caused by a virus. There is treatment for Hepatitis C now, but all types of hepatitis are very hard on your liver. The best approach is to protect yourself from exposure to these viruses. Most importantly, never mix alcohol with any medications.