A liver flush detox should be a part of any body cleanse regimen because of the important tasks that the organ performs. The liver is responsible for the detoxification of many biochemical compounds excreted by the body in stools and urine and 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. A liver flush helps to wash away the accumulation of these poisons. Read on to discover the various methods of liver detoxification to see if they are right for you.
What Does a Liver Flush Do
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.
Liver Flush – How Often
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.
Liver Flush Side Effects
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 gall bladder 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 that is in good condition helps the body clean away toxins that can lead to serious illnesses. However, it sometimes needs a helping hand. So a liver flush can help clean and restore itself so that it can keep your body functioning as it should.
Liver cleansing can be a part of your health regimen without undergoing major cost or painful side effects. A few days is all it takes to do a liver flush, which will keep this organ functioning well.