How Not to Cleanse Your Liver

When it comes to liver health, there’s a lot of noise out there about how to best support your liver health. Here’s a quick look at a liver flush practice and what you should really do to help your liver.

There’s a recent trend in liver support called the liver flush. It usually is comprised of drinking a special concoction of lemon or citrus juice, mixed with oil and Epsom salts before going to bed. Many claim that a liver flush will rid the body of diseases like heart disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, weight gain, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression and much more. While it would be great if we could drink something simple and easily homemade, it’s unlikely that the liver is the culprit in many of these unwanted ailments and it’s even more unlikely that by doing this liver flush, your liver will be “cleansed” or “detoxed.”

Instead, if you have liver problems and are looking to help support your liver health, start with something small, like eating a liver healthy diet or taking a supplement with milk thistle and Schizandra.

Here’s some healthy, liver-loving items to include in your diet:

– Dandelion

– Artichoke

– Turmeric

– Green tea

– Oats

– Healthy fats, like almonds, avocados, olive oil, omega-3s

– Dark leafy greens like broccoli, spinach, kale, arugula and collards

– Potassium-rich fruits and veggies such as potatoes, bananas, pumpkins and tomato sauce

Before embarking on any diet change or diet practice (such as a flush, cleanse or detox), talk with your healthcare provider to make sure it’s the right choice for you. And keep in mind, there’s a lot of mixed messages out there, so do the research. Often times, a subtle change in your diet and including a natural, plant-based supplement is all that is needed for better health.