If you want to detoxify your liver, you should know a few simple rules. What protects the liver, and what harms it? Everything is worth knowing at a glance.
Liver detoxification: how it works
The ability to cleanse itself is one of the most amazing abilities of the human body. If it comes into contact with harmful substances, the liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system take action and flush the substances out of the organism. By detoxifying your liver, you are assisting your body in this process.
Because occasionally the self-cleaning program reaches its limits: If the unhealthy influences get the upper hand, they can no longer be eliminated. They are deposited in the connective tissue and impair the central nervous system and the immune system. Chronic fatigue and flu-like symptoms can be the result – but also irritation of the stomach and respiratory tract.
Some questions may arise before a liver detox, such as whether the detox has any side effects, whether it is suitable for everyone, and how much and what to drink. Our picture gallery on liver detoxification provides answers to all these questions.
How do I detox my liver?
If you want to detoxify your liver, you should first and foremost avoid foods and luxury foods that damage the liver. The following “culprits” should disappear from your everyday life for the time of detoxification:
- alcohol
- nicotine
- Fast food
Industrial sugar, white flour, and all animal products should only be consumed in moderation – it is best not to eat them at all during detoxification.
Cleanse the liver with liver-friendly foods
Instead, the menu should be enriched with as many liver-friendly foods as possible during liver detoxification. This includes a variety of vegetables. These foods are particularly friendly to the liver:
- lemon juice
- lenses
- avocado
- Green tea
- cabbage
- tomatoes
- Green leafy vegetables
- Beetroot
Garlic and Turmeric: Liver Detox with Spices
Spices can also be used to make a meal more liver-friendly: Garlic and turmeric in particular have detoxifying properties. Garlic cloves activate detoxification processes; they also contain selenium, which protects cells. The exotic turmeric is a true blessing for every liver: the yellow root regenerates damaged cells, protects against toxins, and reduces swollen liver ducts. Turmeric goes well with rice dishes, it is best used as a powder (organic market, health food store) and with pepper, as it is even more effective that way.
Detox the body from alcohol
If the body is exposed to too much alcohol over a long period, other organs such as the brain and heart can be damaged in addition to the liver. In this case, the body is detoxified by withdrawing from alcohol – but in the case of alcohol-dependent people, this should only be carried out under medical supervision. After two months without alcohol, the organism usually recovered well.
If you heed all these tips, you will not only detoxify your liver but also do something good for your entire body.