The liver is a marvelous organ that performs many functions, but it can be difficult to keep up with all of them. Many people don't realize how important the liver's job is; after all, most have never seen what one looks like!
But I will tell you: your body doesn't function properly without this little guy. It detoxes and filters everything that passes through on its way out from your intestines – which means anything we eat or drink goes straight in there for the cleanse (or not)!
As much as our modern world has made life easier than ever before, some things are unavoidable. Environmental toxins enter our bodies every day via food, water, and air pollution among other sources.
One part of staying healthy involves making yourself more resilient to their assault with a diet rich in organic fruits and vegetables and plenty of water for hydration.
A healthy liver = good health
To maintain health and homeostasis, the human body requires all of its organs to work in synergy. If one organ (your liver) or system doesn't function properly, other systems and organs will follow sooner or later.
When the liver becomes overburdened due to chronic exposure to toxins via the environment, diet, recreational drugs, pharmaceuticals, smoking, alcohol use, lack of sleep, and poor stress management… It can slow down and cause a back-up of toxins in your system. This can impact many other systems and organs in your body resulting in liver damage and various symptoms.
Signs of Poor Liver Health
The following are a few common signs of poor liver function:
- Weight gain/difficulty losing weight
- Fluid buildup in the belly or abdomen
- You bruise easily
- Painful gallstones
- Chronic itching
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Kidney failure
- Muscle loss
- Loss of appetite
- Unsightly skin conditions and liver spots
- Spider-like veins in the skin
- Low energy and frequent weakness (fatigue)
- Mental confusion as toxins build up in the blood
- A weakened immune system, leaving you unguarded against sickness, disease, and infection
- Fatty liver disease
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disaese
- Poorly functioning immune system
If you experience any of the problems, it might be time to cleanse your liver. Ignoring the signs will only cause more issues and put you at risk for developing other minor or major health disorders.
But, you may be wondering what is liver cleansing?
What is a Liver Cleanse?
One of the simplest and most effective ways to reboot and rejuvenate your liver to avoid chronic liver disease is to do a natural liver cleanse.
This is best done naturally through the use of various superfoods and supplements that have a direct, positive impact on liver health, liver diseases, and general health.
Be aware of any detox program that advises you to consume only liquids and restrict calories. Liquid fasts can be dangerous and should only be done under the care of a medical professional.
The liver needs much more than liquids to heal. Adequate amounts of lean protein, fiber, and other nutrients are necessary for a healthy liver. So, it's critical that these are present in any liver detox meal plan.
It is not necessary to go to extremes to cleanse your liver. A healthy, well-planned diet and some positive lifestyle tweaks, avoiding processed foods are enough to see surprising results.
Benefits of a Liver Cleanse
1. Lose Weight
2. A Strong, Healthy Immune System
3. More Energy
Toxic buildup in the bloodstream can result in a constant lack of energy and a feeling of weakness.
These are not the energetic spikes and crashes provided by sugar and unhealthy food. Instead, you can count on healthy, natural energy to get through your daily routine. This means you won't have to resort to sugar, caffeine, and other less than healthy energy boosters.
4. Improves your Hair, Skin, and Nails
5. Incredible Anti-Aging Properties
6. Prevents Formation of Painful Liver Stones
7. Supports a Holistic Lifestyle
A holistic approach means that your physical, mental health, and spiritual health are all connected.
This means once you cleanse your liver… You also help the other organs of your body as well as release negative emotions, thoughts, and patterns affecting your life. In other words, you positively affect and improve and accelerate your health on all levels.
Who Needs A Liver Cleanse?
Quite frankly, not everyone needs a liver detox or cleansing.
Your liver may be in great shape if you regularly take in:
- lots of organic fruits and vegetables
- whole grains, nuts, and seeds
- very few processed foods or fast foods
- take liver cleansing herbs like milk thistle, dandelion root, burdock root
- avoid environmental toxins
- In this case, a detox program is probably not necessary.
The plain truth of the matter is that the average person does not always put the right types of foods and beverages into their body these days.
Another scary realization is that even if you enjoy a healthy diet, exercise frequently, drink lots of water and get enough sleep… The poisons and toxins in the air you breathe can still keep your liver from functioning the way it should.
This is why cleansing the liver has become a popular option for people who are looking for holistic approaches to improving their overall health.
You simply track and change the things you put into your body, and it rewards you with wonderful health.
So, who needs a liver detox? Should it only for people with an unhealthy or toxic liver or is it a smart move for everyone?
Below are the people who would benefit from a liver cleanse
Men and Women who are Overweight or Obese
How To Detox the Liver in 10 Days
Stressed Individuals & People with Poor Lifestyle Habits
People 40 and Older
Anyone Suffering From the Following Conditions
- Fatigue
- Brain Fog
- Chronic Joint or muscle pain
- Migraines
- Digestive problems
- Insomnia
- Autoimmune disease
- Hormonal imbalance
- Acne
- Skin rashes
- Depression
- Allergies
- Chronic bad breath
- Chemical sensitivity
- Weight gain
Your liver is your vital detoxification organ, and if it becomes overloaded with toxins from the food, drink, or medications you're consuming, you'll have more toxins circulating throughout your body, damaging your organs and glands. Detoxing your liver will help it work more efficiently – and help you slim your waistline. ~Suzanne Somers
Jackie What a great topic and great blog. You really set out the issues and answered the Why? and the What?. I guess its time to sign up for the How? I really like the straightforward way you talk about such a serious topic. I am the wrong side of 50 (although I’m told 50 is the new 40!) and have put off getting the M.O.T. that’s needed on most of me but importantly the liver. I would say I am relatively healthy but I have drunk wine and beer socially since I was 18. I guess that must take its toll. I haven’t felt any particular symptoms but I am sure I may be coping with things that I may not know will improve. I have focused a lot in recent months on my diet so a focus on a detox for the liver may be perfect timing. Is there a good age to do this? Thanks again Keith
Hi Keith,
Thanks for taking a moment to connect! 🙂
Anyone over 40 years old can benefit greatly by doing a liver cleanse. It’s generally agreed that the best times to detox are in the spring and fall, but this is not always possible… so I say do it whenever you can.
I really liked your article about the benefits of cleansing the liver from toxins. I am in my 40s and I have to admit I don’t feel like I have the same mental clarity and focus that I once had. It seems reasonable that this may be related to a toxic buildup. I am going to start a 10 day cleanse this week and see if I feel better. Thank you for the great information!
Thanks for connecting Heather! Good for you! Make sure to download the free 10 Day Superfood Detox Program and report back and tell us how you feel? 🙂
Love it!! A much-needed reminder of the better way to regain good health and energy! I totally believe that our bodies need a “reset” on occasion and a liver cleanse is one of the most important things that we can do for ourselves, at least once a year! I loved all of the great information in your article like how to determine if you are in need of a cleanse, and the 10 Day Superfood Liver Detox Program looks absolutely brilliant! And what a great website with so much wonderful information! I will be bookmarking this site! 🙂
Thanks for commenting Cindy. Come on back and pick up the Superfood Detox Program when you’re ready!
I really like this article. It is a thorough review of what is required for a liver cleanse and who may or may not need to do it.
I have thought about doing this from time to time and will now probably go ahead with that. When I am ready I will return to your site.
This article is informative and very educational. I am sure that anyone reading this will have a much better idea of what they can expect.
Thank you and nice to hear from you Frank!
Hi Jackie,
Thanks for sharing this review on the benefits of detoxing the liver. I generally do not sign up easily for the e-mail subscriptions. However, as I wanted to improve my health (energy levels, digestion problems, etc) and the content is explained so clearly that I could not resist the temptation to subscribe to the 10-day liver detox program.
Thanks,
Carthik
Fantastic Carthik! Please come back and share your experience and results with us! If I can be of any help, please don’t hesitate to call on me. My best to you! ~Jackie