Our liver is one of the most critical organs in our body. It performs many vital functions to support metabolism, digestion, detoxification, immunity, and storage of vitamins, among several other functions. The organ’s weight is about 2% of an adult’s body weight. The uniqueness of the liver as an organ lies in the fact that it gets a dual supply of blood from the hepatic artery and the portal vein. Nearly 25% of blood flows into the liver through the hepatic artery, and almost 75% of blood flows into the liver through the portal vein. [1]
Another unique feature of this organ is that it can detox itself daily by eliminating toxins and harmful substances from the blood. Indulging in lots of junk food, following an unbalanced lifestyle, being obese, and taking several medications may lead to the formation of toxins in your body.
Too many toxins can overwhelm your liver, thereby slowing it down. In that case, your liver may be unable to remove all toxins by itself. Toxin accumulation can lead to reduced organ functionality, indigestion, abdominal bloating, fatigue, diarrhea, skin issues, hormonal imbalances, abnormal weight gain, mood swings, and chemical hypersensitivity. To help your liver swing back to its normal detoxification mode, try some liver detox food & drinks. Natural liver detox is a safe way to cleanse your liver and restore optimum liver function and lost vitality.
How to detox the liver through easy dietary inclusions
1. Garlic (Lahsun)
Selenium, a mineral present in Garlic can activate liver enzymes, promote liver health and speed up the detoxification process. [2], [9]
2. Indian Gooseberry (Amla)
Indian Gooseberry is famous for its numerous health benefits. This wonder fruit can prevent the toxic impact of harmful hepatotoxic agents, such as paracetamol, ethanol, and carbon tetrachloride.[6]
3. Turmeric (Haldi)
Turmeric, a common Indian spice has a powerful compound Curcumin which can cleanse your system of toxins. [9] This compound in curcumin has hepato-protective properties. [3] Also, if you wish to know how to detox a fatty liver, the answer would be turmeric. [4] Take 1 teaspoon of turmeric with lukewarm water in the morning to get started with the detoxification process.
4. Water
Water is one of the cheapest and easily available liver detox drinks. Drink lots of water to detoxify your liver. [5]
5. Green Tea
Catechins in Green Tea can boost the health of your liver by triggering the natural detoxification process. Also, this beneficial tea can lower the risks of fatal conditions like liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, fatty liver disease etc.[7] If you wish to learn how to detox liver with Green Tea, the answer would be ‘take green tea infusions daily, the first thing in the morning.
6. Tomato
If you wish to know how to detox a fatty liver you must turn to red, pulpy tomatoes, one of the healthiest vegetables. High quantities of Vitamin C, A, E, and the compound lycopene in tomatoes can ideally cleanse your liver and entire body.
7. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like lemons, grapefruits and oranges have a high content of polyphenols that stimulate liver function and aid in the detoxification process.
8. Walnut
Walnut contains amino acid arginine and glutathione which can bring about liver detox by eliminating the toxin, ammonia from your system.
9. Leafy greens
Leafy greens, such as cress, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, spinach and kale [5] have large quantities of chlorophyll that can protect the liver from fatty deposits and promote liver detoxification.
10. Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle or Dudhpatra is a boon for people who have a liver full of toxins. Its anti-inflammatory properties and huge quantities of antioxidants can reduce inflammation in the liver and eliminate toxins. [10]
11. Berries
Berries are loaded with an antioxidant called polyphenols which can activate liver cells and thereby, help in detoxification. [8] Berries like blueberries, cranberries, and raspberries should be included in your daily diet.
12. Guduchi
Guduchi is a powerful Ayurvedic herb is highly suitable for liver cleansing. It is also a potent blood cleanser. You may take the powdered stem of Guduchi by mixing it in water to see the results.
13. Licorice root
How to detox liver with Licorice root? Glycyrrhetinic, an effective compound found in Licorice or Mulethi can act on liver enzymes, remove toxins and fat deposits from the liver, and can enhance the health of your liver. [11]
14. Shankhapushpi
This incredible herb can cleanse your liver of accumulated fats and improve liver functions. The antioxidants in this herb can curb cellular damage in your liver.
15. Prickly Pear
This edible cactus can reduce inflammation in the liver and increase the organ’s capacity to eliminate toxins.
What does Ayurveda recommend for effective detoxification
Ayurveda recommends the Panchakarma treatments for effective toxin elimination. By going through the five therapeutic actions of Panchakarma, one can eliminate harmful toxins from one’s body. Panchakarma can bring about effective liver detoxification through the various steps, such as:
1. Vamana (Vomiting): The individual is made to vomit with the help of medicines and thus remove all the toxins that potentially cause diseases.
2. Virechana (Purgation): In this method the toxins are removed by purgation and the person is mad eto pass loose bowels for a while with the help of medicines.
3. Niruham (Administering herbal decoctions through anal or urethral routes): A mixture of herbal decoction comprising honey, salt, and so on is applied through the rectal route to relieve constipation.
4. Anuvaasan (Administering medicated oils and fats through anal or urethral routes): This is a basti done with oil and applied directly in the rectal route so that the active components are easily available for absorption at the level of intestines.
5. Nasyam (Nasal Administration): The powders and Ayurvedic liquids in this methods are instilled through the nose.
FAQs
1. Can liver detox heal the damage caused by alcohol?
If it is a minor damage, liver detox can help. However, if the damage is severe, no liver detox programs would work. In that case, medical intervention will be required.
2. What is the best time to take liver detox drinks?
For maximum benefits, starting your day with a liver detox drink is best. It can help you to kick-start your day on a healthy note.
3. Are there any natural liver detox OTC products?
There are some very effective Ayurvedic detox tonics such as the Zandu Detox Juice to help you in your liver detox endeavors. Those who are suffering from skin issues like blotches and pimples due to the accumulation of toxins in the body may try another celebrated blood purifying tonic, Lalima Syrup from the collection of Zanducare.
Conclusion
So, now you know how to detox liver naturally at home. By including these top 15 superfoods and drinks for liver detox in your daily diet, you can help your liver in its detoxification function. Apart from the above-mentioned food and drinks, some good habits, including consuming a healthy, balanced diet, opting for regular exercise, and staying away from alcohol, can support your liver health.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is not medical advice. So, if you are facing issues with your liver function, you must see a doctor first.
References:
- Physiology, Liver
- Selenium Status in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Curcumin in Liver Diseases: A Systematic Review of the Cellular Mechanisms of Oxidative Stress and Clinical Perspective
- What to know about turmeric for fatty liver
- Plants Consumption and Liver Health
- Hepatoprotective properties of the Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn): a review
- The effect of green tea intake on risk of liver disease: a meta analysis
- Nutraceutical Properties of Polyphenols against Liver Diseases
- Natural Liver Cleansing Foods
- Silymarin/Silybin and Chronic Liver Disease: A Marriage of Many Years
- Hepatoprotective effect of licorice, the root of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer, in alcohol-induced fatty liver disease
