The liver, which is the largest solid organ in the human body, carries out several functions that are essential for survival, including detoxification and purification of blood as well as metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Because the average individual consumes some form of toxins from their diet, water, and medicines daily, one cannot overlook the importance of the liver. In fact, one cannot attain good health if the functioning of the liver is improper. Unfortunately, people tend to overburden and overtax the liver. Despite this, the liver has a phenomenal ability to regenerate itself, when given the opportunity.[4]
Role Played by the Liver in Detoxification
The liver is one of the primary organs in your body responsible for detoxification. In fact, your liver carries out more than 500 functions in your body. What’s more, it is the master transformation site that efficiently filters toxins from your blood to neutralise, and ultimately, eliminate them. These toxins include synthetic chemicals, excessive hormones, sugar, heavy metals, and processed foods, to name a few.
When the liver encounters a toxin, it produces bile, deposits the toxin in the bile, and then transports the bile to the gallbladder. When you consume fats, a signal is sent to the gallbladder to release bile into the intestines so that it can then be eventually expelled through the bowels. Hence, it is essential to consume healthy fats in your diet each day for optimum functioning of your gallbladder and liver. A low-fat diet can lead to the formation of gallstones.
What Causes Liver Congestion?
In today’s bustling world, it is extremely hard to avoid toxins altogether. Toxins are present in your food, clothing, skincare and body-care products, cleansing agents used in homes and cars, candles, perfumes, furniture, and many more. What’s worse, toxins are present in homes and workplaces as well as in the air that you breathe.
The greater the intake of toxins in your body, the harder it is for the liver to eliminate them. Over a period, your liver can become extremely sluggish and congested, which will reduce its detoxifying ability.
5 Ayurvedic Herbs for the Best Liver Detox
Bhumyamalaki
This Ayurvedic herb is highly recommended for supporting your liver. What’s more, it is light, bitter, and dry with soothing, cleansing, and cleaning properties that help pacify Pitta (energy of digestion and metabolism) and Kapha (energy of lubrication and structure). In addition, it helps in cleansing, detoxifying, and strengthening your liver and gallbladder.
Kutki
When you are consuming a liver detox diet or liver cleanse diet, make sure you include Kutki in it. It offers a deep cleansing action that positively affects both the liver and gallbladder, while simultaneously promoting optimum liver function and flow of bile. Touted as one of the best blood cleansers and liver tonics, Kutki, too, balances Pitta and Kapha efficiently. In addition, it supports systematic immune function.
Guduchi
This is a potent, Ayurvedic detox herb that demonstrates excellent antioxidant properties to offer help in protecting your kidneys and liver. It helps cool, calm, and soothe vitiated Pitta, while simultaneously being a tri-doshic (a dosha is a regulating force of nature), ensuring equal benefits for Pitta, Kapha, and Vata (energy of movement). Hence, Guduchi is one of the best liver cleansing foods.
Amla
Amla is one of the best sources of Vitamin C and vital antioxidants. Amla helps in pacifying an aggravated Pitta and supporting healthy liver cells, thus making it a powerful liver detox food. In fact, amla can also be consumed in the form of juice. A liver detox juice does not get better than this.
Turmeric
Turmeric is extremely beneficial for a healthy liver, brain, and skin. It possesses excellent detoxifying properties that benefit and supports tissues and organs as well as the entire body system. Because turmeric is widely used in Indian kitchens, it is considered the best liver detox home remedy.
Conclusion
While liver detox drinks and liver cleanse drinks have become popular for their role played in detoxification, it is essential to opt for healthy lifestyle habits and choices. Some of these habits include consuming a balanced diet, exercising on a regular basis, and protecting your body from the harms caused by excessive medications, environmental toxins, and liver diseases.[3]
