Many promise weight loss , but on such restrictive diets, the majority of any weight loss is fluid. They often also promise an increase in energy, which would be expected anytime you take processed junk or alcohol out of your diet. Many of the liver cleanses on the market contain ingredients such turmeric , milk thistle, dandelion root or peppermint — all herbs and roots that may provide direct or indirect benefit to the liver.
But many of the studies that have looked at these roots and herbs are not in the context of cleanses, which often have other ingredients or mechanisms. The liver is the only organ that can regenerate itself, but it can only take so much. Give it enough alcohol or damage it through dangerous lifestyle choices and it will eventually give up on you and rot — literally. This is called cirrhosis and in advanced cases, the only treatment is a liver transplant.
The recent boom of liver diseases may be prompting the need to fix the broken organ. As is often the case with diet, the best answer is often not the sexiest one. If we look at the science, it clearly demonstrates this complex organ needs a simple approach.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease now plagues one-third of all Americans. Excess weight, especially in the mid-section close to the liver, stresses the organ and causes a buildup of fat. The research on alcohol consumption especially in excess and damage to the liver is sobering. Studies show a daily pattern of drinking can cause serious damage, and mixing alcohol with certain medications like acetaminophen can be downright deadly.
Further, some studies have demonstrated a weekend of binge drinking is all you may need to cause permanent damage to the liver. When you start drinking may play a role as well. One study found drinking in your teen years may increase the risk of severe liver issues later in life. On a routine basis, men should not consume more than three drinks per day, and women should not consume more than two drinks per day to prevent the development of alcoholic liver disease.
Avoid weight gain. Maintain your body mass index in the normal range 18 to 25 by eating healthy and exercising on a regular basis to decrease your risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Beware engaging in risky behaviors. To avoid the risk of acquiring viral hepatitis , do not engage in behaviors such as illicit drug use or having unprotected sex with multiple partners.
Know your risk factors. Read more. Myth 4: Liver cleanses can correct existing liver damage. You should be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B if you are not immune or have any other underlying liver disease. Highly effective oral medications for patients with chronic hepatitis B infection are available as well.
Alcoholic liver disease. All alcohol consumption should cease in order to allow the liver the best chance for recovery. The liver has an amazing ability to regenerate and heal once active injury has been stopped. While there are variations on some of the specifics of the liver cleansing process, there are some similar aspects that resonate no matter what form you choose.
The first phase of the cleansing process is fasting. This is followed by sticking to a disciplined diet, usually involving teas and other herbal remedies. One aspect that varies between the different suggested cleansing processes is the duration of the fasting process. On average, the common fast lasts about two days, but the particulars of the fast differ.
Some call for the consumption of water, fresh juices and salads, while others recommend apple juice, Epsom salts, olive oil and lemon juice [sources: Waltz , Morgan ]. Once the fasting period is over, most cleanses recommend that you gradually reintroduce more solid foods, such as raw fruits and vegetables. As weeks go by, you can eat cooked meals, but only once a day [source: Weight Loss Guide ].
Also, various cleanses recommend drinking tea daily that contains herbs that aid the liver's functions, such as milk thistle and dandelion root [source: Waltz ]. If none of these processes sounds appealing, some proponents of liver cleansing also recommend acupuncture and essential oils.
The essential oils can be ingested by adding a few drops to your favorite tea or they can be used topically -- apply directly to your skin during massage or add to your bathwater [source: Lisanti]. Don't forget about the fine print. Continue reading to learn the benefits and the possible side effects of a liver cleanse. Though you might expect your liver cleansing process to take care of everything, some people suggest that you can't rely on the cleanse alone.
By participating only in a liver cleanse, you're forgetting that the liver is attached to and affects other organs. Some people believe that if you ignore your colon during this process, all of your efforts will be in vain [source: Morgan ]. The goal in cleansing your liver is clear: to rid your liver of toxins and leave it healthy and fully functional. By boosting your liver's health, your digestive tract and immune system are said to benefit [source: Morgan ].
You may even feel relief from allergies, hepatitis and gall stones all while lowering your cholesterol. Also, the cleanse may regulate blood sugar levels and body fats while increasing the amount of amino acids that reach your cells [source: The Natural Path ].
Aside from maintaining your overall health, proponents of the liver cleanse claim it offers relief from fatigue, body aches and nausea. And those who support liver cleanses put a lot of emphasis on the idea that it results in higher levels of energy [source: Hoffman ].
But is it really the liver cleanse bringing about all these great health benefits? Some critics suggest it's not a healthier liver that provides all these benefits but the reduction of alcohol, caffeine, fat, refined foods and processed foods [source: Hoffman ]. Like many diets, it's not the specific plan you're on that's giving you results, but the act of ridding yourself of unhealthy habits.
Though the benefits sound good, be sure you understand the possible side effects. Nausea, vomiting and illness could result from fasting and the general detoxification process [source: Weight Loss Guide ].
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