The liver is responsible for fulfilling many necessary functions, such as storing minerals like iron and vitamin A. It regulates blood composition, which can balance protein, fat, and sugar. It also has the function of destroying old red blood cells. It can break down and metabolize medications and alcohol, and it produces essential proteins and cholesterol. Moreover, the liver removes toxins from the bloodstream, such as ammonia, bilirubin, and more. For an individual to be healthy, this vital organ must perform its essential functions optimally.
Risk Factors and Symptoms
One of the most known causes of liver damage is alcohol consumption, which can lead to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a severe condition; however, it is not only caused by heavy drinking. Eating uncooked shellfish, chronic malnutrition, taking certain medications, eating poisonous wild mushrooms, being exposed to certain chemicals, or suffering from chronic hepatitis B, can all lead to cirrhosis of the liver.
The medical community has identified several risk factors connected to liver issues, such as:
- having unprotected sex
- low potassium levels
- intravenous drug abuse
- blood transfusions (before the year 1992)
- tattoos and body piercings
- being exposed to certain environmental toxins and industrial chemicals
- autoimmune diseases
- viral infections
- having high levels of triglycerides in the blood
- taking certain types of prescription medications, and more
Additionally, specific symptoms indicate that there might be impaired liver function. Such symptoms include:
- the inability to lose weight
- constipation
- bloating and gas
- high blood pressure
- dark urine
- moodiness
- anxiety or depression
- skin or eyes that are yellowish
- heartburn and acid reflux
- poor appetite
- excessive sweating
- chronic fatigue
- bruising easily, and more
Fortunately, there are ways in which you can help restore your liver to function normally. For example, a liver cleanse can help the liver function better and promote improved general health within a couple of weeks.
How Can You Cleanse The Liver?
Firstly, it’s imperative to eliminate any types of toxic foods from your diet. For example, this includes processed foods, hydrogenated oils, refined sugar, or convenience foods. Such convenience foods often contain added nitrates or nitrites, which have been connected to some profoundly severe health conditions. There are chemicals added to these foods to prolong shelf life and inhibit bacteria growth. However, these very same chemicals can also harm your health. Therefore, we advise you to eat fresh foods, preferably organic foods, whenever possible.
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Some vegetables that are great to help cleanse the liver include cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. As it is not possible to eat raw vegetables all the time, make sure that you add variety to your diet. For example, drinking natural vegetable juice can be a great alternative.
Potassium is also great when trying to help your liver gain back its optimal function. Potassium can help lower cholesterol and systolic blood pressure and support a healthy cardiovascular system besides detoxing the liver. Many foods are rich in potassium, such as sweet potatoes, tomato sauces, beet greens, spinach, or beans. Other foods that also contain a lot of potassium include bananas or blackstrap molasses.
Intermittent fasting is another safe practice to follow to help promote detox in general, especially for the liver. We are referring to fasting for 14 to 16 hrs and eating all your meals within 8 to 10 hrs. This rest for the digestive system helps the digestive system and the liver work more efficiently.
Detox The Liver Using An Enema
A coffee enema can be extremely helpful when you’re trying to detoxify your liver. It can also help you deal with constipation and reduce fatigue. An enema can reach the lower portion of the large intestine. Unlike a colonic, which includes the entire bowel and needs to be performed by a medical professional, you can perform a coffee enema at home.
If you have previously had an enema but have suffered complications, you should speak to your doctor before performing the next one on your own. It is recommended, especially in such cases, that professionals supervise and guide you. This type of enema is typically not recommended to pregnant or young women, as they might be sensitive to caffeine’s effects.
Detox The Liver Using With Natural Supplements
There are also certain supplements available that can help to detoxify the liver. One of them is milk thistle. It is one of the best herbs when it comes to detoxification. It can help eliminate the alcohol in the liver, prescription medication, environmental toxins, or heavy metals buildup. It is also able to help reduce the effects of chemotherapy or radiation on the liver. Milk thistle is also available as a tea if you don’t like the idea of taking it as a supplement.
Dandelion root is another herb that is extremely popular for its diuretic effect. It allows the liver to get rid of toxins quickly. It is also immensely helpful in strengthening the immune system, relieving heartburn, soothing digestive upset, or balancing blood sugar levels. Another option, which is also within the family of dandelions, is burdock root. Like milk thistle and dandelion, burdock root can be taken as a supplement or a detox tea.
Turmeric has the power of reducing joint pain. It is incredibly effective as an antidepressant, and it can help with digestion, supports liver metabolism and healthy liver tissue, and can help restore a healthy blood sugar balance. Researchers are studying further benefits of turmeric, such as its ability to assist with conditions like depression, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, osteoarthritis, breast health, chronic pain, and prostate health.
Additional Ways to Detox The Liver
Many foods can help to improve liver function. For more information, we encourage you to read our article: Superfoods That Can Heal a Fatty Liver.
Furthermore, at the Budwig Center, we provide Wellness Programs to restore one’s general health and rejuvenate the organs, including the liver.
We invite you to head to our Instagram page and share your experiences. We have a great online community of followers. They regularly share how the Budwig Diet and Protocol has helped them on their road to recovery.
Don’t forget to Download our FREE Budwig Guide to learn more about the incredible benefits of the Budwig Protocol.
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