Do I need a liver detox?
You may often hear about detoxing and cleanses – especially if you’re on social media and tend to follow health and lifestyle influencers and bloggers.
Liver detoxes are said to be amazing, restorative events that give you an intense glow-up – from the inside out.
The problem is: your liver already has natural self-cleansing abilities, so there’s no persistent need for liver cleanses or detoxes. In fact, these practices might cause more harm than good.
What does the liver do?
Your liver is an important organ that works to metabolise different substances in the body. A major part of its function is to eliminate waste and toxins. It’s essentially a filtration system that purifies the blood and processes essential nutrients.
When it comes to your metabolism, your liver is also a key player here. Imagine it as a little engine, working hard every day to process nutrients, carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Once that job is done, these substances are converted into glucose and released back into the bloodstream when needed. The liver also synthesises essential proteins and cholesterol.
What’s a detox all about?
A detox, in general, is about helping your body “flush” out toxins and unnecessary substances that may be making you feel sluggish, tired and bloated.
Detoxing typically involves eliminating certain foods or following specific diets or juice cleanses. The idea behind these practices is to rid your body of these so-called toxins and voila, you’re feeling like a million bucks again!
Contrary to popular belief, liver detoxesdetoxes, and cleanses can potentially do more harm than good. These fads and trends often involve extreme restrictions or drastic changes in your diet, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances and potential health risks.
Give your liver a helping hand
Rather than jumping onto detox bandwagons, it’s more effective and a better lifelong habit to prioritise maintaining a healthy liver through simple lifestyle choices.
Here are some tips to support liver health:
- Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Keep processed foods to a minimum and concentrate on cleaning up your diet of additive-heavy foods, excessive sugar and unhealthy ingredients. While you’re at it, watch your salt intake. Too much salt can contribute to liver damage and inflammation.
- Get moving and keep moving. Regular physical activity, such as aerobic exercises and strength training, can support overall liver health and keep your metabolism ticking along.
- Drink enough water each day to help flush out toxins and promote proper liver function. Whenever possible, always choose water over a soft drink or flavoured juices. Yes, that includes “energy” drinks.
- Excessive alcohol consumption can be very damaging to your liver. Stick to the minimum intake and make it a priority to cut back.
- Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce your risk of fatty liver disease and other liver-related complications.
Good to know
If you have concerns about your liver health or are considering a detox, it's better to chat with your doctor first. Don’t be fooled and swayed by the impressive results you see on social media. Remember, these people are rarely medical experts, so rather get your doctor or pharmacist’s advice.
Your liver is an incredible organ relatively capable of self-cleansing and maintaining its own healthown health. By making healthy lifestyle choices, you can support its natural functions and overall wellbeing.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.