DR. WALKER

Liver Detoxification

Why should I consider a liver detox?

The liver is the largest organ in the body and has hundreds of vitally important functions, including managing metabolic waste products. It works day and night to help filter the bloodstream and eliminate toxins from things like processed foods and alcohol. Liver detoxification is a process intended to eliminate harmful substances from the body. By detoxing your liver, you are detoxing the rest of your body as well. As the liver converts toxic agents into harmless agents, it’s normal for some toxins to be present in the liver as this is where the body sends them for natural processing.

What are things that help the liver detox process?

• Increasing glutathione and its precursors: Glutathione plays a key role in the liver in detoxification reactions and in regulating the thiol-disulfide status of the cell.
• Reducing toxic and inflammatory foods like simple sugars, alcohol, and dairy.
• Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including avoidance of alcohol and exercising regularly.
• Increase antioxidant consumption such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and selenium.
• Eating a diet that focuses on fresh fruits (while in season) and vegetables.

Which foods help to detox the liver?

Green leafy and cruciferous vegetables like spinach, brussels, broccoli, and kale are packed with micronutrients to help remove or reduce liver toxins. Increase healthy fat consumption, reduce consumption of seed oils and increase other healthy fats such as olive oil, omega-3 fatty acids, and nuts. Beats are extremely high in fiber and antioxidants, both of which can be used to help eliminate liver toxins.

What can I expect after liver detoxification?

1. Reduced brain fog: Brain fog is one of the more common symptoms of chronic liver disease. This is likely due to liver disease’s tendency to impair energy production and blood detoxification.
2. Improved thyroid function: A cleanse could help your liver convert thyroid hormones like it needs to, and increase functionality in both the thyroid and the liver.
3. Decreased risk for autoimmune disease: The liver is usually implicated in autoimmune conditions. If the liver detox pathways are overloaded, this causes the immune system to become hyperstimulated leading to autoimmune reactions.

Consider these items when detoxifying the liver:

• Milk thistle: A natural herb with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly used to detoxify the body and promote liver and gallbladder health. Milk thistle is also used to help treat liver diseases such as cirrhosis, jaundice, and hepatitis, as well as gallbladder disorders.
• Turmeric: Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory known to reduce the risk of liver disease.
• Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect and repair the liver. Glutathione is also known to reduce oxidative stress and counter insulin resistance.

Self-Care Tips:

Silymarin is an antioxidant compound taken from milk thistle seeds that has been shown to help regeneration of liver cells and protect the liver from toxic injury. This can be found in most health food stores. Studies show that silymarin may also help to protect against cancer, and prevent type 2 diabetes. Most advise taking anywhere between 20–300 milligrams daily.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2596047/#:~:text=Glutathione%20plays%20a%20key%20role,to%20regulate%20its%20own%20synthesis
https://www.liversupport.com/the-connection-between-brain-fog-and-liver-health/
https://www.journal-advocate.com/ci_32640631/why-detoxing-liver-is-important-thyroid-function
https://www.osteopathclinic.co.uk/blog/2020/1/23/why-detoxing-the-liver-is-important