6 Tips for Detoxing Your Liver the Right Way

Why would I need a detox program?

Your body already has perfectly capable systems in place to remove daily waste. In a healthy person, the liver, digestive system, lymphatic system, kidneys, skin, and lungs all work together to constantly manage the ebb and flow of acids/bases, toxins, metals, pollutants, alcohol/caffeine, medications, and more that we encounter daily.

However, constant exposure to our food/water, environment, and medications, or certain medical reasons, can cause one or more of these systems to become overtaxed or to malfunction. When this does occur, these systems might not be able to recycle or flush these substances out of your body. Over time, toxins can build to an unhealthy level, in which case you might benefit from some outside support.

The goal of a detox

The goal of a detox should be to support those systems in your body to do their job. For example, many actions can be taken that support the liver. Your liver is arguably the second hardest working organ in the body after your heart. It has direct or indirect contact with every nutrient you consume or produce.

Your liver might already be giving you signs it can use a detox

Abdominal bloating, unexplained weight gain, the inability to lose weight with diet and exercise, changes in skin complexion, acid reflux/heartburn, trouble digesting fatty foods, and overheating of the body with excessive perspiration can all be signs that your liver is crying for help. An abnormal lipid panel or skin discolourations are also signs.

Other habits like drinking alcohol, lack of exercise, chronic dehydration, medications, and more will also tax your body’s natural detox systems and alter organ function.

Follow these six steps to start your cleansing detox:

1. Test yourself – Visit your healthcare practitioner to screen your organ health with a blood panel that tests your liver and kidney enzymes, proteins and waste byproducts. These will help you understand if your hydration, medications, diet, lifestyle, and alcohol intake are impacting your important detox systems. Based on these results, you might need to adopt some lifestyle upgrades.

2. Support your body systems – Consider adding a supplement to your diet that supports the function of the organs and tissues involved in your natural detoxification processes: 

• Herbal combinations that include chicory, burdock, globe artichoke, silymarin, curcumin and berberine to name a few, enhance bile production and bile flow, which optimizes the metabolism and excretion of substances detoxified by the liver. These herbs also contain antioxidant properties and can be used for general liver support or as part of a detoxification program
• N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a potent amino acid that increases glutathione levels, which promotes liver detoxification. In addition to liver support, NAC also has kidney-protective and respiratory benefits

3. Consider a clean-up diet

Avoid all the “fad” detox diets. Instead, look for locally sourced ingredients and farm-raised meats. Cut out foods that are high in sugar, are processed, contain preservatives, or might be loaded with pesticides. Avoid foods you know you are sensitive or intolerant to as they can put added stress on your body. If you prefer a comprehensive supplement and dietary approach, consider a detox program or protocol. Search Thorne’s resources in the Practitioner Hub to download guideline’s on these today. 

4. Flush your system

Add exercise, which will liberate your body’s fat stores – where harmful toxins can be stored. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of filtered water. If you have access to a sauna, that is a great way to eliminate toxins through your skin.

5. Identify environmental exposures

Start by reading labels on products that come into contact with your skin, hair, and nails. Always wear gloves when using cleaning products or working with household chemicals and wash your hands frequently.

6. Be a nose breather

Airborne pollutants are everywhere: pumping gasoline, venting into your car when stopped at a red light, and in the recirculated air in buildings and planes. Hold your breath in the presence of short exposures and consciously try breathing in and out of your nose when you can to filter air before it enters the body.