Can a detox help your liver?
Reviewed by Dr. James Nachiondo
Sure, we get it. In fact, most of us have been there — a day spent bingeing on unhealthy foods or a night of too much alcohol.
You’re looking for a quick fix or an easy solution to feel better.
But, a detox isn’t the miracle cure-all. It won’t help cleanse or flush your system, and it definitely won’t help your liver do its job.
The liver is the body’s second largest organ. Often called the digestive system’s workhorse, it helps remove waste products and process various nutrients and medicines.
In recent years, liver cleanses have flooded Facebook and Instagram purporting to be the answer for the ills plaguing your body’s natural filtration system.
However, we don’t recommend them.
Most, if not all, haven’t been tested properly and aren’t regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This means there’s absolutely no proof they work. Researchers also recently found unapproved and sometimes dangerous drugs in more than 700 diet, weight loss and sexual enhancement supplements, meaning some of the supplements you’re taking to cleanse your system are doing more harm than good.
On occasion, people do report feeling better while completing a liver cleanse. Most likely, that’s due to the fact that detox diets don’t let you consume highly processed foods containing solid fats and added sugars.
Liver detoxification has typically been associated with a variety of negative symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, anxiety and diarrhea. Dehydration can also become a problem.
Instead, we suggest diet and lifestyle changes to improve your overall health and aid in liver function.
Follow these tips to keep your liver healthy:
- Limit your daily alcohol intake. The recommended amount if one standard drink per day for women, and two for men. If possible, eliminate alcohol entirely. A recent study by The Global Burden of Diseases stated no amount of alcohol is safe for consumption.
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis B, and avoid risky behaviors associated with hepatitis C, such as sharing needles and unprotected sex.
If you are still considering a detox, consult your physician first. It’s important to understand possible side effects. Some people do use detoxes to transition to a new healthy lifestyle, while others say it makes it easier to ditch a certain type of food. Keep in mind fad diets aren’t a long-term solution.
If you’re worried about your liver health, consider making an appointment with Dr. Nachiondo or one of our other physicians located at three convenient offices in Reno and Carson City.
James Nachiondo, MD, is a Northern Nevada native. He attended Santa Clara University for his undergraduate studies, but returned to his home state to attend medical school. After completing post-medical school training, Dr. Nachiondo relocated to Reno for the lifestyle the community offers. When not caring for patients, he enjoys skiing, road cycling, traveling and spending quality time with his family.