Women should aim for no more than one drink per day, and men no more than two. Ferira comments further "To be clear, one for women and two for men is a max level, not a daily recommended need. Some people treat it like the latter. At the end of the day, alcohol is a toxin.

Higher cumulative exposures over time to compounds and chemicals found in processed foods, pesticide residues, paint, certain plastics e. BPA , heavy metals, aerosols e. benzene , thermal paper like shopping receipts, plus so much more, can place a burden on your liver and the rest of your body's intricate detoxification pathways and organs skin, gut, lungs, spleen, lymphatic system, kidneys.

Avoid these types of inputs whenever possible, and if you can't, it might be a good idea to consider detoxing daily as part of a proactive wellness lifestyle. Nurturing your gut health is key to promoting sufficient detox pathways in the liver and throughout the body.

Your gastrointestinal tract is not just a tube—it's an active barrier that helps your body digest and absorb nutrients into your bloodstream , while simultaneously protecting you from and removing unwanted compounds.

When your gut health isn't top notch, toxins have the potential to enter the blood and unnecessarily tax the liver. If you've been wondering how to detox or cleanse your liver without compromising your health, then read on.

Just keep in mind—these strategies aren't about detoxing or cleansing the liver itself per se; they're about supporting the liver so it can perform optimally, in all of its vital actions including detoxification!

Nope, you don't need a fancy cleanse. What you need is a balanced, plant-dense diet that promotes healthy body composition and contains diverse nutrients and phytonutrients that support liver and gut health. It's been shown in multiple clinical research trials that routines that help you achieve a healthy body weight and composition are linked to less accumulation of fat in the liver as indicated by liver health and liver function biomarkers 3.

In fact, higher levels of body fat and the subsequent negative impact on the liver is even seen in those who appear to be metabolically healthy 4.

A good first step: Ditch the processed foods and drink more water. Skip most prepackaged foods, excess caffeine, and alcohol, and focus on whole foods organic when possible —including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, sustainably raised meats, fish, eggs, and minimally processed oils, such as olive, avocado, or coconut oil.

Eating a clean, whole-food-centric diet means taking a break from most of the foods, additives, and pesticide residues that tax your system while adding in nutrient-dense foods that will nourish the body.

Consider ditching common sources of food sensitivities and allergens, including gluten for some. This can help support optimal gut health and barrier function, thereby reducing the number of toxins that enter your bloodstream which your liver is ultimately tasked with filtering and removing.

Hyman recommends 8 to 10 glasses of filtered water daily. Some experts believe warm water with or without lemon is even better because it helps promote good digestion and optimal functioning of the lymphatic system, both of which support liver health and the body's detoxification pathways.

Ferira takes a more global approach to healthful eating, simplifying things further: "If we focus more on just coloring our plates with diverse plants while embracing brilliant flavors and the joy of coming together over food, we'll be naturally consuming antioxidant powerhouses the boots-on-the-ground detox bioactives and less stressed about food—and all better for it.

Once you've got the basics down, you can start adding in targeted foods that promote healthy liver functioning—i. Almonds, sunflower seeds, peanuts, wheat germ, salmon, and avocado are all great sources of vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that research suggests can combat oxidative stress 5 and help bolster liver health.

Bile helps to transport toxins so they can be removed from the body, so healthy bile flow is essential for optimal liver health and toxin removal.

Artichoke contains phenolic derivatives that have been used for centuries to stimulate bile flow and help protect the liver. Deep-hued berries such as blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries aren't only loaded with fiber; they contain phytochemicals called anthocyanins, which have potent antioxidant properties that have been shown to scavenge free radicals and promote normal inflammatory processes.

These ruby-hued roots contain phytonutrient pigments called betalains, which help promote normal inflammatory responses 6 and support cellular repair in the liver thanks to their potent antioxidant properties.

They also contain betaine , which helps liver cells eliminate toxins, and pectin, a type of fiber that helps bind and clear toxins. Consider trying one of these 10 delicious beet recipes for a healthy liver. Cruciferous veggies —such as broccoli sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and watercress—contain sulfur-containing phytochemicals called glucosinolates, which help the body remove toxins and promote longevity.

One study found that a drink made with broccoli sprouts activated enzymes that help pick up pollutants from the bloodstream and flush them out via urine, while another tied broccoli intake to positive changes in gut-liver axis health 7. Lemons, tangerines, and oranges contain a phytonutrient compound called D-limonene.

In a preclinical rodent study 8 , D-limonene has been shown to buffer the physiological stress of a high-fat diet. Sipping on lemon water throughout the day is also a great way to stay hydrated, which promotes the movement of toxins out of the body. Dandelion is known for its cleansing properties, and one study found that both the root and leaf helped rid the body of reactive oxygen species 9.

Reap the benefits by sipping on dandelion root tea , which makes a great caffeine-free alternative to coffee. Dandelion greens along with other bitter greens , such as mustard greens and arugula are great too, because they help stimulate bile production and promote healthy digestion.

Sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, lacto-fermented pickles, kefir, yogurt, and other fermented foods are loaded with beneficial probiotic bacteria that promote healthy digestion and the integrity of the gut lining, thereby helping keep toxins out of the bloodstream.

According to functional medicine expert Frank Lipman, M. Glutathione is an antioxidant concentrated in the liver that helps bind and neutralize toxins and escort them out of the body via urine or bile.

Glutathione can be obtained directly from a few foods—including raw spinach, avocado, and asparagus—and it can also be produced by your body from the amino acids glutamine, glycine, and cysteine. Some foods containing the building blocks of glutathione include bone broth, whey protein, and sulfur-containing foods such as broccoli and garlic.

In addition to elevating antioxidant capacity in the body, the phytochemicals in green tea help trigger both phase one and phase two liver detoxification pathways in the body.

In phase one, toxins are converted into water-soluble compounds by enzymes; and in phase two, toxins are bound to protective chemicals that neutralize them and allow them to be eliminated via bile and eventually feces or urine.

Dark leafy greens such as dandelion greens, arugula, spinach, and kale contain plant chlorophylls, which help remove chemicals, pesticides, and heavy metals from the bloodstream.

Chlorophyll, according to preclinical science 10 , has toxin-binding properties, which can theoretically reduce the toxic burden on your liver. When feces remain in the bowel, toxins can be reabsorbed into your system. So, it's important to get plenty of fiber-rich foods that bind up toxins in the gut and help promote regularity.

Try legumes especially lentils , raspberries, root vegetables, apples, pears, avocados, and almonds. There are so many reasons to get more omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, and the health of your liver is one of them. A recent research review 11 found that omega-3 consumption was associated with healthy liver fat levels—specifically, lower liver-fat levels and higher HDL "good" cholesterol levels.

Good sources of these healthy fats include oily fish e. for EPA and DHA , and plant-based sources like walnuts and flaxseed for ALA. A nutrient-rich diet is key. But once you've mastered that, you might want to consider intermittent fasting for additional liver detox support.

Research suggests that during periods of fasting, cells in the liver produce more of a protein associated with improved sugar metabolism and reduced levels of liver fat called GADD45β. More research in this area is needed, but a number of experts promote intermittent fasting for a variety of reasons.

One of the cool self-cleaning tools utilized during fasting is something called autophagy , which literally translates to 'self-eating. Ferira likens autophagy to "spring cleaning, but every day, assuming you're giving your body the tools it needs to get after this all-important cellular clean up.

A good introduction to intermittent fasting is the hour fast, in which you confine all of your daily eating to an eight-hour window and fast for the remaining 16 hours. Try this for a week or two and see if you notice any changes in energy or mood. For more specific guidance, check out our guide to intermittent fasting meal plans and schedules.

We've already compiled our favorite liver supplements , but these are some specific nutrients to look for. When shopping for high-quality liver supplements, be wary of specific products that tout themselves as liver detoxes, liver cleanses, and liver flushes.

Many of these "cleanses" are harsh on the body and fail to comprehensively support liver function. That said, there are individual nutrient and plant bioactives that have scientific backing for their ability to support liver health by protecting liver cells, assisting in the filtering and removal of unwanted toxins, stimulating bile production, and more.

The following supplements are all generally safe, but you should still talk to a health care professional before taking one or more to ensure they don't interfere with your health regimen e. One of the most well-known herbal supplements for liver health is milk thistle silymarin is its MVP bioactive , which is an extract from the seeds of the flowering milk thistle plant.

It has antioxidant and inflammatory response balancing properties and has also been shown to boost glutathione levels 12 , known as the master antioxidant. Look for a milk thistle supplement that's standardized to contain a concentrated dose e.

We already mentioned some glutathione-boosting foods you can eat to support your liver, but did you know that targeted supplements with a bioavailable form of glutathione called Setria® can also promote daily glutathione status and ample body stores 13 of the "master antioxidant?

Glutathione is a critical regulator of oxidative stress, quenching free radicals wherever it goes—including the liver, where it assists in conjugating toxic compounds into neutral ones so they can be easily eliminated from the body.

Look for a glutathione supplement with or more milligrams of bioavailable glutathione like Setria® to bolster sufficient glutathione levels and promote whole-body antioxidant activity. Turmeric root and its bioactive curcuminoids have demonstrated hepatoprotective i.

The turmeric botanical also helps maintain inflammatory and oxidative balance thanks to antioxidant properties of turmeric and promote glutathione production. Other research 15 suggests turmeric helps stimulate the production of bile—the fluid produced by our livers that aids in the digestion of fats within the small intestine.

Of course, more research on turmeric and liver health needs to be done on humans before any official recommendations can be made, but things look promising. Look for a turmeric supplement that shares info on the curcuminoids percent and part of the plant i.

N-acetyl-L-cysteine aka NAC is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to promote oxidative balance 16 in the liver and support the essential functions of our detox organs.

For optimal oxidative balance and glutathione production, look for a high-quality NAC supplement that includes a useful dose, for example milligrams or more of the potent antioxidant.

If you haven't noticed by now, antioxidant activity is wildly important when it comes to promoting liver health and supporting the body's detoxification efforts day in and day out. And if antioxidant-oxidant balance is the goal which, it always is , then potent antioxidant vitamin C simply has to be a part of the conversation.

By quenching free radicals and promoting the regeneration of other key antioxidants—such as vitamin E and glutathione 18 —vitamin C bolsters antioxidant activity and helps regulate oxidative balance 19 throughout the body. To fight oxidative stress in the liver, look for a vitamin C supplement with efficacious, bioavailable doses of the essential vitamin i.

Algae, specifically chlorella , is a powerful chelator, which means it can bind to and help remove heavy metals and other toxins that might otherwise tax your liver. As a unique sea vegetable, chlorella also contains several nutrients 20 and phytonutrients with antioxidant actions—including vitamin C, chlorophyll, beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene—so you might consider adding a scoop of chlorella powder to your morning smoothie for a detoxifying boost.

Like chlorella, activated charcoal can help bind to and remove toxins that are circulating in your system. However, it can also bind to minerals and vitamins, so you should take it between meals and away from other supplements. Furthermore, robust studies have not been done to determine activated charcoal's long-term safety, so consider it a short-term, targeted strategy and partner with your healthcare practitioner on the best approach.

If you take other supplements in the morning, consider taking one activated charcoal tablet between lunch and dinner. This important antioxidant mineral is vital to the body's natural detoxification pathways for its free-radical-quenching abilities.

Additionally, selenium has synergistic relationships with cysteine, glutathione, and other substances with active sulfur groups that help provide a wide range of protective actions and maintain oxidative balance for whole-body health.

Adults should get at least 55 micrograms of selenium a day through diet and supplementation, but can safely take a more concentrated amount, up to micrograms, to support the body's detox efforts.

Sweating helps take some of the detoxification burden off of your liver. According to Wendie Trubow, M. Ridding the body of the toxins is done through three major pathways. Ferira explains, "While urine via the kidneys and poop via the gut might immediately come to mind as excretion pathways, the less obvious but no less important route of toxin removal is via sweating the skin.

Not only a critical barrier, "the skin is our major detoxification organ, and sweating is the best way to get the toxins out of our body," Trubow says. Additionally, exercise boosts your body's glutathione production, which aids in detoxification.

If you don't exercise already, then embrace whatever movement brings you joy and works with your schedule. Start with something like walking and build up to 30 minutes of aerobic activity per day.

Strength training can also be helpful. In addition to a variety of movement activities, sweating can be promoted via far infrared saunas , steam, or Epsom salt baths. Too much stress in your life can negatively affect all facets of your well-being including your liver and contribute to internal oxidative stress Most importantly, if you plan to drink alcohol while on medication ask your doctor or pharmacist to make sure it is safe to drink while on your medication.

Be wary of needles: Blood carries certain types of hepatitis viruses, so never share needles to inject drugs or medications. Handle chemicals safely: Chemicals and toxins can enter your body via your skin. To protect yourself, wear a mask, gloves, and long-sleeved pants or shirts when handling chemicals, insecticides, fungicides, or paint.

Maintain a healthy weight: Non-alcoholic-related liver disease is associated with metabolic issues, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. You can reduce your risk for each by making healthy lifestyle choices.

There is currently no evidence to prove that liver cleanses can treat existing damage to the liver. Damaging your skin or other organs in your body can result in scars. Like most organs in your body, your liver repairs damaged tissue by regenerating new cells.

But regeneration does take time. If you continue to injure your liver via drugs, excessive alcohol intake, or poor diet, this can prevent regeneration, which may eventually lead to scarring of the liver.

Scarring is irreversible. Learn more: Cirrhosis and hepatitis C ». Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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Liver Cleanse: Separating Fact from Fiction. Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C — By Jedha Dening — Updated on June 6, Are liver cleanses necessary? Do they aid in weight loss? Do they protect against liver disease? Can they correct liver damage?

Myth 1: Liver cleanses are necessary. Myth 2: Liver cleanses aid in weight loss. Myth 3: Liver cleanses protect against liver disease.

Myth 4: Liver cleanses can correct any existing liver damage. The bottom line. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Jun 6, Written By Jedha Dening. Medically Reviewed By Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C.

Aug 23, Written By Jedha Dening. Share this article. related stories Do Liver Cleanse and Detox Drinks Work?