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How Do You Cleanse Your Liver?

Do you believe in being proactive about your own good health and wellness, and are interested in knowing how to cleanse your liver?

Your liver is a vital organ with many important functions, not least of which is detoxifying and filtering harmful things that are introduced into your body on a daily basis.

With so many different toxins around, even in the food we eat and the water we drink, your poor liver is besieged and has to work extra hard in an effort to do its job properly so that you stay in radiant good health.

Help Your Liver With a Cleanse

You can help your liver with a cleanse, or detox, that will aid in eliminating the accumulated overload of toxins it simply couldn’t process on its own.

There are a variety of liver detox cleanses. If you decide to go this route, you might appreciate learning about each one so as to get an idea of which type might be best for you.

Liver Cleanse Methods

There are several tried and true, time tested methods of a detoxifying liver cleanse. Let’s take a look at the most used and recommended:

  • Coffee Enema: This method used as a liver cleanse is reported to be very effective in detoxifying. Although it sounds as though it would be of more benefit to your colon, this enema actually works in the liver. It is exactly what it sounds like – an enema of coffee. The caffeine in the coffee stimulates an enzyme that facilitates liver detoxification.
  • Herbs: You can take herbs that are strong antioxidants such as milk thistle, used for centuries as a liver cleanse. Sam-E is another favored supplement for liver health.
  • Vitamins: The B vitamins are all well known liver cleansing agents, along with Vitamin C, selenium and Vitamin E. You simply take these in oral supplement form.
  • Liver Flush: You usually start this procedure with 2-3 days of drinking apple juice, which has malic acid that dissolves and softens gallstones in the liver and gallbladder, making for a better liver flush. It uses epsom salts, Coca Cola, olive oil and other readily available ingredients.
  • Flaxseed Cleanse: You begin with a glass of fresh juice in the morning, to which two tablespoons of ground flaxseeds has been added. Sprinkle flaxseed or flaxseed oil onto your snacks and meals for the day, ending with a glass of juice and two tablespoons of flaxseeds at bedtime.
  • Castor Oil Cleanse: You make a poultice with castor oil and apply it to your upper right abdomen, then cover it with plastic wrap and leave in place for about an hour. Repeat several times throughout the week.

You may try any of these methods of a liver cleanse without fear of toxic drugs or harm to your health. Many people with Fatty Liver Disease have used these detoxification techniques, as well as people who simply want to give their hard working liver a helping hand.

  • louis hawkins says:

    I was diagnosed wish NASH fatty liver,any natural remedies you guys can share with me?

  • Cherie G says:

    The castor oil pack should not be wrapped in plastic as this will prevent the oil from permeating the skin. Not to mention the toxins in plastic are numerous. You should apply enough castor oil to cover your middle right abdomen (not the cheap kind from the grocery store, get it online or at a vitamin shop) to a portion of thick dense fabric such as flannel or wool, part of a blanket or old shirt. Then place a hot water bottle over it and keep in place for 20-30 minutes twice a day for 2 days or until you no longer experience fatigue or urgency to use bathroom. Just went through liver toxicity and near kidney failure during 3rd month of parasite removal. I now am better than ever!

  • Fairy says:

    Hi , I m 37 year old . I have fatty liver since last December .at that time my alt was 111 ..
    After 2 months my Alt was 54 now again it’s on 114 . What should I do ? Can u help me

    • Greg says:

      What did your doctor tell you when this most recent result came back?

    • Linda says:

      I’m in the same boat 😩 Same level to. What did you do to get it down to 54?

    • farida says:

      same with my mum. am just scared because she has had hbp and diabetes for years. now its fatty liver disease. how can she get it down please because its also really high. doctors just keep telling her to go for test I really want her to go functional with this. recommendations pls

  • Cynthia says:

    Are there any side effects to the cleanse. I am in the early stages of dealing with fatty liver and am waiting on some tests and results to see the scope of the disease. I thought I would try the flax seed cleanse as it seems to be the simplest to do right now while I wait on the milk thistle and Sam-e supplements.

    • Greg says:

      It depends upon the actual cleanse. Will it be a full fast except for the flax? How much flax? Flax can have an over-laxative effect so tread carefully. It’s a very healthy food but usually in small amounts. Are you fasting under your doctor’s observation?

  • Madeline Robertson says:

    what beverages can i drink for fatty liver

    • Greg says:

      Hi, Madeline. We always recommend water as first choice, but per your own body’s requirements and any dietary restrictions, clear teas (careful of herbals; some have varying effects which may or may not be good for your liver’s current state) or no-sugar-added juices can be fine. Do restrict the juices (IMO) as they’re densely caloric and not everyone can handle the total amount of fructose. Good luck!

  • Mart says:

    How about napolinasa can that help for liver cleanser, it says it has flax seed n fiber ?

    • Greg says:

      I have not personally used this brand. Flax seed can be very healthy, but go slowly. It is pretty much straight fiber and can have negative effects if too much is ingested at once or if you go from none at all, to flax at every meal. 😉 Start with a tablespoon on your yogurt.

  • Dana Baker says:

    What about apple cider vinegar and diatomaceous earth are those good for your liver or liver cleansing?

    • Greg says:

      Apple cider vinegar is a wonderful detoxer in general. I don’t have much experience with diatomaceous earth though I’ve heard of it being used in cleanses.

  • steve says:

    Where in Nigeria can I buy flaxseed?

  • Paul Wiltshire says:

    Hi greg where can I get flax seedsthanks paul.

    • Greg says:

      You don’t say where you live, but if you’re in the U.S., Trader Joe’s and health food stores often carry flax seed. I’ve even seen it pop up here and there in regular grocery stores. If you can’t find it locally, try Amazon.

  • Rogelio lee says:

    Is carrot apple juice a good combination for fatty liver?

    • Greg says:

      Absolutely, if you make it yourself or if you can obtain an organic, no-added-sugar brand. Apples and carrots are two foods commonly used for liver cleansing and both are minimally or non-sensitizing/reactive to a majority of the population. They are also generally easily utilized by the body, minimizing stress on the liver.

  • Tina says:

    I ended up going to the hospital because I ate something (gluten) that I shouldn’t have, they took my blood and told me I needed to follow up with my doctor because I have fatty liver. I am struggling to eat right and the amount I should be eating and exercising because I work night shift. I know what to eat and what to do for exercise but since working nights I struggle. I can’t seem to find a good balance because I do spend a lot more time sleeping. I don’t drink alcohol often, usually one drink and I am a very happy girl…lol…but I don’t drink often. I guess I won’t be any more. Is there anyone else who works the night shift who can understand and maybe have advice on how to improve, I know I need to stop sleeping soooo much but it keeps me out of trouble. I am only 36 and want to be healthy. Any tips advice etc would be super awesome. thanks. tina

  • Muralikrishnan says:

    Hi Greg,

    Flax seeds in Europe is the same canola in Canada & Mustard in India i think. Because, In dubai we will get Canola oil instead of flax seeds oil.

    Regards
    Muralikrishnan

    • Carol says:

      Hello Muralikrishnan

      Flaxseed is also known as Linseed (linen fabric is made from this plant also). Its botanical name is Linum usitatissimum

      Canola is also known as rapeseed and is from a different plant family – Brassica napus

      Regards,
      Carol

      • Carol says:

        Mustard is also from the Brassica family
        Brassica nigra (black mustard seed)
        Brassica alba (white mustard)
        Brassica hirta (yellow mustard)

    • Rajbir Singh Shienh says:

      No mustard seeds are not same as flaxseed. In Punjab, India we call it ‘alsi’ while mustard seeds as ‘saron’. Both are different.

  • Robert Clark says:

    I have had three different friends over the years that were diagnosed with Liver Cancer and they each sent it into remission with ground Flax seed. The first friend insisted that they did not have chemo nor radiation and attributed their recovery solely to Flax. I was skeptical but have since had two other friends from Colombia who insisted that Flax stopped Liver Cancer in it’s tracks. I have never read of any clinical studies to verify their claims but they are living proof that Liver Cancer is survivable without the typical treatments. An argument can be made that Flax and the typical routine treatment combined could possibly increase the odds of survival. One thing I gathered was that it had to be GROUND in order to be effective. As cheap as it is and it has no side effects, why is it not part of every cancer treatment protocol? Simply put, “It can’t hurt”. Let’s not split hairs arguing. Flax may actually save a life. It could be yours. It could be someone you love.

    • Greg says:

      Thanks, Robert. I indeed sprinkle flaxseed on my salads, though not ground. I’ll start trying that. It could be that it helps better release antioxidant plant lignans?

      • Vicki says:

        I have freshly ground flaxseeds on my breakfast every morning, but I do remember reading (several times) that flax seeds are too hard for the stomach acids to break down and the seeds must be ground first.

        This implies that all these wonder breads with flaxseeds are no better than without seeds.

        I keep mine in the fridge as apparently ground seeds (or oil) goes rancid fairly quickly. I also buy relatively small packets from my health food supplier which has a high turnover (so I like to think that they are probably fresher?).

  • surinder says:

    flaxseeds are the best source of omega3 fatty acid for vegetarian. minimum two spoonful should be taken daily

  • Mary-Jean says:

    Where I buy Flaxseed? I have bad sore my back also liver fatty I almost drink lot of full cream milk and Orange Juice also i love my breekie Sultana Bran every morning then i am not interest lunch or dinner what will do help with myself

  • kathleen says:

    I bought flax seed oil and use 2 tbsps. in smoothie non fat greek yogurt apple slices cinnamon fresh baby spinach will this help cleanse my liver

    • Greg says:

      Wow, that sounds delicious! I make similar smoothies at breakfast. The key is to eat healthy all the time, so whole grains and lean meats at lunch, vegetables with fish or skinless chicken at dinner. You can still make eating fun, but avoid anything fried or greasy, which makes the liver work harder.

  • Ewa says:

    How long is the flaxseed cleanse recommended for ideally? 1 week? More?

    • Greg says:

      It’s actually ongoing, for me … not the cleanse, but just incorporating flax seed in my diet. I did the cleanse for 3 days, and nowadays I have morning juice with flax seed about three to five times a week. I also always sprinkle it in my salads, and even as a topping for pizza! (Side note: when I say pizza, I don’t mean Dominoes or anything unhealthy, but homemade with healthy toppings … maybe I’ll write an article on a “fatty liver diet pizza!”)

      Anyway, flax is a great way to get your omega 3 fats (which most of us don’t get enough of, as it’s mainly found in seafood), and it’s the best source of ligans, a powerful antioxidant.

      • Emily says:

        i would love a fatty liver diet pizza recipe, is it also gluten free??

        • Greg says:

          Great question! The problem with pizza is mainly the toppings – pepperoni and salami are so full of additives, sodium and sugar that it puts great stress on your liver. Mix that with the grease of the cheese, and you have a truly unhealthy meal. Pizza can certainly be healthy if you control the ingredients. So, look for a low-sodium pizza sauce (or make your own), veggie toppings and fresh cooked meat like chicken or turkey breast cubes.

          For the crust, do you need gluten free because you have a gluten intolerance? Gluten free absolutely DOES NOT mean healthier. In fact, it could be worse for you, because companies often substitute gluten with sugar and salt to make it taste better. If you are looking for a healthier crust, make your own with whole wheat and olive oil. If you need gluten free, you can make a delicious crust out of cauliflower. Try this recipe – http://allrecipes.com/recipe/cauliflower-pizza-crust/

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