I know what you’re thinking: “there’s so many detox cleanses out there!”
And you’re right. The amount of detox regimens out there and their purported health outcomes are many. Whether you’ve heard of a “juice cleanse,” “detox drinks,” or even a “master cleanse,” how can you know which detox is right for you?
A good place to begin your detox journey is with the understanding that your body already naturally detoxes every single day. The superstar organ responsible for much of this detox process is our liver. Day-in-and day-out, our liver is constantly working. And with so many important functions to do, it needs all the support and energy it can get.
That’s why incorporating a liver detox can boost your liver and body’s ability to cleanse naturally. Rather than committing to a detox for a short-period of drastic change, a liver detox entails making small, everyday changes to your nutrition and lifestyle.
How does the liver naturally detox our bodies?
Consider the name of this vital organ: Liver. The name implies its literal function in our bodies to keep us alive. Without the liver, our bodies would shut down, lacking the necessary energy and cleanliness our bodies need to thrive.
Among its most important functions include:
- filtering our blood
- processing macronutrients (fats, carbohydrates) and vitamins
- storing surplus energy sources for future use
- cleaning our blood of toxins or other impurities
- producing proteins and nutrients to keep us healthy
How can a liver detox support my overall health?
Cells in your liver contain thousands of mitochondria that produce energy to fuel your body through a chemical process that combines oxygen and nutrients from the food you eat. And, just like any chemical process, it produces a byproduct called free radicals. As we age, our body’s ability to self-regulate free radicals through the production of antioxidants decreases.
This build up of free radicals can cause our livers to become overwhelmed, greatly reducing their capabilities to detox our bodies. But it’s not just age that can cause a decrease in our liver function, other factors also include:
- Stress
- Exercise levels
- Exposure to pollution or chemicals
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Eating highly processed foods
Now that we have an understanding of our liver, and its role in our body’s natural detox, here are five ways a liver detox can strengthen its overall function.
Drink Daily Juices
Adding fruits to your overall diet can be a great way of adding essential vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants, which can significantly impact the function of your liver. Drinking daily juices that contain citrus fruits, turmeric root, and beetroot are a good way to add Vitamin C to your diet. Vitamin C helps increase oxygen in your blood, helping break down toxins and stimulating their rapid expulsion from your body.
Add Vegetables to Every Meal
It’s an age-old adage that vegetables are a great source of natural nutrients, but only an astounding 10% of Americans are reportedly eating the daily recommended amount. It’s recommended that adults consume 2½ cups of vegetables a day. This means most adults are missing out on key vitamins and nutrients – like folate, glutathione, and vitamins A, C, and K – that aid in liver detox. Broccoli, arugula, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables are all great options.
Keep Track of Your Exercise
Making a habit of daily exercise is key to liver and overall health. Sounds simple enough, rightt? Total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) refers to the amount of time and calories we burn through physical activity everyday. Most people, however, underestimate their level of daily activity, which can have adverse effects on your health. Sticking to a daily schedule of a physical activity of your choice and timing can help ensure that you meet your daily metrics.
Get Enough Rest
Research shows that adults should be getting seven hours of rest every night. Easier said than done. Despite the desire to sleep-in on weekends, science also shows that you can’t bank your sleeping hours. So prioritize your night’s rest whenever you can. Getting in enough Zs throughout the night is essential for the overall functioning of your body and essential organs, which includes your liver.
Meditate
We live in hectic times with constant information, news, and updates at your fingertips. It’s easy to see why many adults experience high amounts of stress, not only straining your energy, but also your liver function. That’s why meditating for at least ten minutes a day can be a helpful way to settle your thoughts and relax your body. With so many meditation apps available nowadays, starting a daily or weekly meditation routine couldn’t be easier.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Five ways you can incorporate a liver detox in your life by making easy nutritional and lifestyle changes. If there’s one thing the above recommendations make clear, it’s that setting a daily routine is essential for your overall, long-term health. And if you still feel like you don’t have enough time during the day, there are great supplements out there, such as MitoQ, specifically targeted to improve your liver health.