With the help of a liver detox diet, you can flush out the toxins from your body. Read the HolisticZine article to find out how you can follow this diet with care.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.
A liver detox diet, or liver cleansing diet, helps in removing toxins and poisons from our bodies. To tell you the truth, I do agree to the fact that we should choose a more healthier lifestyle; eating fresh and natural foods as compared to the processed, fried, and refined foods. But it can’t be as simple as that, now can it? Obviously, there’s more than meets the eye, and many times, people get fooled into accepting certain commercial detox programs which may not be as beneficial as they thought. So how does this diet compare itself in front of the others? How does this diet actually work? Are there any side effects? Find the answers in the following sections.
What is Liver Detoxification?
We know that cleansing our liver aids in improving our health. The toxins which are in our body need to removed. So this diet can remove the toxins from our bloodstream. Apart from the liver, even our kidneys and the lower gastrointestinal tract are capable of doing so. What the liver does is denies toxins that try to enter our bloodstream, organs, and tissues. This way, the liver in return is helping the body keep itself clean. But as there are so many toxins and chemicals around us, the liver gets exposed to it over a period of time that its fighting abilities wears down. Which is why, if you combine this diet along with the natural detoxification, then your body can reap its benefits and provide you with good health.
Where to Begin?
Before starting the diet, first you need to stop consuming junk and fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, and meat. This should be constant for at least a week. After this time period, you can begin the program. The menu would consist of green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, wheat bread, very little sugar consumption, and lots of water. You can substitute coffee for rosemary tea, and have artichoke and dandelion supplements.
Monday to Wednesday
For the first 3 days, you will have to drink at least 10 to 12 glasses of water (8 oz. each). You can add lime juice to the water as well. Keep away from milk and any other dairy products. Now ideally you’re not supposed to eat anything, but if you must, have salads. You can also include green vegetable juice. It may be so that these 3 days may make you feel exhausted. This is common as the toxins and chemicals are being removed from your system. You can choose to walk or do some light exercises.
Thursday to Saturday
For the next 3 days, you can have freshly-squeezed fruit juices and vegetable juices; choose celery, cucumber, carrots, apples, oranges, etc., to make the juices. You need to drink the same quantity of water as you did for the first 3 days, and include rosemary tea 2 to 3 times during the day. Eat boiled vegetables, and save the broth so you can drink it throughout the day.
Sunday
On the final day, you can eat steamed or fresh vegetables and fruits. The quantity of water and rosemary tea remains the same. You also have to take dandelion supplement to keep yourself energized. And that is the end of the detoxification.
After the 7th day is over, don’t jump back to your old eating habits. Your body is not used to it for a while now, and might require time to adjust. Plus, you don’t want to get sick. So take as much time as you can to get back to your normal diet, and limit your alcohol and caffeine intake.
The Side Effects
Of course, since you are restricting your body from consuming what you normally do, there will be certain side effects. Since the diet helps in the functioning of the liver, it can bring a few side effects such as heaviness in head, feeling nauseated, slight dizziness in head, prolonged fatigue, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. However, the benefits (restored energy, healing of the body, reopening bile ducts, and weight loss) are stronger than the side effects. But professional consultation is required for each individual. These side effects can vary from person to person, depending on their current health and lifestyle choices.
