Last updated on March 29th, 2023 at 07:02 pm
Detoxification is how the body continually cleanses to heal and repair itself. In fact, your body detoxes naturally and continuously. Furthermore, our bodies are detox machines, and we only need to give the tools (such as open drainage pathways) to encourage and support natural liver detox or a natural liver cleanse. However, there are specific reasons why detox is necessary and why in today’s modern world, diet alone will not suffice. Often, our bodies are overwhelmed with toxins, and our ability to detoxify can become compromised. Intentional detox takes time, dedication, and consistency. Still, it is a process our bodies naturally do – all we need to do is support it.
There are specific gentle and nourishing ways to support natural liver detox, so let’s dive in.
The liver is one of the main detox organs and is responsible for over five hundred functions. It is also the site that transforms, filters and neutralizes toxins from the blood to eliminate them and convert glucose into energy. For example, synthetic hormones, excess hormones, heavy metals, processed or artificial sugar, processed food, environmental toxins, etc.
One way to optimize natural liver cleansing is to support the gallbladder. When the liver detects a toxin, it creates bile, puts it in the bile, and then sends it to the gallbladder. Therefore, eating fats (healthy fats are your friend) signals the gallbladder to release bile into the intestinal tract to get rid of via the bowels.
This is why eating healthy fats like; grass-fed butter, ghee, duck fat, coconut oil, etc., is essential. Ultimately, it enables and supports the liver in creating bile. Then the gallbladder sends the signal to release the bile into the intestines. To point out, gallstones are a result of a low-fat diet, so include fats in your meals daily.
It is important to remember that detox can only happen in the parasympathetic state.
This is the state in which the body can rest, digest, heal, repair, and restore itself. So, it is crucial to be intentional and make sure that you get enough sleep every night, set boundaries on work hours, how often you are on electronics, exercise daily, and find ways to reduce other stressors in your life like toxic relationships, toxic skincare, and, cleaning products.
Signs of liver congestion
- bloodshot eyes
- PMS symptoms
- grey circle around or under the eyes
- menopause symptoms
- liver disease
- blood sugar imbalance
- under conversion of T4 to T3
- waking up with night sweats
- itchy skin, hives, or rashes
- hormone imbalances
- sensitive to chemicals and fragrances
- dark spots on the cheeks and or around the eyes
- nausea
- estrogen dominance
Always remember that natural liver detox is a process. It is always best to make slow, steady changes in daily habits to enable your liver to build resilience and function optimally over time.
10 Steps to nourish your liver through a natural liver detox
1. Find ways to reduce your stress and slow down.
Detox is a parasympathetic process, so if you are constantly on the go, it causes stress on the body, making it hard for the liver and other detox organs to function correctly. I know it is hard to take a sort of “inventory” of how you spend your time and then take steps to remove the things or even activities that have become burnout sessions. It is entirely acceptable to eliminate things or events that don’t align with where you want to go. Remove events, activities, relationships, food, or anything that doesn’t nourish your body, mind, and soul.
2. Detox is nutrient-dependent, so eat a nutrient-dense whole-food diet rich in foods that support the liver and gallbladder.
Such as garlic, onions, beet, dandelion root, cilantro, mushrooms, artichoke, raw and cultured dairy, pastured raised meats and organs, raw honey, maple syrup, berries, cooked apples, watermelon, citrus, etc.
3. Learning this one took me a while, which is still a work in progress. Let go of anger, resentment, and bitterness, and practice forgiveness daily. Nothing overburdens the liver like pending and looming anger. Make plans to talk to a friend who can give you sound advice or even a therapist – someone you can trust and who is willing to help you walk through the entire process. Not releasing emotions is one of the missing pieces of many health puzzles.
4. Change your mindset and approach this process from a place of what you can add to your life instead of restriction, guilt, and shame.
This approach will set you up for lifelong success in creating daily habits and practices supporting health and daily natural liver detox.
5. Eat plenty of healthy fats from animal sources every day.
Healthy fats provide your body with vital nutrients that support the liver. My favorite sources include butter, ghee, raw dairy, duck fat, and pastured eggs.
6. Use a castor oil pack over the liver 3-4 times a week.
Castor oil packs are an effective yet gentle way to decongest the liver and support the lymphatic system. It is also a nice way to force you to take a break to rest, read a book, or nap if that is what you need.
7. Drink about 4 ounces of beet kvass first thing every morning.
This fermented beverage is an excellent little tonic that supports natural liver detox. It is a great addition for all medicinal kitchens to support vibrant liver health.
8. Move your body daily.
Go for long leisurely walks, do other gentle exercises like stretching, or invest in a rebound or a vibrating plate. These gentle exercises will help lower cortisol and stress levels and reduce the burden on the liver. I like combining and spreading them throughout my week, depending on my daily schedule.
9. Use coffee enemas 1-2 times a week.
The caffeine and antioxidants in enema coffee are potent and effective in supporting detoxification. Once the coffee enters the colon, it travels via a particular pathway to stimulate glutathione production via the liver, which promotes deep detoxification and healing.
10. Try to eat organ meats 1-2 times a week.
If the taste or the idea of this is too much, then taking liver capsules is a good option. I like Perfect Supplements, beef liver capsules, or powder.
Supporting the liver through a natural cleanse is just building consistent healthy habits that are a natural extension of your daily life. It doesn’t have to be overly complicated, depleting, or stressful.
You can also incorporate or use liver and gallbladder supportive supplements like Perfect Supplements Perfect Liver Detox Support or Cellcore Biosciences Advanced Tudca, KL Support, or the occasional liver/gallbladder flush with the Liver Support Kit.
More liver/gallbladder support:
– Simple gallbladder cleanse juice
Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is for educational purposes only.
*****
Use code “NURTUREMEWILD” at checkout to save 10% off all your orders at Perfect Supplements!
*****
Use code “NURTUREMEWILD” at checkout to save 15% off your first order at Beekeepers Naturals!
*****
For access to Cellcore Biosciences, please email me. I’ll gladly give you access and activate a 15% off for all your future orders.
+ view comments