Liver cleanse drinks are touted to improve liver health, remove waste and toxins, and boost your energy. This article explores whether they work. Type 2 diabetes raises the risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and other liver conditions. Take a moment to learn more about the link….

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How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. 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? A Scientific Deep Dive. Diabetes and Liver Health: Tips to Reduce the Risk of Liver Disease. Hepatic Encephalopathy. How Prednisone Affects Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease NAFLD. Read this next. Do Liver Cleanse and Detox Drinks Work?

Medically reviewed by Marina Basina, M. Medically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, M. How Prednisone Affects Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease NAFLD Prednisone can increase your risk of NAFLD.

Learn… READ MORE. Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase GGT Test. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. What Does Jaundice Look Like in Black People?

Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. What Is a Bile Duct Cyst? READ MORE. 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 To optimize your mental and physical well-being, it's in your best interest to address unchecked stress and adopt healthy habits that promote calm in your life.

Something as simple as an aromatherapy bath once or twice a week can do the trick. Try this detox bath recipe featuring ginger, Epsom salts, baking soda, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil—it will soothe your senses, relieve achy joints, and help you sweat out some toxins.

No time for a soak session? Dry brushing and hot towel scrubbing are two more soothing and detoxifying bathroom rituals that promote calm, as well as lymphatic circulation, which helps flush toxins from the body.

Targeted nutritional approaches can help promote calm too. Quite simply, anything that brings you joy is a form of self-care. Whether that's yoga, deep breathing, walking your dog, watching a show on Netflix, or even getting rid of a bunch of old junk in your closet think Marie Kondo's KonMari method , it's crucial that you make the time.

RELATED: 5 Daily Detoxifying Rituals To Add To Your Self-Care Routine. Ultimately, a liver cleanse or detox is a lifestyle change. There's no magic bullet when it comes to a liver cleanse or detox—and anything marketed as such ahem , a liver flush is rightfully questioned.

However, there are a number of small, research-backed actions you can take to reduce your liver's workload and promote overall health. Incorporate some of the suggestions above preferably under the guidance of your health care provider , and over time, your body and liver will thank you.

Skip to Content. Shop Health Coaching Classes Editor's Picks Beauty Food Healthy Weight Login Login. Login Login. This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features. Close Banner. Integrative Health expert reviewed. Author: Stephanie Eckelkamp.

Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph. By Stephanie Eckelkamp. Stephanie Eckelkamp is a writer and editor who has been working for leading health publications for the past 10 years. She received her B. in journalism from Syracuse University with a minor in nutrition.

mbg Vice President of Scientific Affairs. She received her bachelor's degree in Biological Basis of Behavior from the University of Pennsylvania and Ph.

in Foods and Nutrition from the University of Georgia. What is a liver cleanse? We carefully vet all products and services featured on mindbodygreen using our commerce guidelines.

Our selections are never influenced by the commissions earned from our links. Are liver "cleanses" necessary? Summary While a healthy liver naturally cleanses itself, dietary stressors and environmental toxins can get in the way of optimal liver function.

Making strategic diet and lifestyle shifts can help counter their effects, support the liver's detoxification, and lighten our overall toxic load. Signs you might need a liver cleanse or detox. You crave sugar often. You feel like you need more energy.

Your bowel movements aren't as regular as you'd like them to be. Your skin isn't clear or feels irritated. You're sensitive to chemicals. You have concerns about your body odor or bad breath, and hygiene products e.

You're feeling stressed or anxious. You struggle with mood swings. You're dealing with gas and bloating. What could be messing with your liver function? Holding extra weight.

To ensure optimal liver and overall well-being, prioritizing healthy body composition is key. Excessive sugar. Too much alcohol.

Exposure to toxins. Suboptimal gut health. Summary If you hold extra weight, consume too much refined sugar, drink more alcohol than recommended, have a high toxin burden, or struggle with gut health issues, your liver may be impacted.

Adopt a liver- and gut-friendly diet. Liver-friendly foods. Here are 13 of our favorite liver-friendly foods:. Try a form of intermittent fasting.