Liver Cleansing

Liver function is critical to overall health. It is arguably the most important and hardworking organ. It performs over 500 vital functions, including detoxifying endogenous and exogenous toxic substances as well as processing our food, regulating our metabolism, our blood glucose and blood lipid levels, producing bile, and building proteins necessary for other systems in the body.

The liver can get overburdened when not being looked after properly with a nutritious diet, enough hydration and toxin-management. Drinking alcohol is not the only cause of liver dysfunction – being exposed to environmental toxins in the home and eating too much sugar and refined carbohydrates can also overburden the liver causing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. If too much or too many substances require elimination, the liver can reach its capacity and the concentrations of these compounds can build or accumulate. This bioaccumulation leads to a toxic liver or liver congestion, which in turn will lead to a toxic body.

How does liver detoxification work?

The liver is the master organ when it comes to detoxification. It processes and removes various toxins and waste products from the blood which involves several complex steps. These can be broadly categorized into two phases: phase I and phase II, and after that elimination from the body.

Phase I of liver detoxification: hydroxylation

1. Biochemical transformation by CYP450 enzymes
   Enzymatic processes (so-called cytochrome P450 enzymes or CYP450 enzymes) neutralise toxins and degradation products of endogenous substances. Different biochemical transformations, such as oxidation, reduction, or hydrolysis, can accomplish this. The molecules become more water-soluble. Some of the substances are already completely neutralised and can be eliminated from the body. Other molecules are prepared for further processing in phase II. Various external toxins, including caffeine, alcohol, drug use, pharmaceuticals, hormones, procarcinogens, xenoestrogens, and pesticides, trigger the need for these enzymes.
   
2. Formation of intermediate products
   The biochemical transformation produces substances known as intermediates. These intermediates are often more toxic than the original substance. This makes it important for the liver to efficiently move these to phase II for further processing. If the CYP450 enzyme system is overloaded with toxins, it may get backed up, causing undesirable effects such as headaches, anxiety, sweating, and heart palpitations.

This phase I enzyme system relies on certain nutrients such as B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and phospholipids. Antioxidants such as selenium, zinc, copper, vitamins A, C, E, coenzyme Q10, bioflavonoids, and silymarin are essential to protect the body from potential toxicity of the intermediates.

Phase II of liver detoxification: conjugation

In phase II, the liver conjugates or binds the intermediates with other substances, making them highly water-soluble and non-toxic. The body can excrete this non-toxic form. There are different conjugation pathways, including glucoronidation, sulfation, acetylation, methylation, amino acid conjugation, and glutathione conjugation. Each pathway involves the addition of different substances to intermediates.

During phase II, adequate amino acid intake from dietary protein is essential, as is the availability of specific nutrients such as sulfur, glutathione, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, glucuronic acid, folate, antioxidant-rich phytonutrients, and B vitamins. A deficiency in these nutrients can impair the detoxification process. This leads to the accumulation of toxins in the body and negatively impacting metabolism.

Elimination of toxins and waste products

1. Elimination through urine
   The kidneys filter the water-soluble substances for excretion in urine.
   
2. Elimination through stool
   The liver excretes fat-soluble substances into bile, which is then released into the intestines. There, the gut microbiome further breaks down toxins or eliminates them through feces.

The health of the kidneys, and especially the gastrointestinal tract and gut microbiome, are essential to adequate removal of toxins in the body. If excretion does not happen properly or often enough, toxins can be reabsorbed in the intestines and recirculated in the body, further burdening the liver. Possible culprits of poor elimination can include dysbiosis of the gut bacteria, lack of fiber, pre- and probiotics in the diet, a magnesium deficiency, or a food intolerance.

How can you support liver detoxification through lifestyle & nutrition?

A healthy liver-supporting lifestyle can work wonders for your general health and wellbeing, now and in the future. It will naturally balance hormones, promote weight loss or maintenance, increase energy levels, improve sleep, and support glowing skin. Here are some things you can start doing today!

Toxin exposure

We can categorize substances toxic to the liver into two types: exogenous toxins come from outside the body and endogenous toxins are produced within the body.

• Exogenous toxins include alcohol, tobacco, medication, pesticides, herbicides, too much sugar consumption, factory-made chemicals in food, synthetic supplements, personal care products, household products, make-up, greenhouse gasses, off-gassing from furniture, paint, plastics, and other industrial manmade products.
• Endogenous toxins include cellular debris, too much glucose, cholesterol, and hormones such as oestrogen.

Reducing your exposure to any of these will have a beneficial effect on your liver health. Some are obvious, like eating organic foods, and cutting back on alcohol consumption or cigarettes. Others are less so. For example, eliminating the use of plastics. Why would this help liver health you may ask. Well, BPA, a compound found in most plastics, mimics oestrogen. This will lead to an excess of perceived oestrogen in the body. The catch is that xenoestrogens, toxic estrogenic compounds, does not have the same effect on the body as natural estrogen. It in fact has a detrimental effect.

Furthermore, when the liver tries to clear BPA, which it perceives as a toxin, it detoxifies less of our natural hormone estrogen. This can lead to estrogen dominance. You can start by taking small steps, such as replacing plastic kitchen items with glass containers and bottles. Opt for iron or ceramic pots and pans instead of non-stick ones. Use natural, non-synthetic cleaning products for the house and laundry. Apply only clean, organic, and natural products to your skin and hair. A water and air filtration system can further reduce the toxic burden in your body.

Nutrition

One of the liver’s main functions is to filter blood from the digestive tract. This process allows the liver to obtain essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet filled with real, whole foods that are preferably organic and seasonal, is a great starting point. This not only helps support the detoxification pathways, but also lessens the risk of fatty liver disease.

Start by crowding out toxic foods by including liver-protective options. Add extra virgin olive oil, citrus fruits, garlic, onions, artichokes, root vegetables, dandelion greens, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, mustard greens, turnips, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. High-fiber fruits and vegetables of all colors of the rainbow contain the phytonutrients needed to support detoxification. Fiber also aids digestion and gut microbiome health, hastening the elimination of toxins in your body.

Essential omega 3 fatty acids are healthy fats that are anti-inflammatory and supportive of liver health. Small fish like salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and herring are rich sources of omega-3s. Flaxseeds, walnuts, and chia seeds also provide these healthy fats. Try to eat organic whenever possible to avoid the toxins from herbicides and pesticides found in much conventional food.

Avoiding alcohol, excessive caffeine, processed foods, and foods that are high in unhealthy fats, sugar and food additives is always a good idea. These foods can overburden the liver.

Hydration

The body contains at least 50% water. Therefore, hydration is essential for overall health and the proper functioning of organs and organ systems. The liver is no exception. Water helps flush out toxins and waste products from the body, preventing their build up in the liver. Staying hydrated helps maintain optimal blood volume and flow to the liver. This allows the liver to perform its functions efficiently. Furthermore, staying hydrated makes the blood thinner, ultimately making it easier for the liver to filter. Water aids digestion and helps relieve constipation, further supporting the liver in its job.

Start your day with a large glass of water, adding some lemon or a pinch of salt. Aim for at least 1.5 to 2 liters of clean, filtered water each day. Herbal teas are a great way to stay hydrated whilst also getting health benefits. Green tea is particularly rich in polyphenols and catechins. Studies have shown that these compounds protect liver cells and help reduce oxidative stress.

Movement

Our bodies are made to move, so it is no wonder that it also works beneficially on the liver. Exercise helps reduce inflammation and stimulates fat breakdown. It also improves insulin sensitivity and increases blood circulation. These effects can improve overall liver health and function. Working up a sweat is also a great way for your body to release toxins through the skin.

Aim for 20 to 30 minutes of movement you enjoy per day. This does not always require intense exercise. Getting enough steps, having walking meetings, taking the stairs, and taking your dog for a walk all count as movement throughout the day.

Sleep

Sleep is in itself a healing practice. It is during night-time hours of rest that our bodies carry out vital detoxification processes. Sleep shuts off non-essential physical functions so the body can redirect its energy resources towards processing, healing, restoring, and detoxifying. Insufficient sleep can impact our metabolism and mood. It also affects the liver's ability to perform its daily functions.

Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time daily to keep your liver healthy.

Herbs

Sometimes the body can use some extra targeted support. This is where herbs can make all the difference. Certain herbs that have been shown to play a role in liver health and supporting detoxification include:

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)
Milk thistle is considered the king of detoxifying herbs, supporting the liver's day to day functions of purifying and detoxifying. It helps protect the liver cells and promotes a normal sugar metabolism. Silymarin is the active compound in milk thistle that has the health promoting properties.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Dandelion is well-known for its diuretic effects and digestive benefits due to its bitter properties. The high antioxidants in dandelion promote the protection of the liver from free radicals. Research has shown that it helps support both liver and gallbladder function.

Birch (Betula pendula)
Birch has been shown to support to the detoxification process due to its beneficial effects on the activity of the liver and intestinal tract as well as its diuretic effect on the kidneys. In essence all the organs that are essential to proper detoxification and elimination of waste products.

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)
Cynarin, a polyphenolic substance found in artichoke, stimulates bile production. This helps the digestion of fats and absorption of vitamins from food, all essential in the process of detoxification.

Physalis Detox+ is a synergistic complex of active plant extracts that includes the four compounds mentioned above. It also contains a highly bioavailable curcuma extract, contributing to the preservation of a healthy liver and supports fat digestion. The Detox+ Herbal Infusion is another herbal support that you can give to your liver for some lifestyle changes. It contains birch, stinging nettle, and goldenrod, all of which contribute towards the elimination of waste products through your kidneys. Couch grass and dandelion further support this internal purification process, while hibiscus gives added energy and vitality. With its mild, pleasing flavour it is a wonderful addition to your health regimen.

Physalis Herbal synergies are concentrated bio-synergies of liquid plant extracts, gemmo-macerates and essential oils. They are a form of complete phytotherapy that combines the effects of all active components into a single high-quality complex. The Hepaplex Herbal Synergy contains a mix of 15 different plant tinctures, bud macerates, and essential oils, providing excellent daily liver support. To celebrate the power of milk thistle, Physalis created Silybum marianum Plant Drops. These drops contain only milk thistle seeds as a hydroalcoholic extract. They support healthy liver function, promote toxin elimination, and prevent fat accumulation.

Conclusion

The liver is a truly admirable organ. Its function is influenced by the nutrients in our diet, as well as by endogenous and exogenous toxins. These toxins can enter our bodies through food, water, daily products, skincare, and the air we breathe. Being mindful of their effects on the liver, along with taking liver-supportive herbs and supplements when needed, can enhance liver function, help prevent fatty liver, and improve overall well-being.

It’s important to note that while the liver plays a key role in detoxification, other organs like the kidneys, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract also contribute to the body’s overall detoxification processes. A healthy lifestyle – including a balanced, nutrient-dense diet, adequate hydration, quality sleep, and regular exercise – supports all of the body’s natural detoxification mechanisms.

Please note that it is always advisable to discuss any supplementation with your care provider.
A food supplement is and should not be a substitute for a varied and healthy lifestyle.