We’ve all heard about how important colon cleanses are, but we tend to neglect cleansing our other organs. For example, our liver has a much larger role than just elimination of waste (the main function of our colon). Our liver actually filters the nutrient rich blood coming from our intestines after digestion before passing it to the rest of the body.

If we have a compromised liver we will have trouble detoxifying our blood and being able to adequately remove toxins from our body. Any time we eat processed foods, we are exposed to environmental pollutants or stress, which causes the liver to be overworked and overloaded.

The liver also plays a very important role in digesting and metabolizing fats and fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. The gallbladder (a tiny organ just below your liver) releases bile that helps the liver to emulsify (surround and digest) fats. Bile also carries waste products into the intestines so this is important stuff.

If the liver isn’t metabolizing fat properly this can lead to weight gain. Therefore it is vital, not just for detoxing purposes, but for healthy weight management purposes to take care of your liver!

Foods that aid in liver detoxification include: garlic, grapefruit, beets, carrots, green tea, leafy green vegetables, avocado, apples, olive oil, whole grains, cruciferous vegetables, walnuts, artichokes, cabbage and turmeric.

Milk thistle can be taken in supplement or tea form on a regular basis to promote a healthy liver. It helps to protect the liver and promote its function. You may see it marked as silymarin. This is the potent substance in milk thistle necessary for these effects.

Detoxification of the liver is also very important for breaking down of hormones. Ladies, this is very important at the end of your cycle to help keep you from feeling depressed and breaking out.

Herbal supplements designed to cleanse the liver can also be taken for detoxification. These are typically designed to be take for a short period of time (14-30 days) about twice a year. These typically include herbs such as dandelion, burdock, artichoke and many others. These can be purchased in supplement or tea forms.

Its also important to take extra fiber during this time to help absorb and remove toxins. Taking flax meal is a healthy and inexpensive form of fiber thats easy to add to your diet. Psyllium fiber is also very popular and can be taken as a pill or a powder. You probably know it as Metamucil. Fiber is also a great way to help clean out the colon! Just remember to drink more water or you can actually cause yourself to get stopped up as the fiber absorbs water in your intestines.

I’m actually not a huge advocate of colon cleanses as its not good your body to get dependent on any type of herbal stimulant/laxative which is what most colon cleanses contain. If you can help detoxify and cleanse your liver through diet and supplements and some extra fiber you will be doing your intestines a wonderful favor! Don’t forget those probiotics as well!

Liver cleanses can help clear up acne, decrease digestive problems, and promote weight loss. They can also help you lose excess water weight. However, if this is not an issue make sure you drink extra water during these cleanses. Happy cleansing!