Liver Cleansing

In recent years there has been a large amount of importance given to cleansing the colon probably because of the effect it has on weight loss programs, while liver cleansing seems to have gotten lost in the shuffle. The truly unfortunate fact is that liver cleansing is vitally more important because the liver plays a direct role in virtually every biological process in the body. Although the liver has many functions, those functions can be classified in two main categories. It both manufactures substances necessary to support life and it filters what is not needed or not healthy from the system. Those systems are known as the endocrine (manufacturing) and the exocrine (filtering). Periodic liver cleansing helps to maintain both of those processes.

Importance of Liver Cleansing

In regard to substances that the liver produces, of primary importance is the secretion of bile that is necessary to digestion and metabolism of nutrients. Bile also assists in breaking down fats which can be of prime importance when it comes to cardiovascular health. Individuals with unhealthy levels of LDL cholesterol are not necessarily eating unhealthy diets. Often the liver is not functioning properly which results in inordinately high levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream. Regular liver cleansing is proven to assist the liver in producing ample amounts of digestive enzymes and hormones like IGF-1 and Thromboprotein. IGF-1 is a necessary growth hormone while Thromboprotein helps to regulate the manufacturing of blood platelets in bone marrow. However, the liver seems to be most understood in terms of how it functions as a filter for literally every toxin, impurity, contaminant, or pathogen that enters the body. It is this function that is probably the most compromised if the liver is toxic. Liver cleansing takes some of the burden off that vital organ when it comes to filtering impurities and pathogens from the system.

Homeopathic Liver Cleansing

There are a great number of natural herbal ingredients that are known to be beneficial to liver cleansing. Among them are aloe, lycopodium, turmeric, milk thistle, dandelion root, sarsaparilla, parsley, nettle, ginger, kelp and yellow dock. Also, any cruciferous vegetable and any fruit or vegetable high in antioxidants are also beneficial. One of the most common homeopathic formulas for liver cleansing is a solution of Epsom salt, with either lemon juice or grapefruit juice and olive oil. Many people use this method in conjunction with a good fresh juicing fast for optimum results.

Commercial Liver Cleansing Products

Most herbal ingredients can be found individually for liver cleansing yet some people prefer to purchase commercial naturopathic supplements simply for convenience. Products like LivDetox by Puristat and Ultimate Liver Cleanse by Nature’s Secret are formulated with many of the herbal ingredients mentioned above. It is always best to find a supplement for liver cleansing that is 100% natural and organic. Organically grown herbs are not subjected to pesticides and other contaminants. The idea is to cleanse the liver, not subject it to further contamination.

Cleansing the liver is important not only to assist in the production of substances needed to sustain life, but also to flush toxic substances from the body. The liver is referred to as being a ‘vital’ organ for a very good reason, because without it there would be no life. Whether liver cleansing is accomplished with herbal ingredients, homeopathic remedies or commercial products, it is of great importance. Certain individuals have sensitivities or allergies to herbal ingredients so before choosing a liver cleansing program it is always recommended to consult a medical professional.