4 Ways to Cleanse A Sluggish Liver Naturally : Building Up the Liver

For over a century natural medicine has known that enhancing liver function will treat many diseases. The purpose of the liver is to cleanse the blood of toxins originating from food, air and water. If liver function is sluggish, toxins begin building up in the blood, leading to many chronic health conditions over time. One common problem among women is the estrogen imbalance which is influence by several factors.

Even when the liver is working at optimum levels dismantling large amounts of estrogen is a challenging task. The side effects are manifest in debilitating and mood altering premenstrual tension. Other possible symptoms of a sluggish liver include headaches, fatigue, poor skin tone, dark circles under the eyes, arthritis, insomnia and a bitter taste in the mouth.

Common causes of a sluggish liver are aging, use of medications such as antibiotics, synthetic hormones, oral contraceptives and anti-ulcer drugs, exposure to heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium and a diet high in hydrogenated fats and sugars. Liver function can also be weakened due to the lack of needed nutrients. Existing health conditions are also a signal that the liver is not functioning properly.

The benefits of liver cleansing include increased energy and stamina, better concentration, increased resistance to sickness and disease, improves digestion, reduction in allergies and weight loss.

Here are the 4 best ways to cleanse the liver:

1) Eat Healthy - Consuming foods full of unhealthy fats and chemicals and beverages containing alcohol puts a tremendous strain on the liver. Instead, consume foods rich in fiber and other nutrients such as fruit and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Foods most beneficial for liver health and cleansing include citrus fruits, broccoli, beets, cabbage, artichokes, apples, spinach, brown rice oat bran, onions, asparagus, tomatoes, garlic, celery, string beans, soy beans, kidney beans and radishes. Always drink plenty of water daily to allow kidneys to properly flush toxins from the body.

2) Juice Fasting - A quick and efficient way to detox the liver. The ideal juice combination contains beets, celery and carrots. Fasts should range from a few days to one week depending on the amount of detoxification necessary. Fast should be broken with 2 - 3 days of fruit, vegetables and brown rice.

3) Toxins accumulate in the fat and muscle cells. An effective way to mobilize these toxins is by sweating them out through the skin. The most effective way to accomplish this involves at least a 1/2 hour of exercise and sauna for a 2 week period. Consult with a health care professional familiar with detoxification before you begin.

4) Daily Supplements - A daily multivitamin can be added to support liver function. High doses of vitamin C ( at least 2000mg/daily) have been found effective in improving liver function. Taking an acidophilus supplement totaling 15 - 20 billion active cultures daily is also recommended. The most effective cleansing herbs include dandelion, licorice, milk thistle, bilberry, chicory root, burdock and astragalus. Other effective supplements are turmeric, artichoke leaf extract and wheat grass juice.