Liver Cleanse Ingredients
At three pounds, the liver is the largest organ in the body. Blood that leaves the stomach and intestines pass through the liver, where nutrients and medications are taken out and broken down so they can be used by the rest of the body. And that's just one of an estimated 500 jobs the liver does (see Reference 1). Yet even though it's a detoxifier, it can still become damaged and sluggish from the things you put into your body. That's why a liver cleanse is important. Liver cleanse ingredients can help detox your liver so it can continue to perform at its peak.
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Milk Thistle
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Milk thistle is a well-known herb that's used for liver problems. It's harvested for its seeds, which contain silymarin, the active ingredient within the plant that supposedly helps the liver. Silymarin is an antioxidant that may help repair alcohol abused liver cells and keep new liver cells from being damaged. By itself, milk thistle is sold in capsule form, liquid extract and as a tea (see Reference 2). Side effects may include upset stomach or diarrhea, and pregnant women should not take milk thistle (see Reference 3).
Turmeric
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Turmeric is a spice that adds color and flavor to many Indian and Latin dishes, but it can also be used as a liver cleanse ingredient. In traditional Indian ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is a recommended aid for liver function (see Reference 4). It's actually the curcumin in turmeric that's most beneficial because of its antioxidant properties (see Reference 5). Turmeric is available in capsules and as a tincture.
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Dandelion
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If you've always thought of dandelion as the weed that never seems to die, you may want to change your opinion. Native Americans have been using it to treat a variety of ailments, including kidney disease and upset stomach. In traditional Chinese medicine it has been used to treat digestive disorders (see Reference 6). Today, it's popularly known as an aid in liver detoxification (see Reference 7). Dandelion is available as a tea, tablet, capsule and a liquid extract.
Beet Root
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Beet root offers one more reason why you should eat your vegetables. Like many other liver cleanse ingredients, it contains a powerful antioxidant called betacyanin, which is what makes beet root red and contains anti-cancer properties. While you'll often see beet root being recommended for its blood cleansing properties, it's also good as liver detoxifier (see Reference 8).
Artichoke
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The human body needs bile for healthy digestion. The liver creates bile and stores it in the gall bladder to help with the digestion of fats (see Reference 9). Artichokes encourage bile production in the liver and can also help with jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and the eye whites caused by liver disorders (see Reference 10). You can either eat fresh artichoke or take it as a capsule. If you have gallstones or clogged bile ducts you should not consume artichokes (see Reference 11).
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