Should a Person Cleanse His Liver?

Milk thistle may improve liver function.

Many Toxins in Our Environment

The amount of chemicals bombarding our environment and bodies continues to increase every year, according to Northwestern University. The liver detoxifies the body and benefits from moderate cleansing efforts when used as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

Dangers of Cleansing Programs

Fasts, laxatives and enemas remove important nutrients from the body and should not be used to detoxify or cleanse the liver, according to Northwestern University. While milk thistle improves liver function, many cleansing programs cost money and carry health risks such as impaired bowel function, according to Harvard Medical School.

Bottom Line

Avoid costly colon- and liver-cleansing programs and instead use healthy steps such as drinking water and eating organic vegetables to naturally cleanse the liver. Consult a physician before beginning any new diet, health program or supplement.

References

• Northwestern Health Sciences University: Detoxification
• Harvard Health Publications: The Dubious Practice of Detox
• Northwestern Health Sciences University: Do-It-Yourself Detox

Resources

• Northwestern Health Sciences University: Healthy Liver, Healthy Life