Malic Acid & Liver Cleanse

Apples and apple juice contain high amounts of malic acid.

Malic acid is the active ingredient that gives foods like green apples and tart cherries their refreshing "bite." One of the most important of the fruit acids, it boosts immunity and helps prevent build-up of heavy metals in the tissues. Many liver cleansing programs incorporate foods or supplements containing this beneficial acid.

Malic acid process

Cherries are a great source of malic acid.

Found mostly in unripe fruits, malic acid's tart-sour effect decreases as the fruit ripens. During fermentation, bacteria convert malic acid into lactic acid. An integral part of the citric acid cycle, malic acid is essential to the body's energy production. It is a crystalline, colorless compound that is also naturally produced in the body.

Healthy liver

A healthy liver enhances your body's overall health and vitality. A healthy, nourished liver improves digestion, promotes mental clarity and regulates hormonal levels. A healthy liver also increases energy, decreases sensitivity to allergens and cleanses toxins from blood and tissues.

Congested liver

A congested liver is the result of lifestyle factors including a poor diet of foods like refined carbohydrates, hydrogenated fats, preservatives and foods with hormones. A compromised liver may cause fatigue, weight gain and water retention. Furthermore, "stones" may form in the liver and gallbladder.

Benefits

Many home liver cleansing remedies incorporate fresh organic apple juice and lemon juice that are high in malic acid. Considered a "metal chelator," malic acid bonds with and metallic toxins such as lead and aluminum in the liver. Malic acid reduces heavy metal build up during a cleanse when used with other key flushing ingredients like Epsom salts and olive oil.

Results

A liver cleanse is a formulated process for cleansing, detoxifying and healing the liver. Less toxins allow essential minerals to enter the blood stream easily. Fasting and cleansing, along with the liver's natural ability to reproduce cells about every six weeks, may raise liver function to optimal capacity and boost overall body performance.

Considerations

Before attempting a liver cleanse, consult your doctor. Side effects include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. The liver flush may be unsafe for people who have gallstones. A gallstone could become lodged in the narrow opening of the gallbladder during the flush and result in emergency gallbladder surgery.

References

• Livestrong What Foods Have Malic Acid
• Optimum Liver and Gallbladder Cleanse
• Liver Flush