How to Detox Each Phase of the Liver
The human liver detoxes blood in two phases. Phase I is the preparation of the toxic substance to make it water soluble. Phase II is the process adding a water molecule, completing the process. Water-soluble substances can be excreted by the kidneys. These two phases are closely related, and often need the same substances to keep the mechanism in good shape, but they also have differences. Making the liver an excellent filtering machine is largely a function of diet. A liver-friendly diet helps the detox systems of the liver work properly.
Instructions
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Eat lots of cabbage, Brussels sprouts and oranges for good Phase I detox. Phase I creates free radicals in the system; a strong B-vitamin supplement helps facilitate this, as well as at least 500mg of C. Avoid grapefruit juice and onions in this diet; they create chemicals that inhibit Phase I detox. Vitamins B and C are also centrally important in Phase I detox. Olive oil is also an ancient method for detoxing this phase of the liver.
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Avoid alcohol in general. Though alcohol induces Phase I detox, after the alcohol is broken down, the liver has to deal with the toxic substances produces by the breakdown process. Water is centrally important to flush out the liver and kidneys. Drink lots of it throughout the day, especially if you're a coffee drinker. It is also helpful to take plenty of fish oil supplements (2000 mg per day is plenty) to keep the liver healthy and repair any damaged tissue. This is important for both phases of the process.
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Make sure your diet includes vitamin B6, flaxseed oil and iron. These are central to Phase II detox. This second step is the actual production of the water-soluble compounds that are then sent to the kidneys. Avoid aspirin, but take zinc supplements (always on a full stomach) and keep protein intake high. The main chemicals here are the amino acids taurine, cystine and glyucine, which are induced by this sort of a diet. If you are taking a daily multivitamin, make certain it contains magnesium, for this is also an important mineral for this phase.
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Tips & Warnings
Consult a doctor.
It is very important to take a B vitamin each day containing all variants. The B vitamins are more important than any single other ingredient in this process. They destroy free radicals, rebuild damaged tissue and spur all the necessary chemicals for all phases of liver detox. The liver cannot function well without water and vitamin B.
Garlic is often mentioned as another aid to liver detox. It should be eaten raw.
Coffee helps induce Phase I detox since it works to spur the kidneys.
Take a shot glass full of olive oil per day. High-quality (extra virgin) oils are tasteless.
Some claim that small doses of concentrated liquor (like Scotch) spur the liver to action to Phase I detox. Some reject this claim. Those who accept it hold that one shot max on an empty stomach is what is necessary to put the liver into "high gear" to clean the system.
Taking zinc on an empty stomach will induce vomiting. Make certain zinc is always taken on a full stomach.
Some people (especially older folks) cannot take zinc with other vitamins. It induces stomach upset. It is often wise to take zinc at a different time than your other supplements.
