The liver cleansing diet is, paradoxically, a diet that can be used either by people who are interested in losing weight or people who are underweight and need to return to a healthy weight. The diet is meant to help improve one’s health and strengthen the immune system. It is believed to help reduce food craving and, thus, help people who are overweight to shed a few pounds. It is also believed to help restore a healthy appetite in people who are suffering from chronic illnesses that have caused them to lose too much weight. Before beginning any diet or weight loss program, it is important to consult with your physician.
Toxins are often stored in the liver. Therefore, completing a liver cleansing diet is thought to help to flush out these toxins and lead to improved health. Toxins stored in the liver may include carcinogens, preservatives and additives that come from processed food, artificial sweeteners, antibiotics, and many other harmful substances. It is believed that cleansing these toxins from the liver can cure a whole host of symptoms. Such symptoms include but are not limited to depression, diarrhea, headaches, menstrual cramps, allergies, bloating, and insomnia.
The liver is intended to help the body eliminate waste. When it becomes overloaded with toxins, however, the toxic buildup can begin to affect other organs and tissues within the body. The liver cleansing diet may help to flush out the toxins in the liver, allowing it to continue its important work and relieving the stress that has been put on other parts of the body as a result of a toxic buildup in the liver.
On the first two or three days of the liver cleansing diet, dieters are to drink plenty of water and fresh juice. Vegetable juice is allowed, but vegetable broth should be avoided. For dieters who become too hungry to subsist on these liquids alone, salads dressed simply with olive oil, lemon juice, or a combination of the two may be consumed.
After the first few days, solid foods may be introduced into the diet. These foods should be limited to fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, and raw nuts. High fiber foods are important to this step in the liver cleansing diet. For protein, fish may be added to the diet. After this point, other foods can be slowly entered back into the diet. In order to maintain a healthy liver, however, it is recommended to generally avoid processed foods, sugar substitutes, fried foods, alcohol, caffeine, and soft drinks.