Liver detox drinks contain roots and herbs with a thousand benefits. But do they really work? Here's what scientific research tells us.
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousLiver detox drinks contain roots and herbs with a thousand benefits. But do they really work? Here's what scientific research tells us.
Le detox drinks for cleansing the liver and detox have aroused much interest in the scientific community.
They are considered valid natural remedies, able to help heal the liver, eliminate toxins and increase energy, however, it is not clear how these drinks can offer these benefits, because there is little research on them. (Read also: Detox: 10 flavored waters to purify yourself)
Index
What are liver cleansing drinks
Le purifying drinks and liver detoxifiers contain a variety of herbs, fruits and vegetables. Their main ingredients are:
- milk thistle
- Dandelion root
- burdock
- beet
- cinnamon
- turmeric
- ginger
These drinks have many health benefits; for example, they are assumed to remove toxins, impurities, and support liver health, but not all cleansing and detox drinks are created equal.
There are countless detox products on the market made with various ingredients, some are intended for daily consumption indefinitely, while others are designed to be used for a period ranging from a few weeks to a few months. (Read also: 15 foods that help cleanse the liver)
Do they really work?
Currently, no scientific studies show that the liver cleansing and detox drinks are 100% effective. In fact, most of the claims made by manufacturers are simply marketing gimmicks or, at best, based on anecdotal evidence.
Although drinks are said to remove toxins, it is rarely made clear what specific toxins they remove or how they are removed. Furthermore, no studies have shown that healthy people have a buildup of toxins in their bodies, nor are there any studies confirming that herbal detoxes can benefit the body. According to one search, in healthy people, the liver, the body's main detoxification organ, works to alter toxic substances, rendering them harmless and ensuring their removal.
However, people with certain medical conditions have been shown to have one reduced ability to purify the body from toxic substances due to factors such as age, sex, health, genetics, drug regimen and diet. For example, since most of the detoxification processes of the body occurs in the cells of the liver, people with diseases related to this organ may not be able to carry out normal purification processes, which can lead to the accumulation of harmful substances.
However, according to one review the body cannot easily remove certain chemicals, as they can accumulate in fat tissue or blood; these substances include bisphenol A (BPA), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy metals e phthalates.
Chemicals tend to be concentrated in ultra-processed foods, such as those from fast foods. However, it is not recommended to consume detox drinks to remove these potentially harmful substances; what needs to be done, however, is to reduce the consumption of junk food and avoid exposure to these substances.
Although some people feel better after trying detox or cleansing drinks, this is often caused by stopping eating a lot of high-fat, high-sugar foods at the same time. Therefore, they are i changes in diet detox drinks are not the main culprits for any benefits.
Health benefits
Although liver cleansing and detox drinks may not work, they still have several health benefits as they contain roots and herbs.
They contain healthy ingredients
Many liver cleansing drinks contain ingredients that can benefit the overall health of the body, such as milk thistle commonly found in these products. The studies have shown that milk thistle supplementation can improve liver health in people with disease or damage to this organ.
Has been established other common ingredients found in detox drinks are the turmeric, the ginger and cinnamon, which can fight oxidative stress, reduce signs of inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Additionally, some of these cleansing drinks contain ingredients such as dandelion root and burdock, which may have health benefits, such as fighting oxidative stress and reducing inflammation, although more research is needed. (Read also: Detox: 10 ways to purify the body while having fun)
risks
Before taking a detox drink, it is good to know all the potential risks; below are the main ones.
Unknown ingredients
It is important to know that most herbal products are not always regulated. Therefore, they may contain ingredients that are not listed on the packaging or present in much higher quantities than those listed. This can lead to too high levels of some nutrients, which can cause various potentially dangerous side effects.
Drug interactions
Many herbs found in cleansing drinks can interact with medications. In particular, they tend to decrease or increase the effects of drugs that are eliminated by the liver, which can cause serious health problems, including liver damage same. For example, milk thistle interacts with drugs, such as diazepam (Valium), warfarin (Jantoven), and various medications for the treatment of diabetes.
So if you are taking prescription medications you shouldn't consume these drinks without first consulting your doctor.
Other side effects
If you are using a liver cleansing drink and are following a weight loss plan at the same time, you may have unwanted effects. Also, detox plans can be harmful if you follow a specific diet to treat or manage conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or kidney. In these cases, it is important to speak to your doctor first.
Natural ingredients to improve liver health
To support your overall health, including that of your liver, it's important to follow one healthy and balanced diet and avoid excessive alcohol consumption. (Read also: Ginger water: benefits and how to prepare the drink that helps you lose weight)
Here are some natural foods that are good for the liver:
- Coffee : can increase antioxidant levels in the liver and reduce the risk of disease.
- You: Black and green tea can improve liver enzyme levels among people with liver disease and fight oxidative stress.
- Forest fruitsBerries are packed with antioxidants, which have been shown to protect the liver from damage.
- Beetroot juice: This drink contains healthful compounds, such as nitrates and antioxidants, which can help protect the liver from oxidative damage. Furthermore, the search suggests that beet juice may increase the liver's natural detoxification enzymes.
- walnuts: They are rich in healthy fats and nutrients such as vitamin E. Studies show that supplementing with vitamin E can help reduce the risk of liver disease.
- Fatty fish: Studies show that supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids, found naturally in fatty fish, can reduce liver fat and improve liver enzyme function.
Herbs and supplements for a healthy liver
To contribute to liver health, it is also possible to use medicinal herbs and natural supplements, available in herbal medicine or pharmacies. Here are the main ones:
- Milk thistle: This plant contains compounds such as silybins, silychristin and silydianin, which can help regenerate the liver, reduce inflammation and improve health.
- Ginseng: has anti-inflammatory properties and can help protect against liver damage in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Turmeric: has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce inflammation in the liver and signs related to liver disease.
- Ginger: Studies show that ginger supplementation can significantly reduce liver inflammation in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, compared to a placebo treatment.
- Licorice root: Studies show that licorice root supplementation can reduce inflammation in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
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