The liver's function is to detox your system—so how can you keep it tuned up? Medical experts list beverages that can help liver detoxification.
5 Drinks That Help Detox Your Liver, According to Expert Doctors
Published on Nov. 06, 2024
Your liver is one of the most vital organs in your body, performing more than 500 essential functions that are important for maintaining your systemic health. The liver detoxifies harmful substances, metabolizes nutrients from the foods we eat, stores vitamins and minerals for future use, and produces bile to aid in digestion—just to name a few.
Given its central role in filtering toxins and waste products from the bloodstream, keeping the liver healthy is essential for your general health.
Here’s a caution most hepatologists (liver doctors) will advise: You’ve probably come across “liver detox” products that tout their benefits, but it’s important to understand that the liver naturally detoxifies the body every day. Many of these products, like teas, are not strictly regulated, making it hard to know exactly what they contain or how they might affect your body. Some ingredients may interact negatively with medications or cause unintended side effects.
Because dietary supplements and herbal products aren’t subject to the same rigorous testing as pharmaceuticals, their safety and efficacy can be questionable. Therefore, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before incorporating these products into your routine.
Rather than attempting to “cleanse” the liver with fad products, you can support its natural functions by consuming foods that help liver health and beverages rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients can help protect your liver from damage, promote its regenerative capabilities, and improve its efficiency in processing toxins.
While there isn’t a single remedy that can detox the liver, there are drinks and teas that may help support its function. Ahead, we share five drinks that may improve your liver’s natural detoxification processes.
1. Lemon water
Starting your day with a glass of warm lemon water may benefit your liver. Lemons are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help protect liver cells from oxidative stress.
The acidity of lemon juice may stimulate digestive enzymes, potentially aiding in digestion and nutrient absorption, which indirectly supports liver function, shares Samuel Mathis, MD, MBA, a board-certified family medicine physician and program director of the behavioral and integrative medicine fellowship at the University of Texas Medical Branch.
Squeeze half a fresh lemon into a glass of warm water and drink it first thing in the morning (wash the rind before you slice in to eliminate germs and any chemicals).
For an extra boost, you can add a slice of fresh ginger or a pinch of turmeric, both known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Turmeric tea
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may support liver function. Curcumin has been studied for its potential to reduce liver inflammation and prevent fat accumulation.
However, curcumin’s bioavailability is low, so it’s often consumed with black pepper to improve absorption.
Prepare turmeric tea by simmering a teaspoon of ground turmeric in water for about 10 minutes. Add a pinch of black pepper to improve curcumin absorption. You can sweeten the tea with honey or add a slice of lemon for extra flavor.
3. Coffee
“There’s a lot of evidence for coffee and liver health and it has a variety of different benefits,” notes Christina Lindenmeyer, MD, a hepatologist with the Cleveland Clinic. “It’s been shown that it can lower your liver enzymes, which suggests that it improves inflammation in your liver.”
But remember, the coffee referred to here should be consumed as black coffee, without added sugars or creamers, to maximize its benefits for liver health.
4. Green tea
Green tea is renowned for its high content of catechins, a type of antioxidant that may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver. Some studies suggest that regular consumption of green tea is associated with improved liver enzyme levels and may reduce fat accumulation in the liver, particularly in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Always remember to exercise caution though, as research has shown that consuming too much green tea could potentially cause harm to the liver.
Brew a cup of green tea by steeping a tea bag or loose leaves in hot (not boiling) water for two to three minutes—this temperature level helps to preserve its compounds. Enjoy it plain, or add a squeeze of lemon for added vitamin C.
Limit intake to two to three cups per day to avoid excessive caffeine consumption.
5. Berry smoothies
Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants. “Antioxidants are compounds that protect and reduce the effects of inflammation on the liver,” explains Dr. Lindenmeyer. She notes that while further research is needed, preliminary animal studies have indicated that cranberries and blueberries might also improve liver health.
Blend a mix of fresh or frozen berries with a base like yogurt, kefir, or a plant-based milk. You can add a handful of spinach or flaxseeds for extra nutrients. This smoothie makes a nutritious breakfast or snack that supports liver health.
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