How to detoxify your liver effectively (2024)

We are constantly exposed to toxic substances in our environment (insecticides, herbicides, pesticides, etc.), from intensive farming (soil pollution, water and air pollutants), from processed foods (food additives, colorants, stabilizers, antibiotic residues (administered to animals), etc.), from medical necessities (drugs), from the harmful effects of our dietary imbalances (intolerances), from hormones (xenoestrogens), etc., etc., etc., etc.), medical necessities (drugs), the harmful effects of our dietary imbalances (intolerances), hormones (xenoestrogens), allergens, alcohol, smoking, etc.^{1, 2}

The clogging of our organism with undesirable substances, either through an accumulation of toxins from our metabolism or the absorption of toxic substances or poisons..^{1, 2, 3, 4}

The liver is our main protective organ, the one that enables "detoxification", and its activity adapts to the load of xenobiotics present at any given time; these are molecules foreign to our organism, such as drugs, hormones (xenoestrogens), heavy metals, chemical compounds associated with our food preparation methods (Maillard reactions), and so on..^{1, 4, 5}

What tools does the body have to purify itself?

The human body is designed to cleanse itself. Toxins and waste are filtered and eliminated by five organs (liver and gall bladder, intestines, kidneys, skin, lungs), all of which are emunctories, or simply gates through which toxins are evacuated..^{1, 4, 5}

The purification of the inner environment takes place through the emunctories, and can manifest itself in different ways.^{1, 4, 5}

Symptoms of overload: biliary hypersecretion, vomiting, diarrhea, thick urine, eczema, congested bronchi and sinuses, painful tonsils, etc..⁵

Detox periodically

We often hear that liver detoxification is best done in spring and/or autumn. The habit of limiting or increasing our exposure to toxic waste according to the season has no specific period.

We've become accustomed to using these two periods of the year to do a cleanse, but, if need be, doing a detox can be done all year round.

It may be advisable to detox regularly when our exposure to toxic agents is constant..^{1, 2, 4}

• Detox Detoxification: is a way of "purifying" the body by eliminating accumulated toxins..¹²
• Detoxify to eliminate the harmful effects of a substance.¹³

The role of the liver

The liver is at the crossroads of our metabolism, filtering, sorting and neutralizing waste. In fact, the liver is a vital organ that contributes to over 500 functions in our body.

It secretes bile (essential for fat digestion), eliminates toxins, regulates cholesterol and hormone levels (sex, thyroid, adrenal). It is also involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and certain vitamins and minerals. In short, it helps digest our food and transform it into energy..^{2, 4}

It processes virtually everything we eat, drink, breathe and even what we put on our skin. It has several important roles to play in blood detoxification and food digestion.

For example, the liver continuously receives blood from the intestines and filters it. It also metabolizes harmful substances such as alcohol, drugs, medications and other chemical substances that find their way into our food without our knowledge...^{2, 4}

Two closely linked organs: the liver and the gallbladder

The gallbladder is a reservoir for bile, which accumulates between digestions. Bile is composed of water, cholesterol, salts and bile pigments, and is discharged into the bile ducts (cystic duct and common bile duct)..^{2, 4}

Role of bile

• Bile salts break down fats (lipids) into fine droplets to aid digestion
• Assimilates fat-soluble vitamins
• Helps detoxify the body^{2, 4}

The human body secretes an average of 320 ml of bile per day to carry out its functions.

associated digestive functions.^{2, 4}

Bile disorders:

• After overeating, the liver works in slow motion
• Bile is too thick or full of waste products
• The gall bladder has lost its tone
• Bile stagnates too long, thickens and the waste products in it clump together to form small stones (gallstones).^{2, 4}

A well-functioning liver and gallbladder are essential for good health.

Promoting liver detox

Metabolic detoxification is the body's natural process, involving several major detoxification pathways: phase I, phase II. In this lengthy process, fat-soluble compounds must undergo transformation and become water-soluble before being excreted, supported by antioxidants that protect the organs as these poisons pass through. The aim is to prevent these already expelled toxins from being recirculated. And to help this movement, it's essential to include fiber in the diet.^{1, 2, 4}

In naturopathy, it is essential to support liver functions, particularly the detox function.

Necessary nutrients

The liver needs a good supply of micronutrients to carry out its biological transformation functions, neutralizing and eliminating toxic substances:

• Minerals
• B-complex vitamins
• Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
• Antioxidants including polyphenols
• trace elements.^{1, 2, 4}

Signs to recognize liver disorders :

• pasty or white tongue in the morning
• bad breath
• nausea
• slow transit
• headaches
• morning moodiness
• waking up at night between 1 and 3 am...
• etc...^{1, 2, 4}

Marisyl Hepa 4, a natural supplement for liver detoxification

Marisyl Hepa 4 from Actimar is a unique, synergistic formula of seawater and herbs for optimal hydration and a healthy liver.. ^{6 , 7} 

Quinton seawater

Quinton seawater is captured at a depth of 30 meters off the coast of Brittany in France and in the Bay of Biscay, in what is known as a planktonic vortex. The swirling movements of water, generated by marine currents, bring a concentration of phytoplankton, rich in all the minerals and trace elements present: calcium, copper, iodine, lithium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, silicon, sodium, zinc, etc.. ^{6 , 7}

This seawater contained in Marisyl Hepa 4 drinking ampoules remineralizes, balances PH, aids nutrition and cellular detoxification, and provides the full spectrum of minerals and trace elements in a balanced, assimilable way.. ^{6 , 7}

Black radish

Black radish is used for its cholagogue properties, i.e. to facilitate the evacuation of bile, and for its choleretic properties, which increase bile production by the liver. Black radish is rich in vitamin C, vitamin B9, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, etc. It is also rich in sulfur-containing essential oils, sulfur heterosides, raphanin, isothiocyanates and glucosinolates. It therefore has antioxidant, detoxifying, antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and anticarcinogenic properties..^{4, 8}

Milk thistle 

Silymarin is considered the active substance that provides the plant's therapeutic effects. It is said to be hepatoprotective, hepatoregenerative and antioxidant. Milk thistle has been shown to stop the degenerative processes in liver cells and increase the amount of glutathione (antioxidant role) that protects the liver from oxidation. It is even ten times more effective than vitamin E..^{7, 9}

Burdock

Burdock is the bitter plant of choice for blood purification. It gently evacuates toxins. It is an excellent tonic for the liver, helping to regulate its hepatic, stomachic and digestive functions..^{7, 10}

Artichoke

Artichoke is a Mediterranean plant. It aids digestion. It stimulates the secretion of bile by the liver. It is useful in cases of biliary sluggishness or slow digestion associated with abdominal heaviness.

Artichoke is also recommended for hypercholesterolemia. Cynarin and flavonoids such as luteolin are powerful antioxidants..^{4, 7, 11}

Good to know

When detoxing with a natural pharmacy, curative crises can occur. In fact, this is simply an elimination crisis promoted by diet and drainage. Symptoms do not signify a deterioration in general health, but rather a return to a healthy state..⁴

About the author

Marie Couture, Certified Naturopath

Specialized in :

• Digestive disorders
•  Inflammation
• Hormonal problems
• Stress management

References :

1. Arsenault Céline, Common Sense MedicineÉditions Le Dauphin Blanc, 1999, 190 pages
2. Joyeux Pr Henri and Joyeux Jean, Your liver needs loveÉditions du Rocher, 2020, 360 pages
3. Magnien Jean-Marie, 100 diseases silenced with the Seigna dietlet. Éditions Thierry Souccar, 2023, 363 pages.

4. Vasey Christopher, Detox ManualÉditions Jouvence, 1992, 185 pages
5. Vanderhaeghe Lorna R. Women's health from A to Z, Health Venture Publications, 2004, 148 pages.
6. https://laboiteagrains.com/blogs/naturopathie/les-etonnants-bienfaits-de-leau-de-mer-de-quinton
7. https://laboiteagrains.com/products/marisyl-hepa-cure-purifiante-detox-actimar
8. https://santors.fr/les-soins/le-radis-noir-pour-soulager-le-foie
9. https://laboiteagrains.com/blogs/probleme-de-digestion/les-bienfaits-du-chardon-marie-pour-la-digestion?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwir2xBhC_ARIsAMTXk84Z6Ex-uC8vd
10. https://www.chardonmarie.fr/bardane/
11. https://www.passeportsante.net/fr/Solutions/PlantesSupplements/Fiche.aspx?doc=artichaut_ps
12. https://dictionnaire.lerobert.com/definition/detoxifier
13. https://dictionnaire.lerobert.com/definition/detoxiquer