The world is full of pollution today, and we take in pollutants is the food that we eat, the water we drink, the very air that we breath. This is all very hard on our liver, because the liver is the organ that is responsible for filtering toxins out of our blood. The liver becomes overburdened, and these toxins back up in our system. This results in feelings of sluggishness, lethargy, depression, and generalized fatigue. It also contributes to a variety of health problems, including diabetes, arthritis, chronic pain, and liver and kidney problems.
A liver detoxification diet is a way of clearing toxins from the system. It allows the liver to rest and recover, so that it may function better.
The Diet
For one week before your detox diet, eliminate alcohol, caffeine, and “junk food” from your diet. You are preparing your body for detoxification. Limit sugar and meat. Increase the amount of fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. Drink at least ten glasses of filtered water each day. Basically, you want to be eating a very healthy diet for the week before you begin your detox diet.
Also begin taking dandelion herbal capsules. You can buy these at any health food store and at many grocery stores and pharmacies. Dandelion helps flush toxins from the system and also supports healthy liver functioning. Take one capsule three times a day.
Now you’re ready to begin your week-long detox diet.
Days 1-3
Drink ten glasses of water with 2 tablespoons of organic lemon juice in it. This will flush toxins from your system. You can drink more plain water if you want. Don’t eat or drink anything else. This allows your digestive system and especially the liver to rest.
You may feel slightly ill as toxins leave your system. Take it easy and rest if you feel ill. If you feel well, get some exercise. Improving your circulation and sweating will help the toxins leave your system faster.
Continue taking the dandelion supplement.
Days 4-6
You can have vegetable broth and organic fruit and vegetable juices. Make sure you drink at least ten glasses of water each day. Continue taking the dandelion supplement.
Here is a recipe for vegetable broth that is specifically designed for detoxification:
Vegetable Broth
Ingredients:
2 cups spinach
2 cups broccoli heads
3 cups celery
2 cups red-skinned potato peels, ½ inch thick
1 small zucchini
2 quarts distilled water
Directions:
Chop all vegetables into very fine pieces. Place in water and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain for the broth. Makes about 8 servings.
Day 7
Add fresh fruit and vegetables to your diet. You can eat them raw or you can steam the vegetables. Continue drinking ten glasses of water and taking the dandelion supplement.
For the week after the diet, follow the diet plan for the week before the diet. Ease back into normal eating gradually. Continue taking the dandelion supplement for one week after you complete your detox diet.
