In recent years, the concept of liver detox has become a familiar keyword on social networks and the functional food market. However, many people are abusing or misunderstanding this process, causing more harm than good. Here are 5 common misconceptions about liver detoxification that you need to know:
liver needs to be "detoxified" with functional foods
The truth is that the liver is already a perfect detox machine that does not need any supplements, if your liver works normally, you do not need to drink any products to detoxify. Those products are often not clinically proven to be effective," said Dr. Heather Patisaul, a physiologist at North Carolina State University (USA).
In many cases, overusing "liver detoxification" functional foods can also cause liver poisoning if taken in excess or for a long time.
Drinking plenty of water is the best way to clean the liver
Although drinking enough water helps the body function better, that does not mean that you are "washing" the liver like a filter. Drinking too much water does not help the liver detoxify faster, and in some cases can dilute sodium in the blood, warned Dr. Karl Insogna, Director of the Yale Detoxification Center at Yale Medicine.
Just taking liver supplements after drinking is enough
Some people have the habit of taking liver supplements after each drink to "detoxify". But according to liver expert, Dr. Joshua Korzenik, at Brigham and Women's Hospital, USA: "No drug can reverse the harmful effects of alcohol if you continue to abuse it. The best way to protect your liver is still to limit alcohol."
All vegetable juices have a detoxifying effect
Vegetable juices can provide vitamins and fiber, but there is no scientific evidence to confirm that they detoxify the liver. Even for people with liver disease, drinking too much fruit juice can increase blood sugar levels, causing a burden on the liver.
A healthy, varied and balanced diet is the most effective way to support the liver, not detox with juice, says Dr. Shoshana Marmon, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, New York.
Feeling tired is due to liver "poisoning"
Symptoms of fatigue, acne or heat in the body are not always related to the liver. Many people blame the liver and arbitrarily buy detox products without knowing the real cause, which can come from stress, lack of sleep, hormonal imbalance or digestive problems.
"Don't diagnosage your liver with liver poisoning. If you suspect a problem, go to the hospital and get a liver function test," recommends Dr. Heather D. Rogers, a dermatologist in Seattle (USA).
