How to Cleanse and Detox the Liver Naturally

If you're like lots of people, you may not give your liver much thought—until something goes wrong. This vital organ is the largest in the human body, and it's responsible for much more than processing your favorite cocktails.

You're here because you want to learn how to cleanse and detox the liver the natural way. But why? What's the benefit of keeping this organ in tip-top shape?

We'll answer these questions below and go over things you can do, eat, sip, and take to optimize liver health.

Why Is Liver Health Important?

Your liver's main job is to filter out harmful toxins that make their way into your body. And while liver detoxification is crucial, that's not all it does. From regulating chemicals in the blood and building proteins to aiding in digestive health and storing energy (to name just a few functions), this organ does quite a lot.

In other words, overall liver health matters for overall health. So when things are out of whack, you might start to notice.

How Do You Know If Your Liver Needs Detoxing?

Feeling a little "off" could be the first sign that you have an impaired liver function. But how do you know when your liver is crying out for some TLC?

Liver inflammation or a fatty liver could signal the need for a liver cleanse. And in many cases, symptoms of these issues can show up on your skin.

The need for liver detoxing could manifest in the following ways:

• Acne breakouts
• Rosacea
• Pruritus (itchy, painful rashes)
• Psoriasis
• Eczema (aka atopic dermatitis)
• Melasma or other types of hyperpigmentation (dark spots, sometimes called liver spots)
• Premature aging (think loss of muscle mass, reduced skin elasticity, and wrinkles)

Of course, many things can cause (or at least contribute to) these skin conditions.

But if you're noticing more blemishes than usual, unexplained rashes, loss of plumpness, fine lines, or a red, irritated complexion, it might be worth exploring liver detox foods, drinks, and herbal supplements.

What Are Toxins in the Body?

The scientific and medical communities don't have a super clear definition of "toxins." For some, the word refers to waste products and harmful substances the body naturally gets rid of (which is where the healthy liver function comes in).

For others, toxicity means getting too much of a chemical or substance that may otherwise not be bad for the body in small doses. This includes things like alcohol.

Keep reading to learn how to detox the liver naturally.

What Are the Best Natural Cleansing Foods for the Liver?

Some of the best liver-cleansing foods include:

• Cruciferous vegetables
• Citrus fruits
• Beetroot and carrots
• Green tea and herbal teas

Here's what to know.

Cruciferous Vegetables

You know eating veggies is good for your health. But the cruciferous variety might be especially beneficial for your liver, so you may want to include them in your liver and anti-acne detox diet.

Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. These plants contain liver-loving compounds, such as DIM (short for diindolylmethane) and indole, plus lots of fiber.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits are chock full of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports detoxification. They also help produce liver enzymes, which essentially assist in flushing out water-soluble toxins from the body.

Some of our favorites include oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit.

Beetroot and Carrots

Beetroot and carrots both support the liver in detoxifying the body by lowering oxidative stress.

You can eat these root veggies or juice them to get a dose of antioxidants, betaines (anti-inflammatory plant pigments), and beta-carotene. Juice cleanse, anyone?

Carrots are a great source of vitamin A for acne, helping to improve skin health and reduce breakouts. 

Green Tea and Herbal Teas

Green tea is filled with antioxidants and polyphenols (natural compounds that help neutralize free radicals) to prevent liver damage. Regularly sipping the stuff has been shown to reduce lipids (fatty buildup) in the liver and lower the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Other herbal teas you may want to add to your cleanse include milk thistle, dandelion, and turmeric. Beyond detoxification, drinking more tea helps with hydration, which is good for the liver too.

Supplements for Liver Health

What you eat and drink (or don't drink) goes a long way when it comes to how to detox the liver. But if you need a boost, you might consider adding supplements to your routine.

Here are a few we recommend.

MINDBODYSKIN Supplement

Looking to treat hormonal acne naturally? Our MINDBODYSKIN® hormonal acne supplement approaches adult hormonal acne from several angles to target multiple root causes. It pairs digestive support with ingredients that detox the liver to help your body process and eliminate toxins clogging up your system and creating inflammation.

Standout ingredients include vitamin B5, a bioavailable form of vitamin A, glutathione, turmeric, milk thistle, digestive enzymes, and DIM—remember that's the compound found naturally in cruciferous veggies?

With MINDBODYSKIN, you can expect to see clearer skin in as little as a week and continuously better results over time.

You can take this one-daily supplement with food. The recommended serving is two to three capsules—check with your healthcare provider about what dosage is best for your needs.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is an ancient medicinal plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It's been used for centuries to treat ailments related to liver, gallbladder, and kidney function.

The herb has been shown to help regulate blood sugar (glucose), support digestion, and aid in bile production. These qualities make it a great option for hormonal acne related to an overloaded liver.

Milk thistle supplements come in capsule, tablet, and liquid form. As mentioned above, you can also get milk thistle tea.

Turmeric

A member of the ginger family, turmeric is a famously mustard-colored spice rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds (namely curcumin).

Using turmeric in supplement form (such as powder, capsule, or tea) may help with various liver-related skin issues. This includes hyperpigmentation, acne, eczema, and rosacea. It also has antibacterial properties, helping kill bacteria that contribute to breakouts.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help with a fatty liver, potentially preventing or improving the outcomes of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This may sound counterintuitive, seeing as the term "fatty" is in both the name of this supplement and the disease it may remedy, but there's actual research to support this.

Omega-3s often come from fish oil. But vegans and vegetarians can get supplements that source them from algae, seaweed, or flaxseed oil.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can be used topically or in oral supplement form to help with acne breakouts and hyperpigmentation. Some studies have also shown that it might help with fatty liver disease by reducing inflammation and protecting liver cells from free radical damage.

Apple Cider Vinegar

When researching how to detox the liver naturally, you might come across apple cider vinegar (ACV). This fermented liquid may help lower lipid levels (a good thing for those with a fatty liver) while supporting detoxification, boosting antioxidant enzymes, and protecting against oxidative stress in the liver.

Some people take apple cider vinegar straight—whether by the spoonful or shot glass. But if you're not a fan of the taste or don't like how the acidity feels in your stomach, you can also find it in the form of capsules or ACV gummies. If you want apple cider vinegar to benefit your stomach and liver, consider taking it daily.

Lifestyle Changes to Support Liver Health

Learning how to cleanse and detox the liver goes beyond what you eat and the supplements you take. A healthy lifestyle can make a big difference.

Here are a few things you can do to give your liver the best shot at optimal function.

Reducing Alcohol Consumption

You probably know the liver helps process alcohol. Drinking heavily (including how often you drink and how much) makes this organ have to work much harder.

And when your liver is busy filtering alcohol from your bloodstream, it won't be able to do many of the other critical jobs it does for your body.

Avoiding Overmedication

Overloading your body with medication (including prescription drugs and over-the-counter meds, like ibuprofen and aspirin) can negatively affect your liver the same way heavy alcohol consumption can.

Try to be mindful of what you're putting in your body, and never take more than the recommended dosage of any medication.

Focusing on Hydration

Staying hydrated is essential for whole-body health, including optimal liver function. Drinking plenty of water can help your liver filter toxins from your body and fend off numerous health conditions—liver disease included.

Getting Regular Physical Activity

We realize the health benefits of regular exercise aren't exactly breaking news. But it's worth mentioning that moving your body every day can help ward off nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and liver cancer. Plus, maintaining a healthy body weight can prevent a plethora of medical issues related to your liver and pretty much every other organ.

Detoxing Your Body for Better Health and Well-being

Maintaining liver health through natural cleansing and detoxification methods is crucial for not just your physical health, but your mental state as well. The liver plays a vital role in filtering toxins, regulating bodily functions, and supporting digestive health. By incorporating liver-friendly foods and supplements into your daily routine, you can support this essential organ. 

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