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First published on Hepatitis Australia's website in January 2020 Image by marker_photography from Pixabay “Detox diets”, supplements and Traditional Chinese Medicine are marketed as beneficial for the liver, but do they work? First let’s look at where the liver is and what it does. Liver anatomyIts functions include:
Detox dietsAlso known as a liver cleanse or flush, some people believe a detox diet helps remove excess waste after too much alcohol, unhealthy foods, or just for daily liver health. The first days may begin with fasting or drinking fluids only. Most detox diets take out processed food from your diet and may include commercial products, such as herbal supplements. Some people feel better on these diets, often simply due to eating more healthily. This might cause them to believe that the liver cleanse works, but it’s important to consider the following:
For most people following a healthy lifestyle, the liver is well equipped to remove day-to-day toxins and you don’t need to do a detox. SupplementsSome studies in animals show milk thistle decreases liver inflammation, and turmeric protects against liver injury. However, there haven’t been enough studies done on humans to recommend their use in prevention of liver disease [4]. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) advises that milk thistle can cause allergic reactions in some people or low blood sugar in people living with diabetes [5]. We should also remember that detox products and liver supplements may not be standardised. Products could have different strengths and be of varying quality. Some may interact with medication or have side effects including causing liver damage. Traditional Chinese MedicineTraditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views the liver in terms of vital energy (qi) and the storage of blood (xue). Together with the scheme of Yin Yang, TCM practitioners may diagnose liver disorders, and offer treatments like acupuncture or herbs [6]. There is no evidence that acupuncture helps people with liver conditions. However, it is relatively safe if performed correctly [7]. Because there have been very few good quality studies, we have no strong proof that Chinese herbal products work for liver health. Some products have also been found to have been contaminated with plant or animal material, drugs like the blood-thinner warfarin, and heavy metals like arsenic. Some products can even contain the wrong herbs, which may damage the liver [8]. Therefore, it is very important that you are confident of what is in the Chinese herbs you buy. If you decide to use Chinese herbs or other supplements, it is advisable that you talk to your doctor, especially if you have hepatitis B or C, or other chronic diseases. Finally, the best way to look after your liver is maintain a healthy weight, follow a balanced diet, exercise regularly, minimise alcohol intake, and avoid smoking. If you think this article might help someone else too, please like and share. References
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Dr Alice LamI'm a doctor who is passionate about writing quality health content. Archives
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