Who should detox the liver?

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Specialist II Phan Thi Minh Huong - Gastroenterologist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital

Many people use liver detox because they worry that the use of alcohol, harmful foods will damage the liver. That's also what all the "liver detoxifiers" on the market claim to be able to do. But the truth is that you may be wasting your money and risk doing more harm to your body than good.

Liver detox, cleanse or detox is a program aimed at eliminating toxins in the body, helping you lose weight or improve your health. Most liver cleansing products involve herbs, vitamins, supplements, or a combination of those.
The liver is one of the largest organs in the body. It helps eliminate waste and metabolize nutrients for the body. Most people think that cleansing will help their liver get rid of toxins after they drink too much alcohol or eat unhealthy foods. Others hope the liver detox will help their livers work better. Many people also believe that it will help treat liver diseases.

There are many medical treatments for liver problems, but there is no evidence that detox programs or liver supplements can correct liver damage. In fact, detoxifiers can harm your liver if not used properly. Studies have found that liver damage caused by supplements and herbs is increasing.

A common problem today is the use of liver tonics, liver detoxifiers to prevent liver damage caused by drinking beer, alcohol, eating unhealthy foods, liver diseases such as hepatitis B, C, .. However, it should be understood that liver detoxification is a natural process, the body's task, not detoxification by any means. In order for the liver to function properly, the body must detox and rest well. Many people make the mistake when they see the body has abnormal signs such as heat in the body, pimples, ... immediately think of "hot liver" and buy liver tonics, cool the liver to drink, most of the time. Most of these drugs are of herbal origin, so many people think that natural herbs are harmless.

However, any medicine, even a tonic, when taken in the wrong way can be harmful to health. If we load more and more excess substances such as body detoxifiers, supplement energy in various forms, unknown origin or apply oral remedies... the more liver has to work continuously. continuously to convert to beneficial substances, to break down into non-toxic substances.
For people with liver disease, weak liver function, the use of drugs and preparations to support liver function need to be consulted by a specialist, do not self-medicate.

4.1 Liver antidote to help limit damage caused by alcohol and harmful foods? There isn't any scientific evidence that a liver detox helps remove toxins from the body or makes you healthier. You may feel better on a detox diet simply because you don't eat processed or greasy foods. These foods are high in calories but low in nutrition. Detox diets can also cut out foods to which you may be allergic or sensitive, like dairy, gluten, eggs, or peanuts.
Your liver can only process a certain amount of alcohol at once. The liver has to work harder when you drink too much alcohol. Over time, this can lead to inflammation, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. Therefore, limiting the use of beer and alcohol is the best way to protect your liver.
4.2 Liver detox protects you from liver diseases? Your overall health and genes affect your liver function. So does your diet, lifestyle and environment. Liver antidotes do not treat damage or prevent disease. The two biggest risk factors for liver disease are excessive alcohol consumption and a family history of liver disease.
Lifestyle changes can help keep your liver healthy without the need for detox therapies.
Limit alcohol use. Build a balanced daily diet. Eat plenty of fruit along with fiber from vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Make sure to add protein to the enzymes that help your body detox naturally. Maintain a reasonable weight. Exercise daily Reduce the risk of viral hepatitis: get vaccinated against hepatitis, don't share razors, toothbrushes or other household items, don't have sex Protect with people you don't know.

4.3 Can a Liver Detox Repair Any Existing Liver Damage? There is currently no evidence that liver antidotes can treat existing liver damage. If you have damage to your skin or other organs in your body that will result in scarring, but the liver is a special organ because it can regenerate damaged tissue by regenerating new cells. But the regeneration process takes time. If you continue to damage your liver from taking medications, drinking too much alcohol, or a poor diet, this can prevent the regeneration process, which can eventually lead to irreversible scarring of the liver. When it reaches a more severe level, it is called cirrhosis.
To summarize, there are many liver tonic and liver detox products on the market today, but most of the advertised benefits of the products are not based on clinical or factual evidence. Since your liver has the ability to detox on its own, there is no need for any form of liver cleansing or detoxification and in fact can do more harm than good. Instead, focus on keeping your liver healthy by exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol intake. If you're concerned about your health and want to take liver supplements, it's best to see your doctor for advice on what you can do to safely promote liver health.

References: healthline.com, webmd.com