The liver is a major organ for the proper functioning of the human body. In particular, it plays a key role in the digestive system and the elimination of toxins. However, when it is overused, it becomes “clogged“. Its functioning can then be altered, which can lead to various disorders…
A detox cure is then often recommended to relieve emunctories. It is also known to have a slimming effect! But what is it really?
The liver, a vital organ with multiple functions
Located under the diaphragm on the right side, this gland weighs between 1.4 and 1.6 kg and measures approximately 10 cm. It is supplied by two sources: on the one hand by the blood coming from the heart and on the other hand, by that coming from the intestines. It then distributes the blood in turn throughout the body through the hepatic veins.
The liver performs different tasks. First of all, it performs a detoxification function. In this sense, it recovers and facilitates the elimination of toxins. It helps to filter the blood.
The liver also secretes bile which is a liquid containing bile salts, which is then stored in the gallbladder. It participates in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. It is at the center of the formation of glycogen corresponding to the reserve of sugars available to meet the needs of the organism.
In addition, this organ produces substances that are essential for blood coagulation. It also stores fat-soluble vitamins (D, A, K and vitamin E).
Finally, our liver is involved in our immune system since it helps to inhibit pathogens such as bacteria and viruses that manage to cross the intestinal barrier.
Toxins, where do they come from?
One of the main functions of the liver is therefore to eliminate toxins which are either endogenous or exogenous in nature. Indeed, our own metabolism produces so-called endogenous waste. This can correspond to used red blood cells and white blood cells, waste products from digestion…
But the liver also acts on exogenous waste. These compounds include heavy metals (mercury, lead, cadmium,…), dioxins, pollutants in the environment, pesticides… but also alcohol, tobacco, drugs and medicines. The liver thus has an anti-toxic function allowing it to neutralize these toxic substances (xenobiotics).
What happens when there is an overload of toxins?
The liver is naturally capable of detoxifying the body. However, with our current lifestyle and an unbalanced diet, the liver can quickly become too clogged with toxic residues slowing down liver functions.
An excess of toxins causes digestive disorders such as bloating or poor intestinal transit, loss of appetite, a bad appearance with sometimes skin problems and a lack of vitality.
It is therefore important to avoid the accumulation of toxins to stay fit and healthy. A detox cure is therefore recommended from time to time. It stimulates the liver and eliminates waste.
Does cleansing your liver make you lose weight?
Overweight and obesity are the consequences of overeating or an unbalanced diet with, in parallel, a lack of physical activity. However, when we eat more than what our body needs, the body stores food. The liver then turns them into fat. The toxins accumulate leading to liver problems in the form of constipation, impaired urination and obstructed gallbladder.
As part of a slimming diet, it is often advisable to do a detox cure beforehand to cleanse your liver and avoid all these inconveniences. In fact, the goal of a cure is not to lose weight but to purge your liver of toxins accumulated in the body. This maximizes your chances of losing weight when your liver is healthy and functioning normally.
Indeed, undertaking a detoxification can increase the effectiveness of your diet. It facilitates the digestion of fats because the gallbladder produces enzymes that are involved in the metabolism of lipids.
However, it should be noted that a detox diet practiced for several weeks, in particular based on vegetables, fruits and herbal teas, actually leads to weight loss. However, the pounds lost correspond to a loss of water and, depending on the duration of the diet, to a decrease in muscle mass due to insufficient protein intake.
Drainage, a key step in losing weight
Detox cures are therefore a real ally before starting a slimming diet. They help to have better results in your hunt for pounds. It is preferable to go through this stage and to initially stimulate the hepatic functions but also the renal functions in order to facilitate the slimming.
Indeed, a drained liver contributes to success in the fight against your superfluous kilos. First, draining your liver helps you “deflate” certain areas of your body, especially your lower body (ankles, calves, legs). You thus fight against the phenomenon of water retention and eliminate the excess water retained in your tissues. A well-drained body is much more aesthetic and gives you both a more beautiful line but also a more beautiful appearance of your skin.
Similarly, drainage is an essential step for better elimination of toxins. It promotes the evacuation of various toxins and other toxic waste produced and accumulated in the body.
In summary, a body free of toxins is more likely to respond to your weight loss efforts than a body overloaded with waste! But you will understand, it is not enough to practice a detox cure alone to lose fat. It is essential to change your eating habits and play sports at the same time for optimal results.
How to do a detox cure?
Some foods promote liver cleansing such as black radish, salad, endive, artichoke, dandelion, avocado, cucumber, fennel, rosemary, green vegetables, celery, parsley, basil, beetroot, crucifers especially sulfur-rich broccoli.
Moreover, some of these health foods are also used in herbal medicine (food supplements) for their draining effect. They promote the elimination of water and toxins in the urine by stimulating the action of the kidneys.
Some fruits are also beneficial for better liver health, such as apples, thanks to the presence of pectin. A cure of grapes rich in antioxidants or a cure of lemon also stimulates the elimination of waste.
Our advice for an optimal detox
- Change your eating habits with a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle (do not smoke, avoid alcohol, fast sugars and foods that are too rich in fat).
- Avoid eating too rich a meal, especially in the evening
- Eat more foods rich in probiotics and prebiotics to maintain the balance of the intestinal flora
- Proper hydration is essential. You should drink a lot of liquids in different forms: mineral water, herbal teas, infusions, tea, vegetable juice (carrot juice, etc.), fruit juice such as lemon or grapefruit juice. Similarly, birch juice (birch sap, etc.) or green tea, rich in antioxidants, facilitates drainage.
- Reduce your salt (sodium) intake
- Practice regular physical activity to accentuate the phenomenon of perspiration and the evacuation of toxins through the pores of the skin. It is therefore advisable to walk 30 minutes every day or to swim in the pool.
- Avoid stress because it generates additional waste production
Detox recipe ideas to cleanse your liver
DETOX DRINK
Ingredients :
- 1 lime
- 12 basil leaves
- 8 strawberries
In 1 L of water, add the sliced lemon, basil and strawberries. Then mash the ingredients with a fork to extract their juices. Store your drink in the refrigerator for about 8 hours to let it cool before tasting.
SALAD WITH BLACK RADISH
Ingredients :
- ½ black radish
- Green salad (lamb’s lettuce)
- Cress
- Celery branch
- 1 beet
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats
- 30g almonds
- 1 plain yogurt
- ½ lemon
- Parsley, salt, pepper, turmeric, 1 clove of garlic
In practice :
- Crush the almonds. Roast them with the rolled oats over low heat.
- Cut the apple into slices, the beetroot into cubes, the black radish into thin strips and the celery into small pieces.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the sauce by mixing the yoghurt with the minced garlic, lemon juice, turmeric, chopped parsley, salt and pepper.
- Arrange the leaves of lamb’s lettuce and watercress on your plates. Then add the mixed vegetables, almonds and oats on top and finally the sauce. To be enjoyed immediately.