Full Liver Cleanse
We have finally reached the last leg of our Detoxification Journey! We have covered much ground with research, advice and top tips for how to detox our environment, our water, our air, our sleep and exercise, our clothes and skincare, our emotions, and our nutrition.
We have also looked at how to support our liver as we detox. Now we have reached the final stage of our journey: the full liver cleanse. If you remember our metaphor of the dirty sink, you will remember how important it is to ‘turn off the tap’ before you try to unblock the drains. If you can imagine a sink full of dirty water that is clogging up the drain, the first thing you would want to do is turn off the tap before you try to unclog the drain with a plunger.
Having followed along with this detoxification series, you will have turned off the tap that is letting more toxins into the dirty sink and you will now be ready to unclog the drain with a full liver cleanse!
Part One: Bowel Cleanse
We will take this slowly and our first step will be a bowel cleanse first! My recommendation is to do a bowel cleanse first, then wait a few weeks before doing a full liver cleanse.
A bowel cleanse helps with eliminating waste and toxic substances as well as preventing congestion of the bowel or colon. A build up of toxins can be re-absorbed into the body if waste is not removed immediately or if you become constipated.
Some people do regular bowel cleanses to boost their metabolism or to keep bowel movements regular. They are easy to do but keep an eye on any side effects such as headaches or nausea which may be an indication of a toxic overload. Drinking plenty of water and getting plenty of rest can help shed the toxins that are released through a bowel cleanse.
I recommend you start with a five-day bowel cleanse by Herbs Hands Healing:
A short cleanse or detox is usually very safe for anybody to try. Choose a day when you have to do little or no work both on that day and the next – Fridays or Saturdays are ideal…The mind has a chance to rest and relax, as well as the body, and the detoxification makes eating afterwards all the more pleasurable![1]
Please contact me if you would like to do the bowel cleanse and I can guide you through it.
Parasites
A bowel-cleanse is also a fantastic way to get rid of parasites. Many people are shocked to discover that almost everyone has parasites! If you have travelled overseas or if you have pets, you very likely have parasites. Furthermore, parasites are often responsible for many more health problems and chronic illness than we realise, as well as contributing to toxic overload in our bodies. Garlic, thyme, black walnut and wormwood are all great herbs to use in a cleanse to target parasites. You might find this video useful.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is when the upper part of the gut becomes overpopulated by intruding bacteria, often from the lower part or large intestine. SIBO disrupts both the breaking down and the absorption of food from the digestive tract – and this in turn appears to provoke inflammation in the body. SIBO may also cause digestive problems more generally, by affecting the shape and function of the gut, as well as putting pressure on liver function. It can often be triggered by food poisoning, stress, antibiotics, and tummy bugs. SIBO damages the walls of the small intestine leading to malabsorption including bile acid malabsorption (BAM) and increased food sensitivities. You can read more about testing for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) here.
‘Healing Crisis’
If at any point you experience a ‘healing crisis’ you may feel as if you are getting sicker rather than getting better. A ‘healing crisis’ can be anything from an achy feeling or a headache to a flare-up of existing chronic illnesses. Don’t be concerned, as this is often part of the larger healing journey and a sign that you need to take things a little bit slower, and may need more time to build and heal during the detoxification process. You will find that your body will respond better to detoxification in smaller, less strenuous amounts.
Part Two: Full Liver Cleanse
Preparing for the Liver Cleanse
It is a good idea to complete my Ten-Day Detox Programme before doing a full liver cleanse. As well, try to increase your intake of the following foods before your liver cleanse: kale, cabbage, lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, citrus fruits, asparagus, beetroot, and celery. Drinks that support your body before and during a liver cleanse can include cranberry juice with orange juice and lemon juice, with added nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon. You can also add apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper to warm water and drink that during the day!
Liver Cleanse Recipe
- 250ml organic cartooned or bottled apple juice
- 250ml filtered water
- 1 whole organic / unwaxed lemon (peeled leaving pith)
- 1 tablespoon organic virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- A chunk of fresh ginger root about the size of your little toe
Blend all the ingredients and drink on an empty stomach in the morning as soon as it is made. Do not eat for at least 30 minutes after the liver flush, instead drink a ‘detox tea’ made with ginger or peppermint.
You can gradually increase the strength of the liver flush each day by adding one clove of garlic and one tablespoon of olive oil, up to a maximum of four cloves of garlic and four tablespoons of olive oil. Maintain this level until you have finished the flush.
Warning!
A liver cleanse can be intense and will require more professional assistance if any of the following apply to you:
- If you are under 16 years of age
- If you have glandular fever or post-viral fatigue or immune disorders
- If you are frail or diabetic
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Remember, a liver cleanse requires a strong physical state in order to be productive and safe. You may experience side effects or a ‘healing crisis’ which may feel as if you are getting sicker rather than getting better. This can be anything from aches and pains and headaches to a flare-up of existing chronic illnesses. This is often part of the larger healing journey or a sign that you need to take more time to build strength and heal during the detoxification process. It is always best to proceed slowly and to take small, manageable steps forward!
With every blessing,
Emma
Emma Maitland-Carew – Registered Nutritional Therapist
Dip.ION, mBANT, CHNC Registered Practitioner, ILM Accredited Wellbeing Coach
Certified Live and Dried Blood Analysis, Metabolic Balance® Coach, HeartMath Coach, Accredited Wellbeing Coach
[1] https://shop.herbs-hands-healing.co.uk/detox/one-five-day-cleanses
