How to Naturally Detox Your Liver

As “natural” and holistic practices have increased in popularity, figuring out how to approach detoxification of the body hasn’t been left out of the equation. In fact, you can naturally detox your liver by understanding glutathione and how it works.

Glutathione (GSH) is the most essential antioxidant in the human body, as it has an integral role in detoxing our systems and helping to prevent disease. This naturally occurring antioxidant helps fight oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. When there are high levels of toxins in the body, it can quickly exhaust GSH; this imbalance between the production of or exposure to free radicals and neutralization by antioxidants like GSH can cause oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress not only quickens the aging process, but it can also be responsible for disease and sickness in virtually any part of the body. This can include:

• Neurodegenerative disorders 
• Pulmonary disease 
• Immune diseases (HIV, autoimmune disease)
• Cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, myocardial infarction, cholesterol oxidation)
• Chronic age-related diseases (cataracts, macular degeneration, hearing impairment, glaucoma)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Liver disease

The Liver & Glutathione

So how does the liver fit into all of this? The liver is the second-largest organ in the body with five major functions: filtration, digestion, metabolism and detoxification, protein synthesis, and storage of vitamins and minerals.

The liver is the body’s filter, and GSH plays a massive role in helping the liver detoxify. There is more glutathione in the liver than in any other part of the body; GSH is vital for liver health.

Blood that leaves the stomach and intestines passes through the liver where the blood is broken down, balanced and “cleaned up,” and the liver creates nutrients from the blood. The amazing part? The liver does this all on autopilot! This natural detoxification process eliminates poisons and toxins in the liver, lungs, intestines and kidneys.

The detoxification and metabolism that happens in the liver comprise two phases, and glutathione has a significant role in both:

• Phase 1: The liver breaks apart the harmful matter into small pieces. Free radicals generate, and GSH kicks into high gear to render those free radicals harmless. 
• Phase 2: The liver joins the pieces of harmful matter and prepares them for elimination. GSH plays a part in binding toxins, neutralizing them and disposing of them. 

Because of GSH’s prominent role in this detoxification system, it’s essential to build glutathione levels to aid and ensure detoxification runs smoothly. However, as we age, we have fewer GSH stores. Glutathione stores can also decrease due to poor nutrition and an overabundance of free radicals, such as environmental toxins and stress. The reduced ability may increase the toxic load and oxidative stress.

How to Strengthen the Liver With Glutathione

Courtesy of Nayan Patel

I’ve studied glutathione for nearly three decades and have developed two programs to increase glutathione stores that can significantly impact detoxification, liver health and overall health.

The first program is a 4-pronged approach:

1. Practice the 14-day glutathione eating plan by bolstering the diet with wholesome foods and nixing highly processed foods that stress the body, causing you to “use” more glutathione stores. This can help jumpstart GSH levels.
2. Add liver-nourishing foods and food extract supplements to your diet. This can include artichokes, dandelion greens and Brussels sprouts. 
3. Supplement your diet with glutathione. 
4. Unplug and reduce your exposure to technological devices. The EMF (electromagnetic fields) generate oxidative stress that depletes our glutathione stores.

The second program is a heavy detox, which is for those who have been exposed to heavy metals or something that has stressed their body with toxins. It involves a detox protocol with supportive supplements and additional methods such as cryotherapy and sauna. This program is outlined in my book, “The Glutathione Revolution,” as well. 

Glutathione is an amazing natural antioxidant and an integral component of liver health — and overall health and wellness. As studies have shown, increasing glutathione has been shown to improve those with liver issues, such as fatty liver disease. For optimal liver health, pay attention to how you are boosting and caring for your GSH levels!

About the Author

Nayan Patel is a sought-after pharmacist, health expert, industry thought leader and author of “The Glutathione Revolution.” Since 1999, he has been collaborating with physicians to develop customized medication for their clients and design patient-specific drug and nutrition programs. He has been the pharmacist of choice of celebrities, CEOs and physicians themselves.