Your hard-working liver detoxes many dangerous substances in order to protect your health, so the least you can do is return the favor by detoxing it on a regular basis. It’s the second largest organ in the body after the skin, and performs an amazing array of functions, including metabolizing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins; manufacturing bile, a digestive enzyme that removes impurities and toxins from the blood; helping the blood clot when it needs to; and eliminating worn-out red blood cells.

The liver has a wonderful ability to regenerate itself to a limited extent after it has been injured or diseased, as happens in hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcohol and drug abuse and poisoning. There are many other toxins that put extreme pressure on the liver to perform. These include heavy metals, pharmaceutical hormones, over-the-counter and prescription medications, and synthetic food additives; and the pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers in conventionally grown plant-based foods, as well as the antibiotics, hormones and other toxins in factory-farmed animals. But don’t despair. You can help your liver remain the efficient, indispensable organ that it has evolved to be through a nutritious diet and herbal supplementation.

Here are just a few of the symptoms that may indicate your liver is in need of detoxing:

• Skin problems such as acne, blemishes, hives, bruises, wounds that don’t heal
• Dark circles under eyes; yellow in whites of eyes; red, swollen, teary eyes
• Bad breath or body odor
• Gas, bloating, nausea or acid reflux
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Hemorrhoids or varicose veins
• Food or chemical allergies
• Difficulty losing or gaining weight
• Frequent colds
• Muscle or joint pain
• Fatigue
• Fluid retention
• Depression or anger
• Hormonal or blood sugar imbalances
• Headaches

Specific foods that promote liver health include fresh apples, which can also be used in fasting to cleanse the entire body as well as the liver. Fresh beet juice is another effective liver cleanser. Asparagus stimulates the liver and increases liquid flow from the body. Artichokes help purify the liver. Parsley is not only a diuretic and antioxidant, but also contains phytonutrients to support liver health. Broccoli, sprouts and cabbage all increase glutathione levels, , which helps the liver rid the body of toxins. Celery, dandelions (especially the young leaves) and prunes are other foods that promote liver health. Raw leafy greens are antioxidants and digestive cleansers. Garlic is indispensable for eliminating toxins. Watercress helps purify the blood and expel wastes. The leaves and roots of chicory are stimulating to the liver. Barley or rice water serve as great liver tonics, as does lemon juice mixed in water, which promotes good bile function. Try to stick to organic foods, cut down on meat, which puts more pressure on the liver, and don’t forget to include lots of fluids and vitamin C in your diet.

Some foods to avoid for better liver health are transfats and any excessive dietary fats; refined sugar; artificial sweeteners; refined carbs; gluten; processed soy foods (tofu and soy milk are OK); caffeine and alcohol.

Milk thistle is probably the best-known herb for detoxing the liver. It contains silymarin, a collective name for four different chemicals. What silymarin does is displace toxins that are trying to bind to the liver. It also causes the liver to regenerate more quickly. Other functions of silymarin are scavenging free radicals and stabilizing liver cell membranes. Silymarin is an antioxidant that increases glutathione levels. It also stimulates the creation of new liver cells to replace the damaged ones. Milk thistle can be bought in capsule, tincture or plant form, and is best used when the liver is under particular stress, not on a daily basis.

Herbs that can be consumed in the form of liver-detoxing teas include centaury, peppermint, rosemary, dandelion, barberry, goldenseal, vervain, wild yam, blue flag, verbena, and yellow dock. Drink one or more of them daily to help maintain liver health.

Burdock leaf packs along with castor oil packs or peppermint/cinnamon packs are excellent for healing and detoxing the liver. One of the best liver cleansers available is a pure coffee enema (coffee is better for the liver in this form than as a beverage).

If your liver is inflamed, aromatherapists recommend a blend of chamomile, cypress, grapefruit, juniper, lemon and orange in oil massaged over the abdomen.

There are also detox regimens that you can try from time to time to give your overtaxed liver a chance to rest. One good choice is the Fast Tract Liver Detox Diet by nutritionist and author Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS. It takes about ten days and includes a one-day juice fast.

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