Are You in Need of a Seasonal Liver Detox?

“Every season is one of becoming, but not always one of blooming. Be gracious with your ever-evolving self.” — B. Oakman

Why do we recommend a seasonal liver detox? 

On one hand, the body’s liver detoxes itself pretty well every day. On the other, everyone could probably give their liver a little more love. Particularly given the harsh, toxic world we live in, an occasional detox -- conducted with positive intention and carried out for a limited time with care -- can help support your liver to conduct its job properly.  Ingredients like milk thistle have been shown to support liver function as have cruciferous vegetables, sulphur-rich foods and antioxidants. 

Isn’t the word “detox” controversial?

There is definitely some controversy about the word “detox” in certain circles. Particularly when detox is associated with moralizing food, it can cause shame or trigger unhealthy cycles of eating. Some detoxes can encourage less than healthy behaviors and mindsets, so let’s be clear that we’re not advocating for that kind of a detox. 

While cleanses and detoxes may be seen as trendy, our feeling is that some intentional rest periods are extremely needed by our bodies. After a period of time sampling some of the highly processed and chemical-laden foods that exist all around us, we enjoy a pause and a reset. 

Let’s face it, we live in a pretty toxic, industrialized world. Even if you are eating clean and not drinking alcohol, there are a host of environmental pollutants permeating everything around us. We’re thinking about CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), lead, methane, mercury, particulates (like pollen, dust, and soot), PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyl), nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide, just to name a few.  

Additionally, emotional stress places a fair amount of strain on the body. This shows up in how effectively your body is able to process the toxins it naturally creates as well as what it contacts in your environment. So as you can see, it’s easy to get overloaded, even when you do live a healthy lifestyle.

How often should I detox my liver? 

Liver detox is about doing what is right for you and your own body. Basically, the frequency of your liver detoxes will depend on who you are and how you are living. For every person inhabiting planet earth, we recommend at least an occasional detox to flush out certain substances and fats that may otherwise be building up in the liver. 

We find a seasonal liver detox to be quite useful as part of a healthy routine over time. A seasonal approach provides an opportunity to focus on what you eat and drink, to reset along with the changes in nature. This approach to monitoring and supporting your metabolism can contribute to a healthy weight as well as detoxification, if approached with a balanced, open mindset. Our clients typically take Thrine as part of their seasonal liver detoxes every fall, winter, spring, and summer. 

Other, more frequent detox patterns may work as well. For example, some of our clients choose to take a supplement (such as Thrine) one week of the month to hone in on the liver and flush out any excess toxins or fatty acids. 

You may prefer to detox whenever you’re starting to feel like you haven't been treating your body right. So, for example, if you’ve been drinking with friends, you can take it the next morning. Many people feel it’s good to have Thrine on hand in case you overdo it--whether that’s an extra-rich meal with friends or any time you get a little carried away drinking. 

Ultimately, as we’ve indicated, the frequency of a liver detox will depend on the person. It is, in a way, a form of biohacking. So there is some experimentation involved. Find what works for you. 

So, what should I eat on a liver detox? 

Even on a liver detox, there's no need to go hungry. You can still enjoy eating organic veggies, sulphur-rich foods, and foods high in antioxidants. 

Still, we advocate taking it easy. Look to eat foods in forms close to how you’d find them on the farm. Avoid anything fried or full of added sugars and fats during the time of the cleanse. 

Here's a great list of health-promoting foods to try while on a liver detox: 

• arugula
• asparagus 
• avocado
• beans
• beets
• berries
• broccoli
• Bok Choy
• Brussels sprouts 
• cauliflower 
• cabbage
• cilantro
• daikon
• grapes
• garlic
• kale
• kohlrabi
• onions
• pomegranate 
• radish
• watercress
• walnuts

What should I drink on a liver detox? 

In terms of what to drink during your seasonal liver detox, it’s obviously good to avoid alcohol during this period, as well as any sugary or chemical-laden beverages. 

You’ll want to stay hydrated with plenty of water. Green tea is also a great choice, as it is full of antioxidants. We also recommend hot or cold Kasvi drinks.  

What else do I need to know?

While you likely won’t “feel” anything different about your internal organs during a liver detox (and trust us, that’s a good thing), you can rest assured that you’re taking informed steps toward your optimal health and well-being. Eating and drinking with a concentrated focus on what’s best for your health brings clarifying benefits not just to your physical health, but to your outlook as well. 

So as you can see, we’re basically advocating that you take time-tested steps toward a healthy and vibrant Almeda lifestyle. Eating whole foods and giving your body an occasional break, especially given the environment we live in, just makes good sense. 

We want you to go beyond the health you need to survive into a state of full vitality. You deserve to live well and be supported on your wellness journey. 

If you think you might have a problem with your liver or are concerned about complications from a condition, please speak with your healthcare provider.

“Gratitude for the turning of the seasons. May we attune our hearts to their enduring message of renewal.” — Kristin Granger