Detoxifying the liver by fasting and drinking excessive amounts of cool water from vegetables and herbs can overload the liver, leading to impaired function.
The liver performs many vital functions in the body, such as eliminating toxins, converting toxins into waste products, purifying the blood, and metabolizing nutrients and medications to provide protein for the body. However, the liver's detoxification capacity is limited. If the body is exposed to many harmful factors such as environmental pollution, contaminated food, alcohol, tobacco, and medications, it can damage the liver.
According to Dr. Doan Hoang Long, a specialist in Endoscopy and Endoscopic Surgery at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, when kupffer cells (macrophages found in the hepatic sinusoids) are overstimulated, they trigger immune responses, releasing harmful substances such as TNF-α, TGF-β, and Interleukin, which damage and destroy liver cells. This is the cause of fatty liver disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
Many people believe that liver detoxification helps improve skin complexion, cleanse the body, and achieve a slimmer figure, so they attempt to detoxify at home using methods such as extreme fasting, only drinking fruit juices, herbal remedies, and vegetables, or using bowel cleansing products.
However, according to Dr. Long, detoxifying the liver using these methods is not as effective as many people expect. Drinking too much herbal tea or fruit juice can easily lead to adverse effects, impacting overall health. These types of drinks only help to partially eliminate toxins through the kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymphatic system, and skin in the form of sweat. They may reduce pressure on the liver and stimulate metabolism, but they do not directly affect it, so they do not provide a noticeable detoxification effect and can easily damage the liver.
Drinking cool beverages only helps to eliminate toxins through the kidneys and intestines. (Image: Freepik)
These types of drinks often contain impurities and toxins that force the liver to work harder to metabolize them, putting a burden on the liver. Over time, this leads to a decline in the liver's detoxification function. Cool drinks have a diuretic effect; drinking too much causes the kidneys to excrete excessive amounts, easily leading to imbalances in bodily substances and fatigue.
The liver needs sufficient nutrients to maintain its effective blood filtering and detoxification functions. According to Dr. Long, detoxifying the liver by fasting and only drinking fruit juices (orange, lemon) increases the risk of stomach ulcers, nutritional imbalances, and weakened health. When nutrients are lacking, the liver has to use its energy reserves, constantly working overtime, impairing its function, and causing more toxins to accumulate. For the elderly, those with weak immune systems, kidney disease, diabetes, etc., improper detoxification can worsen their condition.
To lose weight and effectively eliminate toxins, Dr. Long recommends combining a healthy diet, reasonable exercise (150 minutes per week), and the use of scientifically proven liver detoxification products. A balanced intake of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals is essential. Prioritize foods rich in antioxidants such as green vegetables, fresh fruits, and nuts. Natural extracts like wasabi and S. marianum help control Kupffer cells, aiding in liver detoxification.
Those who drink cooling beverages should consult a doctor, use clean ingredients, and drink in the correct dosage, only 1-2 glasses per day, 2-3 times a week, and should not replace plain water with cooling beverages. People with risk factors for liver disease should have regular health checkups or follow their doctor's appointments.
Thao Nhi
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