There, I just said it. 

Detox diets are a major contemporary trend. They typically combine intermittent fasting, consumption of highly nutritious foods and hydration to give the liver a “break” from its duties. These duties basically entail eradicating toxins from our bodies. 

In other words, detox diets are targeted interventions to our usual nourishment. While the practice of fasting intermittently along with increasing our intake of liquids and nutritious food can have multiple benefits, the science around detox diets is weak. 

Detox diets are based on the common belief that over the past century, there’s been a huge surge in our consumption of processed foods. As a result, our liver has gone into overdrive. And, therefore, we must provide it with some sort of relief in order to maintain its optimal functioning and prevent liver failure. 

However, if we look at what people around the world eat and compare it to the prevalence of liver disease, we see a sharp contrast. For instance, the Italian diet has consisted of high-fat dairy products and processed carbohydrates for centuries, but Italy ranks at number 171 globally in terms of liver disease. And then there’s Egypt which has the highest rates of liver failure despite the light Mediterranean diet they consume.
 

I mean why would you cleanse a self-cleaning organ? Because that is exactly what a liver is! There is very little research to indicate that repetitive external interventions are necessary to maintain their optimal functioning. 

However, there’s no harm with self-care. Just don’t stress thinking now there’s something else you need to do, something else you need to avoid. It should be a natural process and a part of your routine to help your body (liver particularly) function at its best. 

Our liver needs antioxidants in order to stay healthy. So why not opt for foods that are rich in antioxidants? Here’s a list of some liver-friendly foods that are easily available for you to incorporate in your daily diet:
 

Grapefruit: This fruit contains naringenin and naringin, two antioxidants that naturally protect liver health. They reduce inflammation and prevent the accumulation of unnecessary fat (which the liver is then required to break down). They also facilitate the breakdown of compounds found in alcohol. 
 

Tea And Coffee: Coffee contains the antioxidant glutathione, which prevents liver cell damage. It can also considerably break down fat by boosting the metabolic rate due to caffeine. 

Tea also works in a similar fashion: green tea is rich in antioxidants, which catalyse the enzymes that help the liver break down fat and prevent fat deposits too; black tea works likewise.
 

Berries: Berries, particularly blueberries, raspberries and cranberries contain polyphenols, a kind of antioxidant that help prevent liver cell damage. 
 

Grapes: Grapes contain resveratrol, which protects the liver against damage from chemicals and alcohol. Therefore, this fruit considerably reverses any impact that processed foods might have had. 
 

Nuts: Nuts contain healthy fats and the antioxidant Vitamin E. They boost liver functioning by reducing the liver’s resistance to insulin. If not treated, resistance to insulin could cause diabetes, heart disease and weight gain due to fat build up. It essentially combats fatty liver disease.
 

Beetroot: Beetroots contain high quantities of betalains, which facilitate the liver with detoxification. They also help against inflammation and prevent oxidative stress.
 

Broccoli: Broccoli has all of the benefits mentioned above (combating fatty liver disease, reducing oxidative stress and preventing liver cell damage) and it also increases the levels of liver enzymes. This supports the liver with executing its duties. 
 

So, while a targeted intervention might have benefits, mindfully consuming healthful foods is more effective in maintaining optimal liver functioning without subscribing to any external diets.