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Digestive Health
Question #11997
45 days ago
96

Liver detox - #11997

Ira

I am really worried about my health lately. A few weeks back, I started feeling super sluggish and bloated, and my friend suggested maybe I should consider a liver detox since I’ve been eating super unhealthy. I’ve heard some stuff about liver detox, but honestly, I didn’t think it was this serious. My energy levels are really low, and sometimes my skin feels kind of weird – like itchy or something. After looking into it, I'm thinking maybe I should at least try some form of liver detox, but I'm not sure what to do. My cousin did some cleanse where they only drank juice for a week, but I’m not sure I could handle that. I’m eating a lot of fast food, and I feel like I kinda need a reset, you know? I did some blood work (signs of possible liver issues?) and doc said my liver function tests came back normal but I still feel off. Would a liver detox even help if my tests are normal? Do I actually need to alter my diet drastically, or are there gentler ways to do a liver detox that won’t make me feel terrible? I’m just confused and looking for some real advice from doctors who've seen this kind of stuff.

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Doctors’ responses

Liver detoxes, particularly those involving extreme fasting or juice-only diets, aren’t supported by strong scientific evidence. The liver itself is an efficient, natural detox system, so when functioning well, it doesn’t require artificial detoxification. Given that your liver function tests came back normal, it sounds like your liver is working correctly. The symptoms you’re experiencing might instead be linked to your dietary habits and lifestyle. If you’re consuming a lot of fast food, you could be experiencing effects from high amounts of fats, sugars, and sodium, which can make you feel sluggish and bloated. Instead of doing a detox, consider making gradual dietary changes. Start by incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your meals. Foods like dark leafy greens, beets, and berries can be particularly beneficial. They supply essential nutrients that support overall health without drastic measures. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can also help improve how you feel day-to-day. If you’re not already getting regular exercise, even a moderate amount can help boost your energy levels. Addressing the itchy skin, ensure you are not missing out on essential nutrients by maintaining a balanced diet or considering a vitamin supplement if your diet isn’t sufficient. Sometimes stress or lack of sleep can also contribute to the symptoms you described, so paying attention to rest and relaxation techniques might offer relief as well. It’s good to monitor if these adjustments help; if not or if symptoms worsen, follow-up with your doctor to reassess and prioritize individualized care. They could consider other potential causes behind your symptoms and ensure a comprehensive approach.

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