Health
Why Liver Cleanses Aren’t Needed After 40
Health Points
- Clinical experts advise against liver cleanses and supplements for healthy adults.
- Some supplements can actually harm the liver, rather than help it.
- Balanced diet and regular movement best support lifelong liver health.
The liver works tirelessly to detoxify the body, process nutrients, and support overall wellness, requiring little outside assistance for optimal function.
Many popular liver cleanses and detox supplements lack scientific backing and can even put your health at risk, according to leading gastroenterologist Dr. Raymond Chung.
What Experts Recommend
“It’s only natural to think that being good to our bodies is to find things like supplements that ostensibly reduce the stress to our livers,” Dr. Chung explains, but he cautions against their use due to a lack of evidence and potential dangers.
Dietary supplements such as black cohosh, kava, and high-dose vitamin A have been linked to liver injury—sometimes with serious consequences.
Instead of relying on cleanses, focus on practical lifestyle adjustments. “The liver is a sturdy, hardy organ,” says Chung, with impressive regenerative abilities, especially when harmful substances are removed.
Chung recommends the Mediterranean diet, which features healthy fats, lean proteins, abundant produce, and whole grains to lower fat buildup in the liver and promote heart health.
Staying active and keeping alcohol intake moderate are also essential steps for protecting the liver through midlife and beyond.
Ready to care for your liver the right way? Prioritize nourishing food choices, movement, and mindful habits for lasting wellness.
