Comments on: Detox Your Liver: A 6-Step Liver Cleanse

By: Rhonda

Rhonda — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 14:34:21 +0000

Thank you for all your information you provide. I have been trying to get well for 5 years now, and I have taken out all processed foods for 5+ years now, used probiotics ( just started yours 2 months ago), incorporate coconut oil, eat as much organic as I can, my area does not provide grass fed meat of any kind so I do the best I can with that, I make my own chicken bone broth, eat fermented foods. My question is I still cannot tolerate any natural sweetener without my joints hurting and any time I add quinoa, oatmeal, sprouted bread my body swells up and I put on weight after eating it for a week. so I didn’t know if I should try the liver cleanse, or the GAPS diet? Which would benefit me more? I also just recently had a reaction with allergies where I have raw, swollen eye lids so bad I couldn’t go to work. I have never had that before so I am wondering if I am toxic?

By: Lesia

Lesia — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 13:46:33 +0000

Hi Dr. Axe,
I recently did a liver detox with vegetable juices from your recipes and then on the last day I was sipping throughout the day the liver detox drink ( with cranberries, spices, oranges and lemons) and the next day I noticed a lot of red spots appeared on my face. I don’t have any food allergies and was wondering whether it was the reaction to my liver being detoxified. I know sometimes people will have skin reactions when they detox their liver. It’s been two weeks now, but the red spots are still there and have started itching now. Would you have any recommendations ? Thank you!

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 22:44:24 +0000

In reply to Vanessa. Yes, they can. I would start with doing them for a week and see how the body does

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 22:31:38 +0000

In reply to Kevin Francis.

I think the GAPS diet may be beneficial for you to do:
https://draxe.com/nutrition/gaps-diet-plan-protocol/
https://draxe.com/nutrition/gaps-diet-plan-protocol/

By: Rebecca Huff

Rebecca Huff — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 11:24:54 +0000

So I’m going to try this. You’re saying
1. “eat kale, cabbage, lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, citrus fruits, asparagus, beets and celery. Avoid any processed foods, and eat free-range organic meats, refined carbohydrates and gluten sparingly.” + apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and water i.e. Secret Drink
2. Drink Dilute your cranberry juice with a ratio of 3 parts water, to 1 part cranberry juice.
Add 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon into a tea infuser and let steep in simmering water for 20 minutes.
3. Then steps 1-6 for the actual Liver Cleanse.

That’s basically 2 weeks 1 day. Am I understanding this correctly?

Thanks,
Rebecca

By: Vanessa

Vanessa — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 02:22:36 +0000

This is the most comprehensive and useful website I have ever seen! Thanks you Dr Axe from the bottom of my heart. My two questions are can someone who had a gallbladder removed still do coffee enemas? How long should you do them for (month?), I feel nauseous lately and I think it has to do with the enemas as toxins get released, I added ginger and lemon water and that seems to help a lot.

By: Coco

Coco — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 21:06:30 +0000

Is there no concern over the high amounts of fructose present in fruit juice that have to be processed by the liver? Curious to hear why these are included. Thanks!

By: Kevin Francis

Kevin Francis — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 03:07:13 +0000

Doc, I’ve been sick for nearly 8 years and can only now start to get some guidance. First off thank you for the information. I recently went to a local doc who diagnosed me with leaky gut. Only problem he doesn’t take insurance. He recommends a allergen test with DNA, then a specific detox and specialized DNA mapped enzymes to repopulate the gut.that part $2000. I had c diff and cryptosporidium and was very sick in 2007. I have a history of over antibiotic use , drug use steroid use and am a recovering alcoholic for which culminated in a DUI manslaughter and subsequent 7 years of prison with an awful diet. In short i was so sick i we suicidal for almost my whole time away.I can’t eat sugar grains starches sweeteners., I eat only giant salads with fish maceral or salmon chicken turkey steak etc.I only eat veggies and I’m very restricted. My skin’s like a hard shell I get canidasis Horrible gas miserable joint pain debilitating fatigue, Rx sensitivities especially anything with magnesium or aprin like meds.muscle numbness weakness burning tongue sinus problems vision and am usually just miserable I’m spending most of my money on probiotics organic foods and candida supplements and vitamins. Whats my best approach? And do you refer to local docs who may be cheaper or who take insurance and don’t look at me stupid? Thanks for anything you can do Sincerely, Captain Kevin Francis

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 16:56:13 +0000

In reply to Dawn. It may be beneficial but everyone reacts differently

By: Dawn

Dawn — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 02:00:31 +0000

Hello Dr Axe.
I read & share pretty much ALL of your articles as you post them on facebook…mainly to save them for myself for later reference, but am happy when one of my friends or family members comment on the article & it benefits their current health concerns, so Thank you for ALL the information that you share with all of us every day.
I also would like to know if this Liver Cleanse will benefit someone with Hep C…???
My husband was diagnosed with Hep C approx. 30 yrs ago (10 yrs before I met him). He has never had any symptoms besides the initial Infection & illness, again, which I wasn’t around to witness. We were told by his Dr. 8 yrs ago that since my husband is Genotype 1, he can’t participate in the medical treatment because his body won’t respond to it…NO MATTER WHAT…!!! So, again, will this cleanse benefit his liver or will it speed up Hep C symptoms to surface…???
I/We would greatly appreciate any information & advice you can give us concerning this subject. & Again, Thank you so much for all the information you share.

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 15:50:40 +0000

In reply to Annette. Your body will still benefit!

By: Annette

Annette — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 00:19:15 +0000

Hi Dr. Axe. I am in the midst of doing the Secret Detox Drink but I do have a concern. There are 4 pills that I am on daily and they are Effexor (anxiety), Prilosec, Vitamin D (5,000), and Vitamin B12 (1,000). Will my body still benefit from doing your detox or is it pointless because of all the pills I take daily?
Thank You,
Annette

By: Ana

Ana — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 04:27:21 +0000

Is there a natural way to kill hepatitis c virus ?

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 15:12:39 +0000

In reply to ellen. I'll fix that. Thanks!

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 15:11:46 +0000

In reply to ellen. Yes, thank you!

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 20:52:51 +0000

In reply to Andrea. Yes, that works

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 20:52:19 +0000

In reply to gayle. I would consult with your physician

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 20:46:58 +0000

In reply to Miriam. Follow the bottle dosage recommendations

By: Tanya

Tanya — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 15:15:59 +0000

You list the following as risk factors fro impaired liver function, but you missed a step. Many are risk factors fro Hepatitis-C, which then impairs liver function. Thus, Blood transfusions prior to 1992, Tattoos or body piercings, Unprotected sex, and Intravenous drug use are these risk factors where you should mention Hep-C. All drug use can impair liver function, but IV drug use s a risk factor for Hep-C.

Below are some of the risk factors associated with impaired liver function. (3)
Low potassium levels. (4)
Heavy alcohol abuse.
Intravenous drug use.
Blood transfusions prior to 1992.
Exposure to certain industrial chemicals and environmental toxins.
Unprotected sex.
Obesity, and a diet high in saturated fats, and processed foods.
Tattoos or body piercings.
High levels of triglycerides in blood.
Prescription medications including acetaminophen.
Viral infections.
Autoimmune diseases.

By: ellen

ellen — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 22:25:45 +0000

One more potential typo: on the liver nutrition chart… should the last entry be ‘Vitamin B12’ instead of ‘V12’ ? Thanks!

By: ellen

ellen — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 22:22:56 +0000

In the second paragraph of the ‘coffee enema’ section it looks like there is a partial sentence: “This sparks the production of the chemical glutathione, a strong cleansing compound that helps to release the build up of toxins in your system. Eliminating the toxins during a liver ” should there be something after that????

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 02:31:26 +0000

In reply to robyn. That is why I recommend sprouting beans, seeds and grains before consuming.

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 02:24:31 +0000

In reply to Theresa. It's 1 of each

By: robyn

robyn — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 18:22:04 +0000

What do you say/what is your opinion about all the hype about staying away from beans because of phytic acid and grains (i.e. wheat belly and grain brain)? these new diets out there and people like me who are supposed to be on low carb diet?

By: lily longflower

lily longflower — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 17:42:28 +0000

it’s a misconception that the liver needs cleansing though it’s a good marketing tool. liver function may diminish due to the factors mentioned, poor nutrition, etc. but it doesn’t get dirty and need cleansing. nourishing the liver instead supports phase i and ii processes that keep the liver functioning at optimal levels.

By: Maureen

Maureen — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 17:23:48 +0000

THANK YOU DR. AXE! You are the best! I NEED this and am starting today! 8D

By: Maureen

Maureen — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 17:12:37 +0000

THANK YOU DR. AXE! You’re The Best! I NEED this, and starting it right after the new year, but really beginning today! 8D

By: Joyce S.

Joyce S. — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 16:57:40 +0000

What a great article this is on the 6-Step Liver-Cleanse. Of course, as a Certified Natural Health Professional, I already knew some of this information, but there were some GREAT reminders in there plus I love the convenience of the Liver Nutrition Chart for knowing how much of which Vitamins and Minerals are in each of the 4 foods listed.
However, Dr. Axe, I have a question about not spiking blood sugar with some of the recommended foods? Bananas and Oranges, for examples. Since I have acquired allergies to most all of the spices you recommend (nutmeg, cinnamon, etc.), I cannot use those to control my blood sugar while using these foods that are recommended in your pdf. Also, I was taught by Dr. Gary Young of Young Living Essential Oils to never put a banana in your smoothie, because during digestion, the banana will cause protein powders (even non-denatured whey protein smoothies) to ferment and rot in your gut. Gee, that’s a bummer, isn’t it? I used to love bananas in my smoothies! Also, the latest research on “whole grains” shows that they are extremely high glycemic foods, and people with a borderline or high A1C blood test should avoid even whole grains almost completely. A great exception is to eat quinoa (sprouted being best) in MODERATION.
We started following these guidelines for my husband with borderline A1C, and he brought it down to normal range within only 2-3 months! (See research by Dr. Perlmutter on how high A1C can also affect your brain and even lead to Alzheimer’s Disease.)
Other than those few comments, I would like to congratulate you on a fine pdf presentation on Liver Cleansing. My favorite trick is to drink Dandelion Root Tea by Traditional Medicinals. It tastes a bit like a very mild coffee. However, I put a little liquid Vanilla Stevia (Sweetleaf) in it, and it tastes AWESOME!! It helped me improve my LFT blood tests, too, after being injured by Cipro antibiotic! LFTs can become a real issue when you struggle with heavy metal poisoning, so I say Vanilla Dandelion Root Tea, here I come! BTW, my Botanical Medicine professor taught us that Dandelion Leaf is primarily used to work on the kidneys (but is still good for the liver). However, Dandelion ROOT has the most action on the LIVER (and is still good for kidneys). Many people do not know this important distinction.
My final question for you: You said if a person has high potassium in their kidneys, avoid eating many high potassium foods. Is there a test for high potassium in the kidneys, or what? I do not understand how a person can find out about that health issue??? Please reply to these questions, as I am anxious to hear what you have to say on these issues.

Thanks again very much, Dr. Axe!

Best always,

Joyce E. Stotts
Certified Natural Health Professional
& 2014 Graduate of the NorthEast
Institute of Botanical Medicine

By: Theresa

Theresa — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 14:51:41 +0000

In the above recipe, are the spices nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon combined amount or 1 tsp each? (One tsp of nutmeg alone seems like a lot!)
Thanks!

By: Lucila Sierra

Lucila Sierra — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 03:38:31 +0000

Dr. Axe, as always this is an excellent information and easy to apply. Thank you very much. God bless you.

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 02:40:57 +0000

In reply to sally.

This is a good one: http://amzn.to/1rVJfHA

By: Don N.

Don N. — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 02:24:59 +0000

Hi Doc,

I really like the fact your offering and providing good Natural health information for us out here without first asking for money up front. Very Nice thank you very much. Great young Doc not under the “regular” Doc teachings. Traveling from room to room every 5 minutes smoking the shoe soles—no reading of previous notes trying to be money magnets with the aditude if they die so what. Especially cancer doc’s that kill more people thank cancer does. My older brother had some cancer—I talked to the oncoligist, swear to God this man was colder than a tombstone in a Canada winter. Thanks for stepping out ahead of the rest. Your name helps also. “AXE”

By: Stacey

Stacey — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 01:20:03 +0000

So, in reading the article, the protocol is :
7 days of eating kale, cabbage, lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, citrus fruits, asparagus beets & celery including your Secret Detox Drinkk
then:
the Quick-Start 24 Hour cleanse, (not sure what that is???)
then:
a week following the 6 steps & including the cranberry juice drink & even maybe the beet juice drink that you gave the recipes for.

Is this correct? Please let me know because I want to do it but I want to make sure I am understanding correctly how yo go about it.
Thanks so much! (I am sure that my liver is in dire need of something like this!).

By: Trent

Trent — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 00:45:45 +0000

When nutrient levels are presented in foods like you’ve done here, how much of a difference does the subject of soil depletion play into the whole equation? When I look at the nutrients you’ve presented in the comparision of Beef, Liver, Carrots and Apple my understanding is the minerals will only be in the food if the minerals are in the soil. And that it’s almost impossible to really tell if the food has the posted nutrient level that we’re seeing. Beef liver, meat, etc.. coming from one state or country could contain a completely different nutrient profile. What is the answer to this? Just supplement with a quality multivitamin/mineral? Or is the soil depletion issue not as true as I though?
Thanks!

By: Jim

Jim — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 00:31:45 +0000

My sister has stage 4 cirrhosis. Will this detox be beneficial to her?

By: gayle

gayle — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 00:05:00 +0000

Can I do this liver cleanse, I just had gallbladder surgery October 21st 2014 and I still experience the same discomfort in my solar plexis?

By: ksenia

ksenia — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 23:42:18 +0000

Dr.Axe,thank you very much for such comprehensive overview of the liver cleanse. You are one of my favorite resourses for health. Always learn something new form you. I did not know that you can use coffee for an enemas, discovered last year from my hydrocolonic specialist. I am doing coffee enemas since few times a year – like the results – clear mind, beautiful skin and light body. Glad that you have mentioned it here.
I got your Natural Cure summit package. Thanks for all your work.
ksenia

By: Bogdan

Bogdan — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 23:12:13 +0000

Hello Dr. Axe,

You have mentioned in the section “risk factors associated with impaired liver function”
following

Obesity, and a diet high in saturated fats, and processed foods.

Coconut oil is mostly saturated fat and is being recommended as a healthy food helping with cholesterol and several other problems.
This sounds contradictory.

By: sally

sally — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 22:50:54 +0000

Where do you suggest buying an enema kit? online?

By: Kristen

Kristen — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 22:39:30 +0000

I also do a liver flush that involves drinking 32 oz of a 1/2 water 1/2 cranberry juice mix throughout the day for 5 days, on the 6th day I drink all 32 oz of the mix in the am and then after 1pm, no food and a series of epsom salt drinks to clear the colon (also a colonic on day 6 & 9 is needed to make sure the colon is clear) then at 10pm at night of day 6 I drink a mix of 1/2 cup olive oil with 2/3 cup mix of lemon and orange juice and warm castor oil pack over the liver for 30 minutes sitting down on couch. Emotional release with essential oils over liver trigger points also really helps. The next morning is a few more rounds of epsom salt drinks and lots of bile stones magically come out! I’ve done 4 or so now and never ceases to amaze me.

By: Andrea

Andrea — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 22:33:44 +0000

In the above detox recipe in #1 you say to mix 1 part cranberry juice to 3 parts water. Then in #2 you say to steep the herbs in water. Do you mean to steep them in the cranberry juice & water combo??? It is a little confusing. Thanks.

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 02:28:55 +0000

In reply to Teri. Use 4oz cranberry juice, 12 oz water

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 02:25:07 +0000

In reply to Norma. I would only do that drink for the 24 hours

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 03:58:17 +0000

In reply to Nancy Mullenbach.

I think incorporating burst training is one of the best options! Check these out:
https://draxe.com/health/lose-weight-fast/
https://draxe.com/fitness/burst-training/

By: Nancy Mullenbach

Nancy Mullenbach — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 18:51:36 +0000

What exercise work best for belly fat

By: Miriam

Miriam — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 10:27:00 +0000

Hi, how much of each supplement should an adult take?

By: Teri

Teri — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 01:04:25 +0000

You don’t say how much water to simmer the spices in. Would love to know!
“Add 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon into a tea infuser and let steep in simmering water for 20 minutes.”

By: Norma

Norma — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 16:36:23 +0000

Hi Dr,

Can we eat other foods or should we drink only this during 24 hours,

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 03:06:18 +0000

In reply to Dina. 1 tsp of each 4 oz cranberry juice, 12 oz water

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 02:55:00 +0000

In reply to Claudette. I have not seen any scientific research supporting this. I personally think different diets work better for different people but blood type is not the only factor when determining this