How can you tell when something’s wrong with your body?
Often, your digestive system will alert you with bloating or discomfort, your lungs may leave you short of breath or dizzy, and your heart might cause pain or begin to beat irregularly.
But what about the organs you rarely notice—like your liver or kidneys? These vital parts typically don’t cause symptoms until they’re already seriously damaged or diseased.
Just because you can’t feel them doesn’t mean you should ignore them. Take the liver, for instance. This incredible organ is responsible for far more than detoxifying your body. It also stores sugar and nutrients, processes hormones, breaks down insulin and hemoglobin, transforms ammonia into urea, supports metabolism, and helps eliminate aging red blood cells.
How to Support Your Liver
Because the liver filters everything that enters your body, the best way to care for it is by eating a clean, nutrient-rich diet. That means focusing on organic, whole foods with fiber and cutting down on processed options.
Consistency is key—regular meals help keep your liver functioning optimally. Try to limit alcohol and sugary foods, and steer clear of overusing medications, especially over-the-counter drugs, which can burden your liver.
If you feel like your liver needs a reset, try this easy homemade tonic designed to refresh and support liver function.
Liver-Friendly Detox Drink
Ingredients:
- A handful of fresh mint leaves
- ½ to 1 cup organic orange juice with pulp
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice + 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 liter filtered water
- Raw honey (as desired)
Directions:
Boil the mint leaves in water for five minutes, then add the lemon zest. Let it cool before stirring in the orange juice, lemon juice, and honey. Mix well and drink throughout the day.
Here’s how the ingredients help
Oranges are rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and supports immune health. The pulp also helps absorb and eliminate bile, which carries the toxins filtered by the liver.
Lemons are well-known for their detoxifying properties. They’re high in citrate, a compound that helps neutralize toxins and boosts the liver’s natural cleansing process. Studies from the Netherlands also suggest lemon peel compounds may help lower cholesterol and blood sugar—both linked to fatty liver disease.
In addition, a study published in BMC Pharmacology found that hesperidin, a citrus bioflavonoid found in lemons, can protect the liver from damage.
Mint contains small amounts of phytoestrogens, which have been shown to inhibit the replication of viral RNA, such as the hepatitis C virus. While large amounts of phytoestrogens can be harmful, the modest amount in mint and similar herbs offers antiviral benefits without the risks.