Health Info > Diet/Lifestyle Published on : February 24, 2025

Liver detox: Debunking myths with GP-approved insights

Written by editorial staff writer at Hola. Medically reviewed by Dr Mark Mellor, FRACGP DCH MBChB BSc

In today’s health-driven era, “liver detox” is everywhere—popping up on juice cleanses, poplar supplements, and even detox teas promising to rejuvenate your liver. But before you hop on to the latest liver-cleanse fad, it’s important to distinguish between truth and myth. While liver detox might appear to be a quick fix for eliminating harmful toxins, the truth is that your liver is already a detox powerhouse. Let’s debunk the myths surrounding liver detoxes and offer GP-approved advice to support this hardworking organ practically and healthily.

Myth #1: A detox diet can improve liver function

One of the most common myths surrounding liver detoxification is the belief that a special “liver detox diet” can significantly improve liver health. These diets often include fasting, excluding entire food groups, or consuming only specific foods for brief durations. These diets are promoted as ways to detox the liver and boost its function, promising quick results.

Fact:

While a balanced diet is essential for liver health, extreme or overly restrictive detox diets may be harmful and unnecessary. The liver doesn’t need a special detox regimen to stay healthy—it thrives on a long-term, balanced diet. Healthcare professionals advise consuming a wide range of whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, to promote liver health without extreme measures.

Also read: A GP’s guide to blood tests for liver health

Myth #2: Liver cleanses help in weight loss

Another common myth is that liver cleanses or detoxes lead to weight loss. These cleanses often claim to “boost metabolism” and help the body lose weight by flushing out toxins.

Fact:

The liver does play an important role in metabolism, but liver cleanses do not result in sustained weight loss. While short-term weight loss may occur due to calorie restriction or water loss during a ‘cleanse’, these results are not sustained. Effective weight loss is achieved though healthy eating, physical activity, managing stress and improving sleep quality, not by ‘liver cleanses’. Healthcare professionals emphasise that long-term lifestyle changes, instead of quick detox remedies, are key to healthily managing weight.

Myth #3: Liver cleanses protect against liver disease

Many people think liver cleanses can protect against or prevent liver conditions like fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, or hepatitis. These detoxes are often marketed as protective measures for maintaining a healthy liver and preventing damage.

Fact:

While liver cleanses are presented as protective, no scientific evidence supports this claim. Liver diseases are typically caused by factors such as heavy alcohol use, poor diet, obesity, or viral infections. A liver cleanse will not prevent or address these conditions. The most effective way to care for your liver is through consistent medical check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, consuming a balanced diet, and avoiding unhealthy habits like excessive alcohol consumption. Liver health is best supported through long-term lifestyle adjustments, rather than short-term detox plans.

Myth #4: Alcohol causes irreversible damage to the liver

Many think that any alcohol consumption causes permanent damage to the liver, making recovery impossible.

Fact:

While excessive consumption of alcohol can indeed result in liver damage, the liver has a remarkable ability to regenerate. If liver conditions such as fatty liver disease and alcohol-related liver disease are diagnosed at an early stage, they can be treated through a combination of therapies including lifestyle changes and potentially medication. The key consideration is moderation. It is essential to adhere to recommended guidelines regarding alcohol intake and to provide the liver with adequate time to recover.

Myth #5: The body produces sensations indicative of toxin elimination

Certain detoxification products assert that individuals will experience sensations of feeling "light" or "energised" as toxins are eliminated from the body.

Fact:

A variety of detoxification products claim that individuals will feel "light" or "energised" during the expulsion of toxins. However, these sensations are subjective and frequently lack a direct connection to actual liver function. Notable improvements in liver health occur gradually and typically present no symptoms unless the individual has encountered illness.

Myth #6: Herbal teas function as detoxifiers for the liver

Herbal teas are frequently marketed as natural methods for liver cleansing.

Fact:

While herbal teas are often advertised as natural liver detoxification remedies, most assertions regarding their effectiveness lack scientific support. Furthermore, certain herbal ingredients may exert negative effects on the liver, especially when consumed in excessive amounts.

Myth #7: Liver detoxes expedite recovery from hangovers

There exists a common belief that liver detox products can accelerate recovery following excessive alcohol consumption.

Fact:

Individuals often seek liver detox products in an attempt to alleviate hangover symptoms, mistakenly perceiving that these products can cleanse the liver of alcohol's negative effects. However, such products do not expedite the liver's inherent process of metabolising alcohol. To mitigate the strain on the liver from hangovers, it is advisable to consume alcohol according to recommendations, maintain hydration, and eat before drinking.

Myth #8: Annual liver detoxification is necessary for everyone

Annual detoxification plans are frequently advertised as critical for sustaining liver health.

Fact:

Although annual liver detoxes are commonly marketed as vital for health maintenance, they are largely superfluous for most individuals. The liver inherently detoxifies the body daily, provided it remains healthy. Rather than depending on infrequent cleanses, individuals should cultivate daily habits that promote liver health, such as balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and avoidance of harmful substances.

Myth #9: It is possible to "reset" the liver in a few days

Some individuals believe that a brief detoxification regimen can restore liver function and enhance its overall health.

Fact:

The notion of rapidly "resetting" the liver through a short detox or cleanse is a fallacy. The liver's functions are continuous and cannot be significantly improved within a few days. Meaningful advancements in liver health necessitate consistent lifestyle modifications over an extended period. Rapid fixes are seldom effective and may even pose health risks.

Also read: 40 Essential Healthy Habits for Women Over 40

Myth #10: The role of sweating in liver detoxification

There exists a common belief that engaging in activities such as sauna sessions or vigorous exercise facilitates the liver's elimination of toxins through perspiration.

Fact:

Sweating serves primarily as a physiological mechanism for the body to regulate its temperature and eliminate certain waste products; however, it does not contribute directly to the liver's detoxification functions. The responsibility for filtering toxins from the bloodstream lies with the liver and kidneys, rather than the sweat glands. Although regular physical activity promotes overall health, it does not specifically detoxify the liver.

How can telehealth help?

Telehealth improves access to healthcare services and patient outcomes by facilitating remote consultations, minimising the necessity for travel and increasing convenience. This mode of healthcare delivery enhances access to specialists, particularly for individuals residing in rural or underserved regions, and permits patients to receive care from their homes, ultimately resulting in time and cost savings. Additionally, it guarantees continuity of care for individuals with chronic conditions, accommodates flexible appointment scheduling, and diminishes the risk of exposure to infectious diseases. Furthermore, telehealth contributes to the efficiency of healthcare by optimising virtual visits, streamlining appointment management and follow-up processes. Telehealth services include:

Telehealth appointments: This service entails the provision of online appointments with healthcare providers to facilitate medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
Mental health services: Individuals can access therapy and counselling sessions via secure video calls or chat platforms, ensuring support for mental well-being.
Chronic disease management: Continuous care and follow-up measures for chronic conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension, are provided through telehealth platforms.
Specialist access: Patients who reside in areas with limited access to healthcare providers can connect with specialists via telehealth services.
Instant scripts: Online consultations are available for the issuance, renewal, and management of online prescriptions.
Pharmacy delivery: Prescribed medications are conveniently delivered to patients' homes to promote adherence to treatment regimens.
Referrals: Remote referrals to specialists or other healthcare providers facilitate further care or diagnostic testing when necessary.
Dr certificates: Getting same day medical certificates or multi day from registered health practitioners in Australia.

Your liver doesn’t require the latest detox trend—it’s already a detoxing pro! Sticking to a nutritious diet, staying hydrated, and keeping active gives your liver all the love it needs to keep functioning well. Forget the quick fixes and focus on sustainable healthy habits. Your liver and your body will thank you!

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