Liver cleanse supplements have become trendy as “detox” and “cleanse” routines have gained acceptance.

Supporters assert that these cleanses can help detoxify your body and support weight loss. TikTok videos promoting the benefits of liver cleanses have attracted a considerable audience.

However, many creators overlook the potential dangers tied to liver cleansing supplements. Here, we’ll discuss why liver cleanses may do more harm than good and offer practical ways to support liver health.

Understanding Liver Cleanses

The liver is essential for various bodily functions, including metabolism, nutrient absorption, infection defense, and detoxifying harmful substances, explains Dr. Rotonya M. Carr, MD, FACP, head of Gastroenterology at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

“Various products are marketed as liver cleanses,” Dr. Carr states, with oral liver cleanse supplements being the most common. These items can be found online or in stores and claim to help detoxify the liver and improve its functioning.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, popular ingredients in liver cleanses include milk thistle and turmeric.

Is It Safe to Use Liver Cleanses?

The liver’s main function is to eliminate toxins from the body. Dr. Carr stresses that liver cleanses are “unnecessary” and can be detrimental to both liver and overall health.

“Most, if not all, of these products haven’t received FDA approval,” she adds. Thus, “they can’t be deemed safe.”

Dr. Carr highlights the concern regarding unknown or high concentrations of certain ingredients, which can increase the risk of liver failure. Her clinic has treated patients who underwent liver transplants after using these products. “When the liver fails, the only option for survival is a transplant,” she warns.

Recognizing Early Signs of Liver Issues

In the U.S., around 4.5 million individuals are known to have liver disease, according to the National Center of Health Statistics.

Dr. Carr notes that various liver diseases exist, and in the early stages, symptoms may not be noticeable. The liver has mechanisms that enable it to compensate even when some areas are damaged. “Patients can feel completely fine because the liver is remarkably resilient,” she explains.

This makes regular check-ups with your healthcare provider important, as they can perform blood tests to monitor liver enzyme levels. “Increased liver enzymes can sometimes be the first indications of liver harm,” Dr. Carr emphasizes.

As liver disease progresses, symptoms can include fatigue, jaundice, or ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen). “Most individuals don’t experience significant symptoms until the disease becomes severe,” she adds.

Severe liver disease complications may manifest as confusion, vomiting blood, or black-colored stools, which could suggest internal bleeding in the intestines, according to Dr. Carr.

Tips for Supporting Liver Health

There are concrete steps you can take to lower your risk of developing liver disease.

A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining liver health. Dr. Carr advises drinking plenty of water, eating a variety of vegetables, and consuming lean proteins.

“Additionally, it’s essential to avoid things that could harm your liver,” she states. Steer clear of alcohol and various toxic substances, including certain herbal remedies or liver cleanse products that could damage the liver, she warns.