Diet and nutritionLiver detox — do cleansing cures make sense?
Sources: 18 · Article: 16 823 characters
Michał Tombak warns that hydrocolon therapy may harm the large intestine microbiome.
- Henryk Różański attributes liver-protective effects to extracts of Gynostemma and turmeric; in animal experiments, an extract of Clitoria ternatea protected liver tissue.
- Jan Jaśkowski claims that fructose speeds up the removal of alcohol from the liver and blood by 80%.
- Hubert Czerniak recommends starting a cleanse with a healthy, balanced diet.
What the authors write
Michał Tombak
According to Michał Tombak, cleansing the intestines is meant to make the liver and kidneys’ detoxification work easier.
„Removing toxic substances from the large intestine greatly facilitates the detoxification work of the liver and kidneys. There is an opinion that enemas wash out beneficial bacteria, causing dysbiosis. It should be known that intestinal flora renews itself within 24 h and even if we assume that an enema washes out beneficial bacteria, it also washes out pathogenic bacteria and toxins, among other things.”Wyprowadzanie toksycznych substancji z jelita grubego znacznie ułatwia detoksykacyjną pracę wątroby i nerek.Istnieje opinia, że lewatywy wypłukują pożyteczne bakterie, powodując dysbakteriozę. Należy wiedzieć, że flora jelit odnawia się w ciągu 24 h i nawet jeśli przyjąć, że lewatywa wypłukuje pożyteczne bakterie, to wypłukuje również bakterie chorobotwórcze oraz toksyny będące m.in.
Michał Tombak
Michał Tombak warns that hydrocolon therapy may harm the large intestine microbiome.
„I would also like to add that I have never promoted hydrocolon therapy, because I believe this procedure is harmful to the large intestine microbiome due to the large volume of solution introduced into the intestine at one time. This is especially true if the procedure is performed frequently to lose weight.”Przy okazji dodam, że nigdy nie promowałem hydrokolonoterapii, ponieważ uważam, że ten zabieg jest szkodliwy dla mikrobiomu jelita grubego z powodu jednorazowego wprowadzania do jelita dużej objętości roztworu. Szczególnie jeśli ten zabieg jest wykonywany często w celu zrzucenia nadwagi.
Henryk Różański
Gynostemma extracts are said to protect the liver from the harmful effects of toxins and prevent fatty liver.
„Gynostemma extracts have a protective effect on the liver. Numerous studies demonstrate this, for example: Chen JC, Tsai CC, Chen LD, Chen HH, Wang WC.: Therapeutic effect of gypenoside on chronic liver injury and fibrosis induced by CCl4 in rats, published in Am J Chin Med.”Wyciągi z Gynostemma wywierają wpływ ochronny na wątrobę. Dowodzą tego liczne badania, np. Chen JC, Tsai CC, Chen LD, Chen HH, Wang WC.: Therapeutic effect of gypenoside on chronic liver injury and fibrosis induced by CCl4 in rats, opublikowane w Am J Chin Med.
Andrzej Frydrychowski
Niruri leaf flower is described as helping with liver damage caused by alcohol, medicines, and chemical compounds.
„Niruri leaf flower — shows effective action in liver damage caused by alcohol, medicines, and chemical compounds. It normalizes liver enzyme levels. An infusion is prepared from it (pour 200 ml of boiling water over 5 g of herb and leave for 30 minutes. Drink twice a day).”Liściokwiat Niruri — wykazuje skuteczne działanie w uszkodzeniach wątroby przez: alkohol, leki, związki chemiczne. Normalizuje poziom enzymów wątrobowych. Przygotowujemy z niego napar (5 g ziela zalać 200 ml wrzątku, pozostawić na 30 minut. Pić 2 razy dziennie).
Andrzej Frydrychowski
Andrzej Frydrychowski attributes to heart-leaved madder the ability to cleanse the blood of toxins.
„Niruri leaf flower and Guduchi — help with bile secretion and act synergistically with heart-leaved madder (Manjistha), which cleanses the blood of toxins.
Terminalia arjuna — has a positive effect on the lipid profile. Prepare a decoction from it as with the herbs mentioned above.”Liściokwiat Niruri i Guduchi — pomagają w wydzielaniu żółci i działają synergistycznie z marzanną sercolistną (Manjistha), która oczyszcza krew z toksyn.
Migdałecznik arjuna — pozytywnie wpływa na profil lipidowy. Przygotowujemy z niego odwar jak w powyższych ziołach.
Henryk Różański
In animal experiments, an extract of Clitoria ternatea seeds and roots protected liver tissue.
„Animal experiments have shown that a 50% water-alcohol extract of Clitoria ternatea seeds and roots has a hepatoprotective effect (protects liver tissue), despite the animals being given paracetamol and carbon tetrachloride.
Preparations. Ready-made Clitoria medicines (tincture, capsules, tablets) and dried raw material are available commercially.”Doświadczalnie na zwierzętach wykazano, że wyciąg wodno-alkoholowy 50% z nasion i korzeni Clitoria ternatea działa hepatoprotekcyjnie (ochronnie na miąższ wątroby), pomimo podawania im paracetamolu i czterochlorku węgla.
Preparaty. W handlu dostępne są gotowe leki z Clitoria (nalewka, kapsułki, tabletki), jak i suchy surowiec.
Henryk Różański
Crepis compounds are said to have a protective effect on liver tissue.
„The active compounds of Crepis are inhibitors of NF-κB factors, anti-inflammatory substances, stimulators of phagocytosis, and inhibitors of collagenase, hyaluronidase, and elastase; they stabilize the structure of collagen and elastin fibers, endothelia, and biomembranes; and have choleretic, bacteriostatic, antiviral, fungistatic, and liver-tissue-protective effects.”Związki aktywne pępawy – Crepis należą do inhibitorów czynników (factor) NF-κB, substancji przeciwzapalnych, stymulatorów fagocytozy, inhibitorów kolagenazy, hialuronidazy i elastazy; stabilizują strukturę włókien kolagenowych i elastynowych, śródbłonków i biomembran; działają żółciopędnie, bakteriostatycznie, przeciwwirusowo, fungistatycznie, ochronnie na miąższ wątroby.
Henryk Różański
Quaking grass is said to have detoxifying effects, and cleansing cures are listed among its uses.
„Phytopharmacological effects: anti-exudative, sealing and strengthening blood vessels, antiallergic (antihistamine), mildly choleretic, clearly diuretic, detoxifying, anti-swelling, antimicrobial.
Indications: allergic and rheumatic diseases, limb swelling, inflammation of the liver and kidneys, susceptibility to heart attacks; vascular purpura, urinary stones, prostatitis, poisoning; cleansing cures; rosacea, inflammation of the eye’s choroid, phlebitis, peripheral, ocular, and cerebral circulation disorders.”Działanie fitofarmakologiczne: przeciwwysiękowe, uszczelniające i wzmacniające naczynia krwionośne, przeciwalergiczne (antyhistaminowe), lekko żółciopędne, wyraźnie moczopędne, odtruwające, przeciwobrzękowe, przeciwdrobnoustrojowe.
Wskazania: choroby alergiczne i reumatyczne, obrzęki kończyn, stany zapalne wątroby i nerek, skłonności do zawałów; plamice naczyniowe, kamica moczowa, zapalenie gruczołu krokowego, zatrucia; kuracje oczyszczające; trądzik różowaty, stany zapalne naczyniówki oka, zapalenie żył, zaburzenia krążenia obwodowego, ocznego i mózgowego.
Henryk Różański
Japanese knotweed is said to support the body’s detoxification and to be used in detoxification cures.
„Japanese knotweed supports detoxification processes (depurativa), increases urine production (diuretica), reduces fever (antipyretica, febrifuge), stimulates menstruation (emmenagoga), and speeds tissue regeneration and thus wound healing.
Indications: coronary artery disease, diabetes, hypertension, vein inflammation, atherosclerosis, peripheral circulation disorders, blood clots, phytotherapy for cancer, autoimmune diseases, constipation, intestinal atony, poisoning, detoxification cures, obesity, memory disorders, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, Alzheimer’s disease, cold hands and feet syndrome (e.g.”Rdestowiec wspomaga procesy detoksykacji = odtruwania (depurativa), zwiększa wydzielanie moczu (diuretica), obniża gorączkę (antypyretica, febrifuge), pobudza miesiączkowanie (emmenagoga), przyśpiesza regenerację tkanek i tym samym gojenie ran.
Wskazania: choroba wieńcowa, cukrzyca, nadciśnienie, stany zapalne żył, miażdżyca, zaburzenia krążenia obwodowego, zakrzepy, fitoterapia nowotworów, choroby autoimmunologiczne, zaparcia, atonia jelit, zatrucia, kuracje odtruwające, otyłość, zaburzenia pamięci, wirusowe zapalenie wątroby, marskość wątroby, choroba Alzheimera, zespół zimnych dłoni i stóp (np.
Henryk Różański
Turmeric is said to protect the liver, and its preparations are listed for various liver diseases and poisonings.
„Numerous studies have also demonstrated antibacterial, hepatoprotective (protecting liver tissue), anti-atherosclerotic, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Curcumin reduces the risk of skin and bowel cancer. It inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and is a lipoxygenase inhibitor.”Liczne badania udowodniły również właściwości przeciwbakteryjne, hepatoprotekcyjne (ochraniające miąższ wątroby), przeciwmiażdżycowe, antywirusowe i antynowotworowe. Kurkumina zmniejsza ryzyko wystąpienia raka skóry i jelit. Hamuje syntezę prostaglandyn i jest inhibitorem lipooksygenazy.
Jan Jaśkowski
Jan Jaśkowski presents glycine and activated charcoal as agents that reduce endotoxin levels.
„Glycine reduces endotoxin levels in the blood. Endotoxins are substances produced by bacteria in the intestines which, if they enter the bloodstream, cause inflammation, damage mitochondria, and are responsible for fatty liver.
Activated charcoal also reduces endotoxin levels and may reduce the frequency of inflammation and liver damage.”Glicyna zmniejsza poziom endotoksyn we krwi. Endotoksyny to substancje powstające z bakterii w jelitach, które, jeśli przedostaną się do krwiobiegu, wywołują stany zapalne, uszkodzenie mitochondriów i są odpowiedzialne za stłuszczenie wątroby.
Węgiel aktywny także zmniejsza poziom endotoksyn i może zmniejszać częstotliwość występowania stanów zapalnych i uszkodzenia wątroby.
Jan Jaśkowski
Jan Jaśkowski claims that fructose speeds up the detoxification of alcohol from the liver and blood by 80%.
„Activated charcoal also reduces endotoxin levels and may reduce the frequency of inflammation and liver damage.
It is worth adding that orange juice also reduces endotoxin levels, and fructose speeds up the detoxification of alcohol from the liver and blood by 80%!”Węgiel aktywny także zmniejsza poziom endotoksyn i może zmniejszać częstotliwość występowania stanów zapalnych i uszkodzenia wątroby.
Warto dodać, że poziom endotoksyn zmniejsza również sok pomarańczowy, a fruktoza przyspiesza detoksykację wątroby i krwi z alkoholu o 80%!
Andrzej Frydrychowski
Andrzej Frydrychowski links restoring liver function and detoxification with diet and finding the cause of the disorder.
„As this brief overview shows, we are not looking for medicines to remove cholesterol, an essential end product (statins that disrupt the body’s homeostasis and lead to many complications), but for ways to remove the cause of the disturbance, restore liver function, detoxify, eat properly, and so on. In my opinion, this is the only right approach to this issue.”Jak widać z tego krótkiego przeglądu, nie szukamy leków na usunięcie końcowego, niezbędnego produktu w postaci cholesterolu (statyn zaburzających homeostazę ustroju i prowadzących do wielu powikłań), a szukamy usunięcia przyczyny jego zaburzenia, wyrównania funkcji wątroby, odtrucia, prawidłowego odżywiania itd. Jest to moim zdaniem, jedyne słuszne podejście do tego zagadnienia.
Hubert Czerniak
Hubert Czerniak recommends starting a cleanse with a healthy, balanced diet and lists agents that are supposed to help remove toxins.
„Detoxification, or cleansing the body, mainly of heavy metals. It is worth starting a cleanse with a healthy, balanced diet. Let’s buy products from local organic farmers. We should not buy harmful wheat from hypermarkets, which is sprayed with glyphosate.”Detoksykację, czyli oczyszczanie organizmu, głównie z metali ciężkich Oczyszczanie warto rozpocząć od zdrowej, zbilansowanej diety. Produkty kupujmy od lokalnych, ekologicznych rolników. Nie kupujemy szkodliwej pszenicy z hipermarketów, która jest opryskiwana glifosatem.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 4 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 186.
The review indicates that “detox” teas have few proven benefits and may cause serious harm, including liver injury.
Aim of the study: Diet and detox teas are commonly marketed as over-the-counter products that claim to support weight loss through detoxification and metabolic enhancement. Despite their widespread use, the evidence base supporting these claims remains unclear.
Results: Notably, multiple reports described serious adverse health outcomes associated with diet and detox tea consumption, including electrolyte disturbances, cardiovascular events, and liver injury in otherwise healthy individuals. In addition, analytical studies identified undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients, high levels of stimulants, and inconsistencies between labeled and actual product contents in teas marketed as natural. Altogether, current evidence suggests that diet and detox teas marketed for weight loss offer minimal demonstrated benefit and may pose meaningful health risks. The findings highlight important gaps in the evidence base and underscore the need for improved regulatory oversight, clearer labeling, and higher-quality research to better inform consumers and health professionals regarding the use of these products for weight management.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
A case report shows that tea advertised as a liver detox may cause acute liver injury.
Aim of the study: The increasing consumption of unregulated herbal and dietary supplements has presented clinicians with new challenges in assessing and managing acute liver injury. Patients may present in various ways ranging from asymptomatic transaminitis to acute liver failure.
Results: Several natural products have been found to mitigate drug-induced liver injury, which has led to the creation of numerous registries to outline all its aspects further. We describe the case of a 36-year-old female who developed a clinically significant acute liver injury with a cholestatic pattern due to an over-the-counter herbal liver detox tea. This is the first case reported of a hepatotoxic effect from any of these compounds or ingredients in the detox tea: burdock root, stinging nettle leaf, cleavers herb, dandelion root, lemon peel, and lemon myrtle leaf (Backhousia citriodora). Idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (DILI) remains poorly understood; however, recognizing potential toxins is imperative to understanding toxicogenomics and identifying those at risk.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studyother
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a small study, a detoxification program did not significantly change liver detoxification biomarkers.
Aim of the study: Adequate antioxidant supply is essential for maintaining metabolic homeostasis and reducing oxidative stress during detoxification. The emerging evidence suggests that certain classes of phytonutrients can help support the detoxification process by stimulating the liver to produce detoxification enzymes or acting as antioxidants that neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals.
Results: No significant changes or adverse effects were found on physical or emotional health, cellular glutathione (GSH) and the GSH:GSSG ratio, porphyrin, and hepatic detoxification biomarkers in urine. The intervention was positively associated with a 23% increase in superoxide dismutase (p = 0.06) and a 13% increase in glutathione S-transferase (p = 0.003) activities in the blood. This resulted in a 40% increase in the total cellular antioxidant capacity (p = 0.001) and a 13% decrease in reactive oxygen species (p = 0.002) in isolated PBMCs from participants in the detoxification group. Our findings indicate that consuming a whole food nutritional intervention as a part of the guided detoxification program supported phase II detoxification, in part, by promoting enhanced free radical scavenging and maintaining redox homeostasis under the body's natural glutathione recycling capacity.
Money for the studycompany or manufacturer · Standard Process Inc.
Do the authors have ties to companies?yes — the authors reported it
Did a manufacturer help with the study?YES
Type of studystudy with random allocation to groups (RCT)
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
The review discusses possible benefits of glutathione supplementation, but does not show that cleansing cures improve liver function.
Aim of the study: Glutathione (GSH) plays an important role in the antioxidant defense and body detoxification system. It is a tripeptide molecule consisting of glutamine, cysteine and glycine.
Results: Also, GSH is gaining popularity as a skin-whitening ingredient because it can inhibit the production of melanin. Our results suggested that oral GSH supplementation may be beneficial for skin tone improvement and hyperpigmentation reduction. In conclusion, oral GSH supplementation can be useful for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, diabetic mellitus, stomach pathologies caused by Helicobacter, cystic fibrosis, transient cerebral ischemia attack, and skin-whitening conditions. Further research is needed to determine the best dosages, potential long-term benefits, and possible side effects of GSH supplementation in these conditions.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Perspectives and opinion materials
The content below presents the authors’ opinions, interpretations and hypotheses. It is not treated as equal to scientific studies and systematic reviews.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„From an IOM Systems Medicine perspective, the key question is not whether a diet is completely "toxin-free," but whether the overall dietary pattern: reduces cumulative physiological stress, supports mitochondrial function, maintains nutrient sufficiency, improves metabolic flexibility, supports detoxification systems, and enhances long-term physiological resilience. Table 1. Simplified comparison of animal-derived and plant-derived foods from an IOM Systems Medicine perspective.”From an IOM Systems Medicine perspective, the key question is not whether a diet is completely "toxin-free," but whether the overall dietary pattern: reduces cumulative physiological stress, supports mitochondrial function, maintains nutrient sufficiency, improves metabolic flexibility, supports detoxification systems, and enhances long-term physiological resilience. Table 1. Simplified comparison of animal-derived and plant-derived foods from an IOM Systems Medicine perspective.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Key Nutrients That Support Recovery: Vitamin C: Essential for neurotransmitter synthesis, detoxification, and stress response Vitamin D: Regulates dopamine and serotonin, supports mood and reduces inflammation Niacin (B3): Replenishes NAD⁺, supports brain energy metabolism, calms anxiety, helps restore liver and brain function Magnesium & Zinc: Calm the nervous system, support GABA and serotonin, reduce cravings B-complex & Omega-3s: Critical for brain health and mood stability Core Biochemical Factors Often Overlooked in Addiction Treatment: Neurotransmitter Imbalances Dopamine, serotonin, and endorphin deficiencies Cofactors like Vitamin C,…”Key Nutrients That Support Recovery: Vitamin C: Essential for neurotransmitter synthesis, detoxification, and stress response Vitamin D: Regulates dopamine and serotonin, supports mood and reduces inflammation Niacin (B3): Replenishes NAD⁺, supports brain energy metabolism, calms anxiety, helps restore liver and brain function Magnesium & Zinc: Calm the nervous system, support GABA and serotonin, reduce cravings B-complex & Omega-3s: Critical for brain health and mood stability Core Biochemical Factors Often Overlooked in Addiction Treatment: Neurotransmitter Imbalances Dopamine, serotonin, and endorphin deficiencies Cofactors like Vitamin C,…
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Prescription drugs and calcium supplements have no significant benefits for treating osteoporosis. Earlier this year, a meta-analysis published on JAMA found that bisphosphonates, a major class of prescription osteoporosis drugs offer very few benefits to osteoporotic patients. [5] Another meta-analysis on JAMA showed calcium supplements do not offer significant help to osteoporosis. [6] Calcium supplements increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.”Prescription drugs and calcium supplements have no significant benefits for treating osteoporosis. Earlier this year, a meta-analysis published on JAMA found that bisphosphonates, a major class of prescription osteoporosis drugs offer very few benefits to osteoporotic patients. [5] Another meta-analysis on JAMA showed calcium supplements do not offer significant help to osteoporosis. [6] Calcium supplements increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
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