The Liver and Constipation – How to do a Liver Flush

By Niamh

Focus On the Liver

The liver does an immense amount of work and can easily become congested.  Symptoms of liver congestion include constipation, abdominal fat, dry skin, digestive bloating and fullness, low immunity and allergies, menstrual problems, fatigue and headaches. When the liver is congested the flow of bile (which is a fat dissolving liquid) is impaired thus fats and cholesterol cannot be fully metabolized, note: bile is stored in the gallbladder a small storage pouch attached to the liver.  Bile is also a natural laxative so reduced bile flow is a contributing factor to sluggish bowels or constipation. From the VHI website, over 1500 gallbladder removal surgeries were performed in 2004 (up 68% from 2000).  Liver and gallbladder congestion are totally preventable by taking care of your liver, try to drink plenty of water, reduce saturated fat, eat omega 3 rich foods like oily fish and walnuts, eat only low GI foods and last but not least increase your soluble fiber which is needed to bind to bile for removal from the body.  To keep your liver in tip-top shape perform regular liver flushes.

The good news is that the liver regenerates very well, so it pays to cleanse it from time to time.  Below is a gentle liver flush that can be performed anytime that you are feeling sluggish or have overindulged, it is also recommended at the change of the seasons.  Follow the liver flush for 5 days in a row, break for 2 days, then perform another 5 days.  For optimal results and to speed up the elimination of toxins have a colonic treatment during your 2 day break.

The Liver Flush

You will need:
1 lemon juiced
1/2 pint of fresh apple juice
1 tablespoon organic extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic crushed
small piece of fresh ginger root grated

- Do not eat anything before drinking the liver flush
- Place all the ingredients in a blender and liquidize
- Pour and drink slowly
- 15 minutes after you have finished the liver flush, sip at least two mugs of Nettle tea
- Do not eat anything for 2 hours after you start this routine then eat something light like fruit
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have been diagnosed with large gallstones this flush may not be suitable for you as the stones may be too large to flush and may need to be broken up first, see a Master Herbalist or your doctor if in any doubt.

Coffee Enema

A coffee enema is a fast alternative to a liver flush as it takes only 30 minutes as opposed to 5 days.  Coffee enemas cleanse the liver by stimulating the flow of bile which in turn prevents the formation of gallstones.  New studies have shown that they also remove free radicals from the bloodstream.

Click here for more information on coffee enemas.

I charge €60 for an organic coffee enema which takes 30 minutes.