Liver Health Detox: The Truth About Liver Detox After the Holidays

Liver Health Detox! 
The Truth About Liver Detox After the Holidays 
 

After festive celebrations, advertisements and social media for “liver detox teas” often claim to cleanse the liver of toxins. In the UAE, doctors regularly see patients seeking supplements to treat symptoms after holiday indulgence. However, the liver naturally recovers and doesn't require external detoxes. Let’s Know How? 

 

The Reality About “Liver Detox” Products 

 

There is no scientific evidence that liver detox products improve liver function in healthy individuals. Recent research sheds light on this topic: 

A 2025 study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology analysed the top 20 liver cleanse supplements sold online. The findings were eye-opening: 

  • 100% claimed to "eliminate toxins" or offer "liver detox/cleanse" 
  • 85% claimed to "enhance liver function" 
  • 65% stated they were "backed by science" 
  • None had high-quality scientific evidence supporting these claims 

In fact, some of these products can harm your liver. Johns Hopkins hepatologists emphasise that these products are not FDA-regulated, are not uniform, and have not been adequately tested in clinical trials

Think of your liver as your body’s natural detox centre, working tirelessly around the clock to process and eliminate toxins, without the need for special drinks or supplements. It’s your body’s chemical processing plant, operating 24/7 with no breaks. 

What Your Liver Does Every Day- Your liver accomplishes all this automatically, efficiently, and independently, no juice cleanse required. 

Filter 1.4 litres of blood every minute—that’s your entire blood volume every 5 minutes! 

Performs over 500 different functions in your body. 

Liver glycogen is essential for energy balance and blood sugar control. 

Produces proteins needed for blood clotting to keep you safe from bleeding. 

Makes bile to help digest fats. 

Neutralises toxins from food, medications, alcohol, and environmental pollutants. 

Your liver is a true multitasking powerhouse. 

 
The Natural Three-Phase Liver Detox System 

  • Phase 1: Special liver enzymes, like cytochrome P450, convert toxins into intermediate forms. 
  • Phase 2: These intermediates are processed further and made water-soluble, so your body can get rid of them. 
  • Phase 3: The waste is safely excreted through bile and urine. 

No “detox tea” or supplement can speed up this natural, perfectly designed system. In fact, some products can interfere with your liver’s detox process. Trust your liver—it’s built for the job! 

Schedule a Medical Appointment if you notice: 

  • Complaints of Persistent fatigue even after adequate sleep 
  • Unexplained itching without a rash 
  • Loss of appetite - for more than a week 
  • Mild, persistent discomfort in the upper right abdomen 
  • Family history of liver disease combined with any symptoms 
  • Regular alcohol consumption (even "moderate" amounts) 
  • Being overweight (BMI >25) with belly fat 
  • Having diabetes or high cholesterol (both are fatty liver risk factors) 
  • Long-term use of multiple medications or supplements 

People delay seeking medical care due to concerns about insurance approvals or costs. Don’t wait. Early liver disease is reversible, but advanced liver disease may require a transplant. The difference is often in how early you act. 

The Tests That Matter 

Test Purpose 
Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GT, ALP) Indicate liver inflammation 
Bilirubin Assesses the liver’s ability to process waste 
Albumin and total protein Evaluate the liver’s synthetic function. 
Prothrombin time (PT/INR) Checks Clotting ability 
Complete blood count (CBC) Can reveal liver-related anaemia 
Liver ultrasound Detects fatty liver, cirrhosis, or masses 
FibroScan Non-invasive test measuring liver stiffness (fibrosis/scarring) 

Doctor’s Advice: How to Support Your Liver Health 

Your liver can recover from many conditions if problems are found early. Here’s what doctors recommend for the best liver health: 

  • Don’t self-diagnose online. Always get a professional opinion. 
  • Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. 
  • Watch for warning signs and get checked promptly. 
  • Stay hydrated, eat healthy food, get enough sleep, and stay active. 
  • Skip detox products—they’re not needed. 

If you have risk factors like obesity, diabetes, alcohol use, high blood pressure or a family history of liver disease, book a liver function test and see your GP or a liver specialist. Support your liver by making healthy choices. 

Contact Information 

If you have concerns about this blog, email Dr Asiya Nabi at [email protected] 

 or [email protected] 
 
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace any professional medical advice.  
 
 
References & Further Reading 

Johns Hopkins Medicine: 
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/detoxing-your-liver-fact-versus-fiction (May 2025) 

American Journal of Gastroenterology: 
https://journals.lww.com/ajg/fulltext/2025/03000/liver-cleansing-impostors-an-analysis-of-popular.12.aspx (March 2025) 

JAMA: 
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2781234 (2024) 

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