A century or so ago, the idea of needing liver detoxification was not even given thought. There was little pollution and foods did not contain the chemicals and hormones they contain now. Our livers are our defense against all forms of toxic substances and they work very hard to keep our bodies clear, but in this day and age of convenience foods, aerosols and chemicals, our livers are getting bombarded with too much way too fast. The toxins build up in our systems and make us ill because our livers can't keep up. Never has it been more important to consider liver detoxification for the sake of our health.

There isn't a vegetarian that would be shocked to hear that herbs, vegetables, fruits and whole grains are less stressful and even beneficial to our all important livers. We just need to be aware that most of these foods now contain chemicals and hormones that are not meant for human consumption.

The healthiest way to eat is organic. Unfortunately, organic produce is more costly simply because there is less of it available. If you cannot afford organic fruits and vegetables and growing them is not an option, then at least be sure you wash everything before you eat it.

Never smoke, drink alcohol or use any kind of drug while you are detoxifying your liver. If you are an addict or alcoholic, do not detox without the supervision of a medical doctor. A medically unsupervised detox from drugs or alcohol can be harmful. It has even been known to be fatal. If you really want to try this kind of detox, wait until you have gone through a treatment program.

An exception is addiction to tobacco. If you quit smoking and go on a liver detoxification plan, you will cleanse your body of nicotine faster than quitting without the cleanse. There are many former smokers who claim detoxification helped them get rid of biological cravings for nicotine.

The hormones we take in through dairy products and meats have been linked to early reproductive development and cancers. It doesn't take a scientist to recognize that adding hormones to our bodies is an unhealthy way to live. Even if you decide a liver detoxification plan is not for you, go organic in this area. Eat dairy and meat that is hormone free.

Depending on the detox plan you choose, you will either be eating specific foods and forgoing others, drinking elixirs, or doing a combination of the two. It takes a little longer to detox your liver if you choose an eating plan, but it is also less stressful on your body.

Even if you do choose to use the formulated beverages for your detox plan, go into it gradually by cutting out meats, sugars and dairy and replacing them with fruits and vegetables before going full force into a juice or beverage fast. When you are done with your liquid fast, give your body a chance to get used to eating again. Add foods back to your diet slowly when your liver detoxification is finished. For the sake of your health, do not give up the natural way of eating.