Performing over 500 functions, the liver metabolizes carbohydrates and proteins, synthesizes and stores vitamins, regulates hormones, along with many other things. To do this job, the liver is also required to be exposed to many harmful toxins and chemicals each day. To support the liver through periodic supplementation, the proper balance of herbal ingredients, phytosterols, and fiber is necessary. This balance can be found in a supplemental liver cleanse. A multi-ingredient formula is a convenient way to support overall liver health and detoxification. Among many ingredients most liver cleanses include: herbal ingredients that support liver and gallbladder health; detoxifying ingredients that keep bound toxins from being reabsorbed; phytosterols to block cholesterol absorption in the intestines; fiber that moves cholesterol and toxins out of the body; oat beta-glucan fiber with up to four times higher viscosity than others; and a simple, two week liver cleanse program. A good supplement should contain calcium, Fiber Blends, Milk Thistle Fruit Phytosome, Burdock Root Extract, Calcium D-Glucarate, Boldo Leaf Extract, Turmeric Rhizome Extract, Dandelion Root Extract, and Artichoke Leaf Extract.

Each day the liver has to process a very large amount of blood at a rate of three pints per minute, while performing over 500 physiological functions including protein and glucose synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, vitamin and mineral storage, synthesis of clotting factors, urea formation, metabolism of medications, the production of bile, hormonal regulation, blood glucose control, and other regulatory functions. The liver neutralizes harmful substances so that it can be carried to the intestines and kidneys for excretion. Excreting potentially harmful compounds that are generated in the body and acquired through exposure to the environment is known as detoxification. Toxins in the body are generated as by-products of cellular metabolic process and may include dead or digested bacteria, hydrogen peroxide, cellular debris, and carbon dioxide. According to the environmental protection agency, the use of pesticides has doubled the amount of toxins in the air every ten years since 1945. The EPA also has concluded that toxic chemicals can now be found in almost every American.

A major component in liver cleans is milk thistle extract which provides support at a cellular level for healthy liver function. A patented delivery system known as the Phytosome process provides superior absorption of the milk thistle extract when compared to other brands. Silymarin, a key component of milk thistle, supports the health of Kupffer cells which are specialized liver cells that are responsible for removing bacteria, old blood cells, and other foreign matter from the liver's blood supply. It also scavenges free radicals produced by activated Kupffer cells, supports healthy leukotriene levels, and supports glutathione production that is used in detoxification. Along with this, silymarin also supports the health of hepatocytes, which are highly versatile liver cells that have unique physiologic functions that are crucial to the liver's detoxification processes.

The special, patented process known as Phytosome, which helps the absorption of milk thistle in a liver cleanse, pairs herbal ingredients with phosphatidylcholine molecules, which is an important building block of cell membranes. When milk thistle is bound with phosphatidylcholine, the phosphatidylcholine molecule increases absorption through the intestines into the bloodstream.

Along with the above ingredients, a good liver cleanse should contain many other herbal extracts that work synergistically with others to provide the best benefits possible. Dandelion root extract supports healthy bile flow from the gallbladder. Another ingredient is Burdock Root, which was introduced to North American during colonial times. It has long history of traditional use for gastrointestinal support, but it also supports the natural physiologic processes of organs involved in detoxification and elimination, mainly the liver, kidneys, and intestines. Boldo, which is a small evergreen that grows in South America and southern Europe, has a strong free-radical scavenging ability, which is mostly attributed to the catechin and flavonoids content in its leaves. It also relaxes smooth muscle and supports intestinal transit time. Artichoke Leaf extract specifically supports healthy bile production in the liver and healthy gastrointestinal function in general. Tumeric, a perennial shrub in southern Asia, has a long history as both a food ingredient and of health support. Recently it has been studied for its support of healthy bile secretion and pancreatic and gastric function. Calcium d-glucarate should be found in a liver cleanse to enhance the body's detoxification systems and therefore help to decrease the portion of active compounds that could be hazardous to the body. Detoxification occurs when substances that are no longer needed or may be harmful to the body are broken down and excreted. Calcium d-glucarate, found in both the human body and some plant sources including broccoli and oranges, prevents enzymes from breaking the important bond between toxins and glucuronic acid, so that these toxins stay bound and are eliminated with out harming the body. A phytosterol blend can help to minimize the absorption of cholesterol from high-protein food sources and move bile salt through the digestive system.

Fiber also plays a key role in the removal and excretion of intestinal toxins in detoxification. Only those fibers that can effectively bind toxins are successful in eliminating the harmful substances. The best binding, removal, and eliminated effects are found to occur when combining different fiber types. Dietary fibers are complex mixtures of cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, mucilage, and gums, which promote laxation and modulate gastric and intestinal physiology. Fiber has been shown in many scientific studies to provide support of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, immune, and endocrine function health. Oat beta-glucan supports healthy cholesterol levels within normal limits and also supports healthy bile excretion. Konjac, which is rich in glucomannan and polysaccharide, is made into a jelly, noodles, and other foods. Fiber has shown positive results in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels as well as boosting excretion of bile acid. Beyond these benefits, fiber contributes to healthy blood sugar levels. Many fibers used in a good liver cleanse have been shown to have four times higher viscosity, or resistance to flow, than others, allowing it to maximize its transit time through the GI tract, and providing a gentle "scrubbing" on the intestinal walls.

Those who suspect that they have an obstructed bile duct or problematic gallstones should not use a liver cleanse but rather consult their healthcare practitioner. Also, if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs, you should consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use. Look for a good liver cleanse formula and fiber formula at your local or internet health food store.