To detox or not to detox, that is the question.

And the first thing I’ll say about this is that: Our liver is our body’s natural cleanser.

After eating up (and drinking up) a storm over the festive season, your natural reaction may be to do a detox, but at the end of the day, our liver’s main function is to naturally detox the body.

It is our internal cleaner, which given the right support, has the ability to keep the body clear of the free radicals which cause illness and disease.

The liver is our second largest organ and therefore one of the most important.

If the body were an automobile, the liver would be considered its engine.

It does hundreds of things to make sure it runs smoothly, playing a vital role in regulating fat, balancing our hormones, digestion and circulation.

The liver’s main job is to get rid of foreign substances.

Anything that enters the blood stream is filtered through the liver to ensure that quality nutrients go to the organs.

It’s like a sharp-eyed bouncer guarding the red velvet rope in front of an exclusive nightclub called ‘Your Body’.

Give the liver a helping hand…

You’re much better off improving everyday eating to boost liver function instead of paying for expensive gimmicky plans or following a highly restrictive diet.

To ensure a natural detox, keep your diet relatively low in sugar, fat and wheat and gluten products and consume at least five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit per day, while keeping alcohol to a minimum.

There are certain foods and supplements that will also help the liver along:

Dandelion tea: Dandelion has been used for centuries by herbalists as a general detox, cleansing the liver while boosting kidney function. It works as a blood purifier and antioxidant.

Milk Thistle: is one of the best known herbs for supporting the liver and treating liver disease. It contains an antioxidant that acts as a toxin blocker while contributing to the reversal of fatty liver.

Lemons: are the number one fruit for cleansing your entire body. They cleanse not only the liver, but also the gallbladder, kidneys, digestive tract and lungs.

Beetroot juice: contains a chemical called betaine that stimulates the liver cells and protects the liver and bile ducts.

Carrots: are high in beta carotene and are the premium liver cleansing food. They help regulate blood sugar levels, while reducing inflammation in the whole body and are a good energy food to increase stamina.

Garlic: helps strengthen and cleanse the blood, while giving the liver and kidneys a good spring clean that will increase your energy.

Get plenty of sleep, have infrared saunas, indulge in lymphatic massages, but most importantly, drink copious amounts of filtered water.

Water is vital for the elimination process, keeping the body clean and detoxified.

It literally flushes out all the toxins your body stores from any bad foods you eat.