What is the evidence that liver cleansing diets work?
Most ‘evidence’ in support of liver cleansing diets is anecdotal. That is, proponents of the diets will outline success stories from individual patients or clients. As outlined above, the liver cleansing diet may lead to weight loss due to the consumption of a healthy and balanced diet. However, there is little evidence to suggest that the liver can be cleansed by eating certain foods, or by taking supplements or tonics. Scientists rely on stringent criteria to judge whether a particular supplement or diet leads to its claimed benefits. One way to show that a supplement works, in the way it is supposed to, would be to conduct a clinical trial. Clinical trials could allow scientists to carefully observe what happens to the livers of patient when they consume these supplements. However, to date, there have been no clinical trials or any other peer-reviewed studies that show how the diet or supplements affect liver functioning. The recommended supplements are expensive, and, at best, unne
