The best time to cleanse your liver is during spring. Before starting a liver detox, it’s a good idea to flush bile and stones from your gallbladder using an Epsom salt cleanse. The gallbladder, located just beneath the liver, plays a crucial role in digestion by storing bile, which is made in the liver and helps digest fats. When the body needs to process fat, the gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine. Bile can sometimes harden into stones, potentially causing problems.
While traditional treatments like medication and surgery can address gallstones, many people prefer natural remedies such as gallbladder cleanses. A gallbladder cleanse involves a specific diet aimed at preventing or treating gallstones. Some even refer to it as a “liver flush.”
Natural remedies for liver cleansing include castor oil packs, herbal teas, and Disodium Phosphate. Many people safely perform gallbladder flushes on their own without a doctor’s supervision. Magnesium sulfate, or Epsom salt, is one common option. It’s a mineral that increases water in the intestines, acting as a laxative to relieve constipation and low magnesium levels. To support the natural expulsion of gallstones, relaxing your digestive tract is essential, which can be achieved by consuming magnesium sulfate. Epsom salts have been widely used to treat constipation, as they relax the intestines and make it easier for stool to pass.
Hydration is key before starting the cleanse. Plan to do the cleanse over a weekend or take two days off from work, without any social commitments, since the process takes about 48 hours and additional time to recover.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. For 4-5 days before the liver flush, consume lots of apples or apple juice. If juice isn’t an option, take malic acid supplements. In the last two days, drink 8 oz of apple juice every 2-3 hours to aid the gallbladder cleanse.
2. On day 6, have a light, fat-free breakfast to help your liver store bile. This will build pressure, promoting stone elimination from your gallbladder.
3. At 2:00 PM, mix 4 tablespoons of Epsom salts with 3 cups of water, and place it in the fridge. Do not eat or drink anything after 2 PM.
4. At 6:00 PM, drink 3/4 cup of the Epsom salt mixture. If needed, add a bit of powdered Vitamin C to improve the taste.
5. At 8:00 PM, have another 3/4 cup of the mixture. Finish any remaining tasks and prepare for rest after the cleanse.
6. At 9:45 PM, mix 1/2 cup of virgin olive oil with grapefruit juice extracted from one whole grapefruit. Shake it until fully combined.
7. At 10:00 PM, drink the mixture using a straw to make it easier. Try to drink it within 5 minutes.
8. Immediately lie down, preferably on your right side with your right knee pulled up. Stay still for about 20 minutes and aim to sleep.
9. Apply a castor oil pack and use a hot-water bottle or heating pad on your upper right abdomen to ease discomfort from passing gallstones, which often occurs in the early morning hours.
10. The next morning, upon waking, drink a third dose of 3/4 cup Epsom salts and go back to sleep if needed.
11. Two hours later, take the final dose of Epsom salts.
12. After another two hours, you can start eating, but begin with liquids and gradually move on to fruit. Avoid solid foods immediately.
If you’re feeling unwell, avoid this flush. Consult with your healthcare professional to rule out an obstructed bile duct or gallstones using imaging tests. Carefully follow the instructions, as the liver is sensitive to changes. Before altering your routine, seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider.
Refrain from taking medications, vitamins, or supplements during the cleanse unless necessary, as they may interfere with the process. Always check with your doctor beforehand. The cleanse is intended for people over 18 years old and should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Keep all cleanse-related items out of children’s reach.
Ensure you can tolerate Magnesium Sulfate before undertaking the flush, as reactions can be severe. Should you experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or weakness, stop use and contact your doctor. Diarrhea is expected, but if it doesn’t occur, consult your healthcare professional.
