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Other common
name(s): gallbladder flush, liver cleansing
Scientific/medical
name(s): none
Description
Liver flushes are recommended by alternative medicine
practitioners to detoxify or drive "harmful chemicals and germs" out of
the liver and gallbladder. They are often used as part of a larger
metabolic treatment regimen (see Metabolic Therapy).
Overview
Available scientific evidence does not support claims that
liver flushes are useful for preventing or treating cancer or any other
diseases.
How is it promoted for use?
Proponents claim that liver flushing rids the organ of
unwanted food by-products, fats, toxins, parasites, and gallstones,
thereby preventing or treating a range of diseases, including cancer.
They also claim that because the liver is an important hormone
regulator, cleansing it will help conditions caused by hormone
imbalances.
Liver flushes are a key part of several alternative metabolic
therapies promoted to treat cancer.
What does it involve?
A liver flush involves eating or drinking a combination of
juices, Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate), and oils, often with selected
herbs, enzymes, and other components. Liver flush formulas vary widely
by practitioner and can also be purchased. The flush is usually done
over the course of 2 or more days and results in several bowel
movements. Practitioners often recommend a liver flush once or twice a
year.
Some practitioners advise combining liver flushes with fasting
or other alternative treatments such as coffee enemas. They are often
recommended before starting other forms of alternative treatments, as a
way to begin with a "clean slate."
What is the evidence?
Promoters of liver flushes and alternative detoxification
regimens as a treatment for cancer often cite the belief that cancer is
caused by the accumulation of toxins. They say that the process by
which cancer develops can be reversed through treatments intended to
remove the toxic substances. However, this view is not consistent with
modern concepts of how DNA mutations cause cancer to develop and grow.
There is no reliable evidence to support any of the claims
made for liver flushes. No studies on the use of liver flushes for any
condition have been reported in available peer-reviewed medical
journals.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
People may have nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea during the
flush. Oily or fatty components of liver flushes may cause the
gallbladder to contract, which could lead to problems in people with
gallstones that could get stuck in the bile duct. Individual components
of the herbal mixtures used in a liver flush may present their own
health hazards.
Relying on this type of treatment alone and avoiding or
delaying conventional medical care for cancer may have serious health
consequences.
Additional Resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on
our Web site (www.cancer.org)
or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
American Cancer Society. Questionable cancer practices in
Tijuana and other Mexican border clinics. CA Cancer J Clin.
1991;41:310-319.
Moran P. The Truth about Gallbladder and Liver "Flushes".
Accessed at:
http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/flushes.html on June
11, 2008.
PDRhealth. Detoxification therapy. 2004. Accessed at:
www.pdrhealth.com/content/natural_medicine/chapters/201160.shtml.
Accessed July 8, 2005. Content no longer available.
UC Berkley Wellness Letter. Liver supplements. July 2002.
Accessed at: www.berkeleywellness.com/html/ds/dsLiverSupps.php on June
11, 2008.
Note:
This
information may not cover all possible claims, uses, actions,
precautions, side effects or interactions. It is not intended as
medical advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for
consultation with your doctor, who is familiar with your medical
situation.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
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