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Avoid all alcohol, fats, sugar, excess salt (particularly if oedema is present), processed foods containing harmful chemicals, and cigarettes.
The diet should have an adequate supply of protein (except in severe cases where this would be an extra burden on the liver). Protein provides building material for regenerating cells. Do not consume excessive amounts of protein.
Calories and carbohydrates should be plentiful and supplied by whole grains, potatoes, seeds, and legumes. This ensures that the protein supplied is used for regeneration rather than energy.
At least 64-oz of pure water should be drunk each day.
All the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K, and F) should be supplemented, along with the B vitamins in a multi B vitamin preparation containing at least 50-mg of B1, B2, and B3. Alcoholics are particularly susceptible to B1 or thiamine deficiency. Iron and folic acid may also be required if anemia is suspected. Selenium and zinc supplements also speed up the process of regeneration.
A period of four to ten days on juice is healing for the liver if appropriate for the client. Use beet, lemon, grape, radish, carrot, and dandelion Taraxacum officinale juice (small amounts only). Remember, do not mix vegetable and fruit juices.
A liver flush will help cleanse the organ and speed up regeneration. Use 1-T olive or sesame oil (cold pressed) and the juice of half a lemon. Mix the oil and lemon juice and take first thing in the morning. Do not eat breakfast for an hour. Repeat procedure for three consecutive days, discontinue for four days, and then repeat again for three days. This sequence can be repeated over a period of two months. However, if a person has a history of gallstones, they should not perform a liver flush as it may cause a stone to become stuck in the bile duct.
The client should be encouraged to get adequate rest and relaxation. Healing and regeneration only take place when the body is well rested.
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale tea, greens, and coffee, plus the use of the fluid extract, will all improve liver function slowly but surely.
Other beneficial herbs include barberry Berberis vulgaris, cayenne Capsicum annuum, cleavers Gallium aparine, fennel Foeniculum vulgare, fumitory Fumaria officinalis, horseradish Cochlearia armoracia, lobelia Lobelia inflata, milk thistle Silybum marianum, motherwort Leonurus cardiaca, plantain Plantago major, sage Salvia officinalis, self heal Prunella vulgaris, wild yam Dioscorea villosa, yarrow Achillea millefolium, and yellow dock Rumex crispus.