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(11.07.2025) Detox teas, liver cures and new miracle cures - sounds promising, doesn't it? But much of it is simply misleading. The expert knows what really helps your liver.

Your liver is a real high-performance organ. It detoxifies the body, stores nutrients, produces numerous proteins and helps with digestion. "Almost nothing in the body works without a healthy liver," says Prof. Dr. Tobias Böttler, Head of the Gerok Liver Center at the Freiburg University Medical Center. Nevertheless, there are many myths surrounding its care and regeneration.

Myth 1: The liver needs to be detoxified regularly

Detox teas, lemon cures, certain juices - that sounds like a quick fix. But according to Böttler, this is simply wrong: "Your liver is the detox organ. If you are healthy, your liver will do these tasks all by itself." The basic prerequisite for this is not to permanently damage the liver - for example by consuming too much alcohol, sugar or fat.

Myth 2: Herbal supplements cure a fatty liver

Preparations such as milk thistle, turmeric or artichoke are often touted as remedies. According to Böttler, there is evidence that they can improve certain aspects of a fatty liver. "However, it has been proven that if you have a fatty liver, normalizing your body weight, exercise and a healthy diet can actually bring about a breakthrough."

The biggest risk factors

Alcohol and obesity are the biggest threats to liver health. "Even moderate amounts of alcohol can cause long-term damage to your liver, especially when combined with obesity," warns Böttler. And: "No, red wine is not good for your liver, even in small quantities."

What really helps the liver

So what is good for the liver?

1. Low sugar, healthy fats and a balanced diet.
2. Plenty of exercise and maintaining a normal body weight.
3. Be careful with alcohol.
4. Medical check-ups, especially if you have risk factors such as obesity or diabetes.

The liver is not an organ for "detoxification"

"Please don't believe every promise you read on the internet," appeals Böttler. The liver is not a filter "that you have to replace or detoxify once a year". It is a complex, multifaceted organ that needs support above all else - and sometimes a little rest.

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