For years now, I have taken a simple, two-ingredient tonic before bed that I call The Lemon and Olive Oil Detox Drink. Designed to cleanse the liver and gallbladder, this antioxidant-rich beverage helps stimulate bile and also improves sleep.
Why Olive Oil and Lemons?
Olive oil helps stimulate the gallbladder to contract and release its stored bile into the gut. This also gives the liver a chance to discharge additional bile. Both olive oil and lemons (thanks to their sour taste) help trigger the secretion of cholecystokinin (CCK), a hormone that plays a key role in digestion and satiety. Multiple studies have shown that olive oil, especially its high oleic acid content, can stimulate CCK release.1
Lemon and other citrus peels are also great gentle binders from nature. They are packed with flavonoids and high-molecular pectin,2 which helps enhance the absorption and release of toxins, specifically fat-soluble toxins such as heavy metals, pesticides, and parabens. This improves your gut health and your body’s overall elimination of toxins.
Most fruits for example are acid-forming, except for lemons, limes, and a few other frutis. Lemons (and limes) have acidic properties, but they are alkalizing once digested, which is why they are so highly recommended during a seasonal cleanse or detoxification program
Lemon & Olive Oil Detox Drink Recipe
The best time to have this refreshing beverage is right before bed on an empty stomach, but you can also drink it early in the morning when you wake up. Take it daily or as part of a 2–3 week detox program (ideally during spring and fall seasonal cleanses). Caution: Do not take it if you have gallstones. But you can have the drink if you don‘t have a gallbladder — there is no issue.
Makes approximately 3 servings
Ingredients:
• 1 organic lemon
• 1 Tbsp organic extra-virgin olive oil
• 1¼ cups filtered or spring water
Directions:
- Cut off the ends of the lemon and then cut into quarters, being sure to remove the seeds.
- Put lemon pieces, olive oil, and water into a blender and blend until smooth, or as smooth as possible. You can strain off the pulp or leave it (my personal preference).
- Enjoy!
References
- Okonkwo O, Zezoff D, Adeyinka A. Biochemistry, Cholecystokinin. StatPearls. 2023 May 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534204/
- Magalhães D, Vilas-Boas AA, Teixeira P, Pintado M. Functional Ingredients and Additives from Lemon by-Products and Their Applications in Food Preservation: A Review. Foods. 2023 Mar 4;12(5):1095. doi: 10.3390/foods12051095. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36900612/
