Chronic stress, immune imbalance, and thyroid dysfunction are deeply interconnected. This forms a stress–immune–thyroid triad where each system influences the others, affecting energy, mood, and resilience. Research shows that targeted support—including adaptogens, micronutrients can help restore communication across this network. Rather than offering quick fixes, this systems-based approach addresses underlying feedback loops, combining clinical insight, patient engagement, and supportive lifestyle practices to rebuild physiological balance and improve well-being over time.
Laura Lewis, MS
When you’re concerned with the health and function of your liver, the last thing you want to do is put a larger toxic load into your body. In contrast, nourishing your body with clean, liver-supportive nutrition can boost your body’s natural detoxification systems. Drinking a liver detox smoothie as a meal replacement can be a beneficial part of a liver cleanse protocol or just a healthy part of your daily routine.*
Metabolic Detox Complete is a flavored powder (it comes in vanilla or chocolate) that contains a full-spectrum daily multivitamin/mineral supplement. Its formula is designed specifically to support liver health and your body’s natural detoxification pathways. You can mix it with water for a quick and easy shake, or it can be blended into any smoothie recipe for added nutrition.
Scroll to the bottom of this article for a smoothie recipe that compliments the flavor and nutritional power of Metabolic Detox Complete. In between, we have described some of the best nutrients for liver support and where to find them.
Apart from supplements, whole organic foods are an excellent source of detox-supportive nutrition. Just make sure to purchase them from a reputable source and wash them well to remove added toxins that may be present on skins or peels. Even “organic” farms occasionally spray natural or “organic” herbicides and pesticides that can add to the toxicity of a food.
Metabolic Detox Complete: Liver Detox Nutrition*
In the liver, you can break the detoxification process down into two phases. Phase I involves enzymatic modification or breakdown of toxins into more soluble compounds that Phase II will further solubilize and eliminate. Since these compounds include free radicals, it is important to both support and control Phase I, so it does not out-pace Phase II. During Phase II, Phase I metabolites will be conjugated so they can be eliminated in urine or bile.
Phase I Detox
The Phase I enzyme cofactors selected for the Metabolic Detox Complete formula include B-vitamins (folate, niacinamide, B-6, B-12), zinc, magnesium, selenium, and copper.* [1,2] Nutrients that control Phase I end-products include vitamins C, E, and A, green tea, silymarin (from milk thistle), and NAC.* [1-3]
Phase II Detox
Phase II conjugation falls into six categories, and each requires nutritional support.
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Pantothenic acid, thiamine, and vitamin C support acetylation of organic compounds containing nitrogen.*
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Glycine, glutamine, and taurine support amino acid conjugation.*
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Calcium d-glucarate supports glucuronidation.*
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NAC, vitamin C, and silymarin support glutathione conjugation.
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B-6, methionine, B-12 (as methylcobalamin), folate (as methylfolate), and choline, all support methylation.* Methylation is a process necessary for the metabolism of neurotransmitters and detoxification of certain compounds*.
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Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), taurine, methionine, and NAC support sulfation.. [1-3]
Metabolic Detox Complete contains plant-based protein, fiber, fats, and complex carbohydrates as well as a multivitamin/mineral base.
An added benefit is that Metabolic Detox Complete contains no major allergens. In addition to its use for detoxification, it can be used as part of an elimination diet protocol.*
Liver Detox Smoothie*
When it comes to liver health and detoxification, antioxidants are key.* [4] Of course, not all antioxidants work exactly the same way, or in the same tissues, so including a broad range of antioxidants and compounds with antioxidant activity in your smoothie is a wise choice.
Frozen berries
The more berries the better, but blueberries and acai are two excellent sources of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are pigments with antioxidant activity that give berries their vibrant colors. [5]
Cranberry juice
Another source of anthocyanins, cranberries have been demonstrated time and again to benefit liver function. [6,7] Just make sure when buying cranberry juice for this purpose that you’re buying the real thing, not a cranberry juice cocktail made mostly of sugar.
Kale
Kale is a cruciferous vegetable that can be chopped and stored in the freezer. In a smoothie, it adds a lot of nutrition without changing the taste significantly. Cruciferous vegetables contain many bioactive compounds that boost the detoxification process of environmental pollutants. [8]
One such compound is known as sulforaphane. One of its key actions is activating the Nrf2 pathway, which supports the body’s production of antioxidant and detoxification enzymes.* Sulforaphane also acts on NF-κB.* Additionally, it supports phase II liver detoxification, has shown potential in modulating gene expression, and has promising roles in hormone activity and the gut microbiome.* Its diverse actions make it a compound of interest for supporting long-term health and resilience.* [9]
Almond Butter
Nuts, such as almonds are a potential allergen, so omit almond butter if using this smoothie as a part of an elimination diet.
If you can eat nuts, however, they are an excellent source of not only antioxidants, but also healthy fats, vitamin E, and other beneficial plant compounds. Together, this nutritional composition is beneficial to the liver and cardiovascular health. [10-11]
Almonds, specifically, have been shown to provide benefits whether you eat a little or a lot every day. [12] And, even though they are a source of fat, consuming them is not associated with weight gain. [12]
Banana
To be honest, we’re adding this fruit for taste and texture. Bananas are creamy and pretty high in natural sugar, so it replaces the need for a sweetener, and adds fiber (less ripe the better) and some vitamins and minerals to the drink.
While bananas are low-fat, they are high-calorie (for a fruit) and deliver a moderate glycemic load. So, if you are watching your carbs or sugar intake, feel free to omit the banana from your smoothie.
Liver Detox Smoothie Recipe* (1 meal replacement)
- 1 scoop Metabolic Detox Complete (vanilla or chocolate)
- 1 small banana (or half large)
- ½ cup frozen chopped kale
- ½ cup frozen blueberries
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1 cup (8 oz) cranberry juice
- Water to adjust consistency
Liver Detox Smoothie Instructions
- Add all ingredients (save water) to a blender.
- Blend until smooth, or add water a tablespoon at a time until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately.
Disclaimer:
The information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult your physician or healthcare practitioner if you have specific questions before instituting any changes in your daily lifestyle including changes in diet, exercise, and supplement use.
Laura Lewis is a clinical researcher and science communicator with a Master of Science degree and a background in nutrition science and integrative health. She brings a decade of experience translating complex clinical data into accessible insights for healthcare practitioners and patients alike.
Laura has contributed to educational programming and strategic content development across the integrative and functional medicine space. Her strengths lie in evidence synthesis, practitioner engagement, and crafting communications that bridge the gap between scientific rigor and real-world application. At ARG, Laura supports clinical content development and educational initiatives that elevate practitioner confidence and product credibility.