Foods for cleansing the liver are essential and important in keeping the body’s powerhouse (the liver) functioning optimally. A liver that is healthy plays a major role during digestion and detoxification process and when its healthy status is challenged, it could result in sluggish metabolism, bloating, constipation and gas just to name a few.
A toxic liver can lead to inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, high blood pressure, poor control of the body’s lipid (fat) levels. Often times, hormonal -imbalances are part of the bigger picture and this can result in mood swings, depression, and headaches. Just like a car that needs regular servicing for optimal performance and long-term savings from expensive repairs; the liver needs to be properly maintained throughout its life span for better efficiency and longevity.
How to Cleanse your Liver Naturally With 15 Super Foods
Almost everything we take in orally passes through the liver during the process of digestion so it is very essential that the functionality of the liver is well maintained and preserved. It is essential that the liver is cleansed from time to time, much like the way super-unleaded fuel should be used occasionally as it facilitates greater efficiency and cleaner engine in cars. Find below some of the super foods to naturally cleanse your liver:
1. Beetroots and Carrots
Carrots are high especially in both Glutathione and beta-carotene, which has been dubbed `the mother of all Antioxidants’. It is a fact that Beetroots are used along with medications in the treatment of liver diseases and fatty liver (citation). They are also used to help lower levels of triglycerides (a type of fat) in the blood, lower blood pressure and to improve athletic performance. It contains flavonoids beta-carotene and anti-oxidants which help promote liver health.
2. Walnuts
Walnuts have high levels of an imperative amino acid known as arginine. This happens to be important for assisting your liver in getting of ammonia from the body. Walnuts also contain high amounts of glutathione and omega-3 fatty acids, which aid the liver in its usual cleansing routines. You should thoroughly chew these nuts to help the body digest them accordingly.
3. Dandelion
This is a dark green leafy vegetable which is highly recommended as a part of an effective liver cleansing diet. One of its chemical components, teraxacin_is believed to help stimulate your digestive organs & trigger the gall bladder and liver to release bile juice (which supports fat absorption and digestion). In the past and presently, dandelion roots and leaves were used to treat liver and gallbladder problems
4. Tomatoes
Tomato is rich in healthy glutathione (which assist the liver in the detoxification process by activating the release of toxin cleansing enzymes in your liver). As an added advantage, the lycopene element in tomatoes will assist in protecting you from lung, breast, and skin cancer. Two great health benefits all in one!
5. Spinach
Still on glutathione, eating raw spinach can supply your body with high tons of the same glutathione; the mother of all antioxidants. Although you have probably not heard of it, glutathione is the most important molecule you need to stay healthy and prevent disease. It is the secret to preventing heart diseases, aging, cancer, dementia and more. It does not end here; glutathione is indispensable when it comes to treating everything from autism to Alzheimer’s disease. There are over 89,000 medical articles already published about it. Spinash is also a good source of Vitamin K, Vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids), Vitamin B, calcium, magnesium, protein, zinc, dietary fibers, choline, and iron.
6. Garlic
This is one of the archaic land based medicinal foods on the planet; it contains an important active sulfur based compound known as allicin, a key supporter of the liver detox. It helps the liver rid the body of mercury, hormone estrogen and certain food additives
7. Eggs
Eggs offer some of the highest quality protein and other essential nutrients known as choline including all the 8 essential amino acids. Choline which is a coenzyme required for metabolism process (is found in the yolk of the egg) and protects the liver from a wide-range of toxic substances, whilst detoxifying heavy metals. The essentiality if choline was established in a study of healthy men with normal folate and vitamin B12 status who developed liver damage with lower blood choline levels resulting in muscle damage and abnormal deposition of fat in the liver, leading to a condition called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
8. Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables include vegetables like: (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, and kohlrabi) and the Brassica rapa (Chinese cabbage and turnips). They contain important phytonutrients (flavanoid, sulforaphane, indoles, and carotenoids) that help the liver neutralize chemicals, drugs, carcinogens and pesticides. Vegetables like daikon (a root that is rich in phenolic elements helps to prevent the formation of carcinogen compound in the stomach in reaction to food that has been prepared with sodium nitrite and hydrogenated oils).
9. Medicinal mushrooms
Shiitake, reishi, and maitake mushrooms are believed to contain a significant level of healthy nutrients that support and nourish your body’s immune system. These medicinal mushrooms are rich in a strong antioxidant known as L-ergothioneine, which neutralizes free radicals whilst increasing enzymes that helps boost antioxidant activity.
10. Berries
Strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, and blueberries are among nature’s best super foods since they contain phytochemicals (antioxidant rich plant compound) that help the liver protect the body from oxidative stress and free radicals, which have been linked-to aging and chronic diseases. Polyphenols and anthocynanin found in fruit berries have been shown-to-inhibit the proliferation of cancer-cells in the liver.
11. Apples
Apples contain a powerful phenolic compound (including flavonoids), which can fight_inflammatory diseases. They are also rich inpectin, a rich source of soluble-fiber that can assist eliminate toxic build up.
12. Healthy Fats
They include:
- Flax seed-an important source of omega- 3 fatty acids (freshly-ground flax seed helps in the regulation of hormone levels).
- Hemp seed – a combination of clean omega- 6 and omega- 3 fats. These seeds help reduce inflammation whilst reducing dangerous blood-fat levels.
- Chia seed – a staple in Mayan and Central American diets for many years. They are all-round nutritional powerhouse. 3 tablespoons contain five grams of protein, 200-miligams of calcium, ten grams of fat, 7 twelve grams of fiber.
- Coconut oil – An extremely healthy saturated-fat, coconut oil is immediately broken-down by enzymes in the gastric juice and saliva and is more easy to digest.
- Avocado – a rich source of mono-unsaturated fat that contains oleic acid. They contain glutathione (an important nutrient for liver health).
- Unrefined extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive oil – Unadulterated olive oil contains phenols, the same anti inflammatory compounds found in apples and berries. Daily consumption of unrefined olive oil helps support the liver in reducing oxidative stress in your body.
13. Fish
In general, fish is rich in protein. Some wild-caught fish, for instance Atlantic mackerel, anchovies, and sardines, are known for their omega- 3 fatty acids & their low-level of contaminants. Wild salmon is a good source of protein and is also one of the best-source-of omega- 3 fatty acids from the shrimp and krill they eat, that is what gives salmon fish their beautiful color & makes them rich in antioxidants.
14. Asparagus
An excellent diuretic that helps in the process of cleansing and shedding the detoxification load of your liver and kidney.
15. Alternative Grains
Gluten rich grains for instance wheat, whole grain, or flour help increase the load on your liver’s detoxification function & enzyme production. You should switch to alternative grains like buckwheat, millet and quinoa.
Other Foods that can Naturally Cleanse the Liver
Water
After oxygen, the body requires water more than any-other-substance, including food just to survive. Since water flushes waste products and toxins from the body, you end up feeling more alert and energized when the body is full and well hydrated. Usually 8 to 10 8-ounce glasses will-do-the trick.
Dark Leafy Greens
Brussels, sprouts, cabbage and kale are powerful veggies that contain high-levels of sulfur, which helps support the liver in its entire detox process, activating it to remove free-radicals & other toxic chemicals.
Green tea is rich in plant antioxidants referred to as catechins (a compound known to help liver function).
Turmeric
The curcumin compound that is found in turmeric have been shown to heal the liver, assisting in strengthening and detoxification of your whole body.
The good thing is that these foods are readily available all around us so start taking care of yourself today by detoxifying your liver if you want a long lasting healthy body system.
