The liver is a vital organ that should be taken care of so it can take care of you! Our livers are so important because, among other things, they are in charge of distributing and storing essential nutrients, as well as removing dangerous and harmful toxins from our bodies. It is the birthplace of more than 100 enzymes needed for kidney, brain, and joint function. A healthy liver will keep you energized, boost your immune system, improve appetite and digestion, boost your metabolism by processing fats for you (and again, turn them into energy when needed), breakdown and process proteins, and store many of your essential vitamins such as B12 and vitamins D and E. Have you thought about trying a detox to get your body back on track?
Livers are strong organs (and one of the largest in the body, btw), but can be damaged like any other part of your body if you don’t take care of it. Damage can occur from excessive amounts of alcohol, tobacco, and excessive amounts of painkillers. It can also be damaged as a result of poor diet, hepatitis viruses, and even some autoimmune disorders.
How Can I Detox in A Healthy Way?
The best way to help prevent damage to the liver is by eating a healthy, balanced diet and limiting alcohol consumption. That healthy diet should include as many of the amazing ingredients listed below that are known to be liver detoxifiers.
Herbs
Milk Thistle Seed– Milk thistle has been used for hundreds and hundreds of years to cleanse and support the liver and gallbladder. It helps with digestion, bile production, detoxification from poisons like alcohol, and even can heal damaged liver tissues.
Dandelion Root– Dandelion root, to many’s surprise, is beneficial for the liver because it helps fight fatty liver and cirrhosis, and also stimulates bile flow.
Turmeric– Turmeric is a wonder herb/spice that we actually blogged about in detail recently. One of its many positive attributes is protecting the liver by helping stimulate enzymes that flush out toxins. Like milk thistle, turmeric can even aid in healing damaged liver tissues.
Greens/Cruciferous Vegetables
Arugula– the sulphureous chemicals in arugula are said to strengthen the liver and stimulate circulation. Arugula also has diuretic properties.
Cabbage/Brussel Sprouts/Broccoli– Cruciferous veggies are great for the liver because they contain sulforaphane, which strengthens detoxification enzymes in the liver. Eating cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and kale) regularly, will certainly help improve liver function.
Fruits
Grapefruit– Grapefruit is high in vitamin C and antioxidants which naturally support cleansing of the liver. You can increase liver detoxification by consuming grapefruit regularly.
Citrus Fruits– Citrus fruits are similar to grapefruit in the sense they are high in vitamin C and have many antioxidants, which naturally help cleanse the liver. Citrus fruits also contain limonin, which is a compound that has strong anti-cancer agents (bonus)!
As mentioned earlier, living a healthy lifestyle – including a healthy and fresh diet, exercise, and limiting alcohol and harsh drugs- is key to maintaining a healthy liver. On top of that, consuming any or all of the above liver-friendly ingredients can assist you in protecting that liver. And if you are struggling at all with how to incorporate these helpful detox ingredients into your meals, please head over to Well Pared, as we include a majority of these ingredients on our menu!
