The liver is the second largest organ in the human body and one of the most important, because it’s responsible for filtering harmful toxins out of the bloodstream. There are medical programs to detoxify the liver, but there are also several natural, simple lifestyle changes you can make that will result in a clean, healthy liver.
Think of your liver as your body’s housekeeper and handy-person. Really, your liver is responsible for cleaning the body of toxins (i.e., processed foods, chemicals in body care products, alcohol) to keep your internal organs running effectively. Basically the more toxin you take in; the more stress your liver suffers.
Perhaps its time to give your hard-working liver a well deserved break by implementing the following eight naturally cleansing foods…
1. Lemon Juice
I do this one first thing each morning—a squeeze of lemon juice in a lukewarm glass of water.lemon juice stimulates the liver’s bile production to help push toxins out. It also prevents the buildup of gallstones and promotes digestion and liver function in the movement of gastric juices. This is a well-known and natural kick-start to your body’s elimination organ. The acidity in the lemon wakes up the nerves in the digestive system and liver to encourage healthy digestion, and more optimal bowel movements.
2. Avocados
It turns out that in addition to being a great source of healthy fats, the yummy, creamy avocado is great for your liver. In fact, a Japanese study discovered that avocados packed with protective compounds that shield the liver from damaging toxins, like galactosamine.
3. Turmeric
If you suffer from chronic inflammation or liver issues, turmeric is a potent spice with serious anti-inflammatory benefits. Turmeric has actually proven effective in warding off nasty viral infections.
4. Zinc
The powerful enzyme, zinc, causes some pretty awesome reactions inside your body. Taking a zinc enzyme supplement will assist the liver in the breakdown of alcohol so it can be safely and more efficiently eliminated from the body. If you imbibe often, start taking zinc!
5. Dandelion Root
Dandelion might be a embarrassing yellow smear on your front lawn, but the root has some pretty amazing healing powers. In fact, dandelion root has been used for eons as a healing liver tincture—steeped as a tea or brewed as a bitter coffee.
6. Garlic
Garlic has sulfur-containing compounds that activate liver enzymes that work to flush out any toxins that might be in your system. Garlic also contains allicin and selenium, two nutrients that protect the liver from damages caused by toxins. These two nutrients also aid in the detoxification process.If you can’t stand the taste of garlic because you simply don’t like it (or you’re a vampire) you can purchase garlic supplements at your local health store.a small clove of garlic is anti-viral. Not only does it beef up the immune system to ward of infections and germs, garlic packs pungent sulfur compounds, which trigger the function of enzymes to enhance liver function.
7. Water
Good old H2O is good for so many health reasons. Well, now you can add liver function to your list of why to drink more water.Detoxify your liver and flush toxins out by drinking at least 2 quarts of water every day. Drinking lots of water will keep you hydrated, which naturally encourages cell regeneration. It will also allow the liver to filter out more toxins and residue, letting it work faster and increasing your energy level.It makes sense, hydrating fluids—like herbal tea and water infused with lemon, improve waste elimination and protect the liver from developing gallstones.
8. Brussels Sprouts
They might taste a little funky, but Brussels sprouts contain glucosinolates, a sulphur compound that gives off that telltale pungent smell while shielding the liver from toxic and chemical damage. So invite a few more of these “mini-cabbages” to you next diner party.
(via Active Beat)
