The liver is an organ which is involved in many metabolic processes, such as processing the food we consume, using what is needed, and sending the rest to the dump.
The amount of toxins which are ingested, inhaled or absorbed on a regular basis heavily depends on the environment and the lifestyle. When the liver cannot keep pace with this amount of toxins, it gets clogged and loses its ability to function properly.
For illustration, the filter of a clothes dryer is full of hair, threads, dust, and skin particles after doing its job. If you don’t remove this waste on a regular basis, you will either damage the dryer or run the risk of fire.
Just as it is easy to peel the waste of the lit screen, we can keep our liver clean and working at its optimal level if we take the right steps.
What Does The Liver Do?
As mentioned in the very beginning, the liver is involved in many metabolic processes in the body. Below, you have a list of the top 10, even though each of them is extremely important.
1. Filters drugs and toxins from blood
2. Assists in the regulation of blood clotting
3. Removes bacteria from the blood and defends against infection
4. Converts glucose (sugar) to be used for energy
5. Regulates amino acids
6. Processes blood hemoglobin
7. Converts ammonia to urea for the body to eliminate
8. Produces protein needed for blood plasma
9. Produces bile, which breaks down fats in the intestines and carries waste through the digestive tract
10. Produces proteins and cholesterol that carry fats throughout the body
If the liver doesn’t do all of the aforementioned processes, the entire body is at serious risk. In fact, in a case of liver failure, the body shuts down in short order, advancing from jaundice to coma.
How Will I Know?
The good news is that the liver is adaptable and it sends signals to the body when it needs help. If you experience any of the conditions below, it is very likely that your liver needs detoxification:
- Light or pale-colored stools
- Chronic fatigue
- Hemorrhoids
- Bitter taste in the mouth
- Chronic upset stomach
- Recurrent headaches over the eyes
- Gallbladder attacks
So Now What?
To return liver`s optimal function, you need to feed it nutrients! It is very important to know what to avoid, such as processed foods, large doses of vitamin A or iron (supplements), excessive sodium intake, cigarettes, illicit, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter drugs. On the other hand, you should try to stay hydrated and exercise regularly, as they promote proper liver function.
Foods Which Support Liver Health
1. Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of the healthiest fats and it is known for its ability to prevent chronic liver damage. The reason behind this is its metabolism support and antioxidant properties. Moreover, olive oil reduces the accumulation of fat in the liver as well.
However, it is very important to buy genuine olive oil, as not all types provide the same benefits. Therefore, do a little research before buying olive oil!
2. Turmeric
Turmeric`s benefits to human health are amazing! It contains curcumin, a phytochemical which protects from cancer in the mouth, blood, and organs.
It is also potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, which allows it to promote liver function through its boron content, a mineral which prevents oxidation.
When combined with black pepper, turmeric`s absorption is significantly enhanced as piperine found in black pepper stimulates cells to absorb more of the nutrients in the food we consume.
3. Apple
Apple is abundant in pectin, type of fiber which stimulates the elimination of waste.
4. Avocado
Avocado is a super food which is loaded with liver-supporting phytonutrients and healthy fats. Moreover, it contains glutathione, an antioxidant which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and boosts immunity.
5. Lemon and Lime
These citrus fruits are abundant in vitamin C and its sour taste stimulates liver enzymes. “The present study suggests that citric acid might find utility in treatment of toxic and inflammatory conditions of the brain and liver tissues…citric acid is naturally concentrated in citrus fruits with lemon juice and lime juice being rich sources of citric acid and intake of these has been suggested as an effective means of treating oxalate stones,” according to a study published in the Journal of Medicine Food.
6. Garlic
Garlic contains allicin, an antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial compound. It also contains large quantities of selenium, which makes it very effective in flushing out toxins and waste.
7. Beet and Carrot
It has been scientifically shown that beta-carotene found in these vegetables reduces liver cirrhosis. Moreover, it turns into vitamin A when metabolized, a vitamin which is crucial for immune system, healthy vision, and organ function.
However, excessive intake of vitamin A can damage the liver, and the amounts consumed in a balanced diet are sufficient.
8. Green Tea
Green tea contains catechins, antioxidants which reduce promote liver health by reducing accumulation of liver fat.
9. Green Leafy Vegetables
Fiber, supportive phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals all contribute to a healthy liver, as all of them promote elimination of heavy metals from the organism. Green leafy vegetables are especially effective in removing toxins from the body.
They are highly versatile as well, meaning that you can combine them with many dishes and consume them without being fed up with the same food.
10. Grapefruit
Like lemon and lime, grapefruit is also rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, both of which stimulate production of enzymes responsible for elimination of waste and toxins from the liver. Moreover, it contains a flavonoid phytonutrient naringenin which stimulates burning of fat liver.
Source: http://dailyhealthpost.com/how-to-accelerate-liver-detox-with-avocado-turmeric-garlic-and-more/