Liver Cleansing Foods
The liver is a very important and ‘abused’ organ in the body. It is important because it performs vital functions such as regulating of the Blood Sugar, Making and Burning of Fat, Absorbing Omega Fatty Acids, Regulating Cholesterol, Balancing of the Key Weight-Loss Hormones, Maintenance of the Muscle Tone, and getting rid of fattening toxins.
But why is it abused?
The liver, although it handles the difficult task of maintaining metabolism and flushing away the toxins of the body, does not get a holiday. Basically, the liver is not given the healthy break it deserves after working with excessive alcohol, medications, viruses and bacteria that the body encounters everyday for years.
Here are some of the tell-tale signs a person encounters that signals the liver’s need for tender loving care:
• Weight problems such as bingeing, uncontrolled weight gain and excessive fat in the abdomen
• Fatigue and uncontrolled sleepiness
• Digestive problems such as frequent constipation, recurring heartburn, halitosis or bad breath and indigestion
• Mental conditions such as irritability, depression, negative thoughts, mood swings, poor memory and feeling of helplessness
• Skin problems such as under eye circles, acne, skin rashes, and premature aging
In order to avoid bigger problems, which can be caused by the signs mentioned earlier, it is best to give the liver a detox in order for it to function better. Try detoxifying the liver by observing a healthy lifestyle, proper exercise and eating liver cleansing foods.
Such liver cleansing foods can be rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber that help the liver to remove unwanted baggage that slows down its performance. Examples of liver cleansing foods include oats, leafy green vegetables, olives and olive oil, beans, legumes, garlic and onions, tomatoes, nuts, cayenne, turmeric, cinnamon and flax seed and flax seed oil.
In particular, studies show that turmeric contains high amount of beta carotene, which can help protect the liver from the damages caused by free radicals. The antioxidant present in turmeric also helps the liver heal as it assists in metabolizing of fats. Garlic and onion, which are commonly used in sautéing especially in Asian cuisines, contain phytochemicals that break down fatty deposits in the body. Garlic and onion are also proven to posses antiviral and antibacterial properties to kill viruses, bacteria, and fungi thereby assisting the liver in protecting the body against harmful foreign invaders.
If there is good food, there are also foods which should not be eaten so that liver problems can be avoided. These bad foods for the liver are processed foods, artificial food additives, colors, preservatives, and animal foods such as meat and synthetic sweeteners. Foods which are not organically grown and treated with pesticides and synthetic chemicals used in the growing processes should be avoided as well.
Some strict liver detox diets also recommend eating only raw and unprocessed foods. Experts say that the cooking process can diminish important enzymes that are needed by the liver for its vital functions. Many conditions and health problems can be avoided with the right choice of foods and healthy lifestyle. Early intervention and prevention are intelligent steps in keeping the body fit and free of diseases.
A low fat diet rich in fibers is very much friendly to the liver. Researches have shown that citrus fruits like oranges and specially papaya etc. are very helpful in keeping your liver healthy.
Water is a great way to lose weight fast and efficiently. drinking water and keeping yourself cleansed in your system will make sure your healty
Great information. I agree that the liver is abused by many people. Especially in the Western world. I think heavy alcohol drinking is the primary cause of liver problems. And of course, liver damage is permanent so it’s a good idea to look after it.
My husbands liver could use a good cleanse he needs to cut back on the alcohol a bit.
I think we should take food that is beneficial for our health because a healthy mind lives in a healthy body. So that your post is looking very nice and very informative. Anyways keep it up and keep continue.
Liver Cleansing Foods is a great thing to keep your self healthy and fit because if you have a good and healthy liver then its sure you are having the good life. Anyways keep it up and keep continue.
Liver cleansing foods is a nice way to maintain your fitness and health.
Have just found this link through searching for my mum, am looking for help with foods that help to repair the liver and reviatalise it’s function.. any help on that would be appreciated..
Great tips, I often say this sort of thing to people who are just looking to get started out on the path to weighing less, looking and feeling better. Just simple exercises like walking can have a significant impact on weight loss.
Good article, full of helpful information. I think we tend to forget how much work our liver has to do and needs to be treated carefully.
any tips on making these liver cleansing foods taste good? any recipes?
Drinking lots of water and eating fresh fruits, vegetables and sprouts is very good for health. Oats are rich in fibre and aids in digestion.
The liver is a very important organ and it is not good to just take advantage of it. It is important because it is necessary for a lot of functions in the body.
I recall reading somewhere that placing a small heating pad directly over the live (while lying down) for about half-an-hour a day is a very good way to give it a helping hand. I’ve never actually tried it myself but I do remember the article in question provided a number of anecdotes from people who claimed the practice gave them a tremendous energy boot, and improved the general health and mood too.
In regards to Linda stating that liver damage is permanent- NOT true. The liver is constantly regenerating itself. Even the previously irreversible condition of cirrhosis can now be reversed via the arthritis drug Sulphasalazine.
Furthermore, liver regeneration and protection is best accomplished through the use of Ultrathistle which happens to be perhaps the most potent form of milk thistle produced.