Your liver is an important organ that helps to process nutrients, removes toxic substances, and helps to build proteins. When your liver isn't functioning properly, nutrients no longer get processed effectively and our bodies may become deficient in vitamins and minerals. The liver also helps to produce bile, that helps to digest food. When bile is no longer produced sufficiently, fats no longer get broken down and can begin to clog cells, vessels and arteries. Another major role of your liver is to detoxify your blood. If your liver becomes compromised, then it cannot function properly and toxins may be re-absorbed into the body's cells, which can cause problems that present themselves in the forms of various illnesses.
However, there are a number of foods that can help to cleanse your liver and keep it as healthy as possible, therefore ensuring that your liver can function properly throughout your lifetime.
Asparagus: Liver enzymes ADH and ALDH have both been found to be elevated with the consumption of asparagus. These enzymes help to metabolize ethanol (alcohol that may have been consumed), and also makes a great hangover remedy, as it protects the liver from contaminates that may lead to scarring or fatty liver. Be sure to consume fresh asparagus as this is when you consume the most enzymes.
Leafy Greens: Dandelion and mustard greens are incredibly high in chlorophyll which can help to remove toxins that accumulate within the body. Dandelion greens are considered a diuretic, which helps to lower blood pressure and promotes water loss, as well as stimulates digestion. Both dandelion and mustard greens are extremely bitter and improve the flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder, which allows for the liver to process nutrients more efficiently.
Beets: This vegetable contains betaine, which aids in protecting the liver and bile ducts and helps to ensure proper liver function. Betaine also encourages the liver to rid itself of toxin buildup, and helps to lower inflammation levels to help the body defend against fatty liver. Beets are most effective when consumed in raw form.
Horseradish: This is an important root that helps to digest fat, which eases the liver's job of digesting fats. When consumed, horseradish can also help to regenerate and heal the liver, which helps to keep the liver cleansed from bad eating habits. Horseradish is also a powerful diuretic, which aids in the flushing of toxins from your liver and kidneys.
Artichoke: This is another vegetable that can stimulate the flow of bile from the liver and help to ease symptoms of heartburn and hangovers. Proper bile flow is crucial for detoxification. It also aids as a carrier for toxins we ingest during our day to day activities and ensures these toxins are delivered to the intestines and kidneys for proper elimination. Extracts from artichokes are used to aid in dyspepsia (pain or an uncomfortable feeling in the upper middle part of your stomach area) and helps to boost one's metabolism.
Celery: Rich in vitamins A, B and C, this is great for the liver as well as a mild diuretic for the kidneys. Celery has phytonutrients that help to protect the digestive tract and liver. Scientists in Taiwan have discovered that when treated with celery extract, liver cells create more of a certain liver enzyme, which can assist in removing contaminates from the body. As celery is also a mild diuretic, it aids in removing toxins from the body, as well as lowers blood pressure.
For more information on how your diet can affect your health and the various treatments that we provide to help improve your whole-body health, give us a call to set up your consultation today!
