Happy Liver

The liver has more than 500 functions of which the most important is filtering and purifying the blood. The liver metabolizes drugs and breaks down other harmful chemicals so they can be removed from the body. The liver also makes nutrients from food that is eaten available to sending them into the bloodstream. To help the liver function at its top performance do not consume alcohol or alcohol related products, refined sugar, acetaminophen or heat-damaged fats. It also best to wash all produce to remove pesticides and other substances that can harm the liver. Plus getting regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight will reduce the possibility of harm to the liver. But how do we remove those substances taken in that are harmful to the liver?

A liver detox, or a “liver cleanse” or “liver flush” involves a process of resetting the liver’s natural detoxification pathways.  A naturally healthy liver will be able to  cleanse itself, but there are things that happen in our daily life that interferes with its normal processes. These items include dietary stressors and environmental toxins. By making diet and lifestyle modifications, we can support the liver’s natural detoxification process and lessen its overall toxic load. 

Some common natural herbs that aid the liver cleansing are milk thistle, which helps to decrease liver inflammation, and turmeric extract which helps to protect the liver against injury. A diet that contains vegetables, beans, and nuts which are foods high in fiber, will  help the liver’s  function.  Plus foods high in antioxidants, phytochemicals, unsaturated fats, monounsaturated and omega-3 fats, avoiding all processed foods that contain refined fibers, fortified nutrients, saturated fat or trans fats.  Eat plenty of foods such as the cruciferous vegetables, berries, grapes, nuts, and beans/lentils. Also remember to drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated water which allows the liver to stay free from chemicals, that over tax and harm the liver.

Signs that you might benefit from a liver detox: sugar cravings, low energy, skin irritation, irregular bowel movements, resistant to weight change with a good diet.