The liver is a vital organ responsible for over 500 processes, and it is also a gland because it secretes chemicals to other parts of the body. Here are just a few of the functions:
Cleanses the blood by metabolizing drugs, chemicals and alcohol & nutralizes and destroys poisonous substances;
Regulates supplies of vitamins and minerals such as iron and copper;
Produces bile that is responsible for eliminating toxic substances & promotes digestion.
Regulates hormones such as sex hormones, cortisone and adrenal hormones and thyroid hormones;
Regulates energy by producing, storing and supplying glucose and fat;
Regulates & produces cholesterol and converts it to other essential substances;
Manufactures essential body proteins responsible for clotting blood, gives resistance to infection and transporting substances in the blood;
The sole responsibility of detoxing the entire body is the liver. We take in toxins through our lungs, our gut and our skin.
Signs of a Toxic Liver
Depression, chronic fatigue, emotional instability, moodiness, bouts of anger, sweating and bloating after a meal, inability to lose weight reguardless of diet or exercise, headaches, brain fog and lack of clarity, itchy skin, poor digestion, brown or age spots on the skin, abdominal pain, jaundice, anxiety, dark urine, pale or tar colored stool, muscle aches, bad breath / body odor, nausea, and / or easily bruises.
Conditions increase in severity with a heavy meat diet, alcohol consumption, eating foods with refined sugars and processed carbohydrates, chronic dehydration, medication use, and malnutrition. Toxic livers may be a sign of other liver problems: cirrhosis, hepatitis, or hemochromatosis.
Here are 16 foods that help overall liver health and support the body's natural elimination:
1. Apples: Pectin makes it easier for the liver to handle the toxic load during a cleanse.
2. Avocados: Glutathione neutralizes free radicals and increases immune system.
3. Alternative grains: Quinoa, millet, buckwheat help lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
4. Beets & carrots: Plant flavonoids, Beta-carotene; Improve and stimulate overall liver function.
5. Cruciferous vegetables (Cabbage, artichokes, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, kale): Glucosinolate helps flush out toxins and carcinogens.
6. Garlic: Allicin and selenium aid in liver cleansing.
7. Grapefruit: Vitamin C and antioxidants for flushing.
8. Green Tea: Catechins act as antioxidants, reduce inflammation and fat build up in the liver, improve glucose metabolism, reduce oxidative stress, and promote fatty acid breakdown.
9. Lemons and Limes: Vitamin C and antioxidants for flushing.
10. Leafy Green Vegetables (Bitter gourd, arugula, dandillion greens, spinach, mustard greens, chicory): Chlorophyll helps neutralize heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides; Increases bile flow.
11. Methionine (Protein rich foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy, as well as nuts (Brazil nuts), seeds, beans, lentils, and soy): Vital for antioxidant defense, detoxification and liver function. It helps prevent fat accumulation in the liver and helps a healthy lipid balance. Both deficiency and excess methionine can cause liver distress.
12. Olive, hemp and flaxseed oil: Provides lipid base to absorb toxins, which takes the burden off of the liver.
13. St. Mary's Thistle: Protects liver from alcohol and carbon tetrachloride and helps regenerate cells.
14. Turmeric: Assists enzymes in flushing.
15. Walnuts: Amino acid Arginine which aids in detoxing the ammonia and is also high in glutathinone and Omega 3’s.
16. Zinc: Helps to break down alcohol.
As with any dietary change, please use caution. Please discuss any cleanse or major adjustments with a healthcare professional such as a functional health physician to ensure it is safe for your individual needs.