Did you know that our liver takes most of the impact when we are under stress? Each time we over work or eat, our livers may be used up to the point of exhaustion. A tired, unhealthy liver cannot rid the body from toxins, which would lead to a myriad of serious conditions affecting the whole body system later on. When you think of your liver, consider it as a very important “filter” of your body that also needs cleansing to make it function properly.
There are liver cleansing supplements that your physician may have prescribed to aid in the liver cleansing process. To help in the detoxifying process you may also consider these easy, hassle free and safe liver cleansing food (and drinks!) to incorporate in your everyday diet to help the liver regain its optimum function.
Hydrate Your Body
The heat is on, especially this summer! Dehydration makes us feel worn out and stressed. For all our organs to function optimally, water is vitally important. Our liver needs adequate amounts of fluid to cleanse toxins away. Therefore, level up your drinks and make them healthy and yummy!
Grapefruit Water – Vitamin C rich grapefruit is loaded with antioxidants that help boost the immune system and the liver balance its workload. Just put a few slices of grapefruit in your favorite jar with water. Close the lid and let it cool in the refrigerator overnight. Enjoy a cool and healthier alternative drink to help you quench your thirst away anytime of the day!
Beetroot Juice – For decades, beet root has been regarded as a liver protective food. It is one of the richest sources of antioxidants and it provides a LOT of health benefits to the body, which probably makes it a “super food”. To prepare this liver detox drink, put 1 beet, 1 carrot, 1 peeled lemon and some parsley into the juicer to mix it all. It is that easy!
Liver Detox Green Smoothie – How about a refreshing healthy smoothie that adds up as a detox drink? Put 2 peeled oranges, 1/2 rib celery, 1 peeled lemon, 1/2 cup of dandelion greens, 1/2 cup of parsley and ice cubes into the blender and blend until smooth. Pour the juice right out of the blender and the drink is ready!
Ginger Cayenne Lemon Detox Water – This is a perfect combination of two fresh ingredients known for their health benefits. Ginger is an all time digestive aid, disinfectant and detoxifier of the body. Cayenne is great for weight loss. Put them together with lemons will work magic for your body! To make a potent and delicious drink, simmer the water, add the fresh lemon juice, add the grated ginger, and the cayenne pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes and enjoy hot or cold!
Load up on these Liver Cleansing Foods
These liver cleansing foods are commonly seen in the supermarket and we have them in our kitchens. The next time you need some liver cleansing ingredients, load up on these foods for that healthy and effective liver cleansing routine!
Garlic – This kitchen staple will help your liver produce more enzymes that facilitate flushing out of toxins. Garlic is also rich in allicin and selenium, which aid in liver detoxification.
Avocados – This fruit is famous for its nutrients. Aside from being delicious, as it is or when mixed with salads, avocados help the body produce glutathione. This is a compound needed by the liver in its detoxification function.
Walnuts – Create a wonderful nut filled snack with walnuts! It contains high amount of amino acid Arginine. It helps in liver detoxification and is rich in glutathione and omega 3 fatty acids.
Turmeric – They say that this is the favorite spice of our liver. Aside from making our dishes delicious, this spice assists the liver enzyme to flush out toxins and dietary carcinogens.
Many foods help in the cleansing of our liver. This master “filter” organ needs some care for detoxifying your body from the amounts of toxins you consume. Processed foods, additives and alcohol are just some of the food that are high in toxins.
Check out some natural, herbal formulas that could do wonders for your liver here.
References:
Return2Health. (2013). 18 Secrets For Keeping Your Liver Happy & Healthy. [online] Available at: http://www.return2health.net/articles/18-secrets-for-keeping-your-liver-happy-healthy/ [Accessed 7 Apr. 2016].
Pelton, S. (2014). 10 Delicious Detox Water Recipes To Cleanse Your Liver. [online] HealthRelieving. Available at: http://healthrelieving.com/detox-water-recipes/ [Accessed 7 Apr. 2016].
Washington, A. (2014). 3 Amazing Liver Detox Recipes. [online] Young and Raw. Available at: http://www.youngandraw.com/3-amazing-liver-detox-recipes/ [Accessed 7 Apr. 2016].
Dr. Group's Natural Health & Organic Living Blog. (2013). 14 Foods that Cleanse the Liver. [online] Available at: http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/liver-cleanse-foods/ [Accessed 7 Apr. 2016].