The liver is a key organ for detoxifying our bodies. If our livers aren’t healthy or functioning properly, the toxins that should be eliminated could end up staying in our bodies and cause damage. Here are a few tips for supporting your liver heath — and as a result, the health of the rest of your body — through your diet.
Tips for Liver Support:
Lemon Juice:
For liver support, start each day with a cup of warm water with lemon juice (fresh). The citric acid in lemon juice encourages the liver to produce bile, which is one way that the body excretes toxins.
Cruciferous Vegetables:
Cruciferous vegetables induce different liver enzyme pathways to clear toxins from the body. Aim to eat 1-2 cups of these vegetables per day. They include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, Bok Choy, turnips, watercress, rocket, Lightly cooking them is better than eating them raw.
Foods rich in Sulfur:
Eat at least one portion of onions, garlic and/or eggs per day. These contain sulfur, which helps the liver to clear hormones and toxins.
Apple Cider Vinegar:
Drink a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar each day.
Avoid Alcohol:
Alcohol can interfere with the liver’s ability to detoxify, so avoid if possible.
Say No To Fructose and Trans Fats:
Two big burdens to the liver are fructose and trans fats. Avoid French fries, donuts, baked goods, biscuits, breads and anything that has “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated” oil as part of the ingredients. Fructose is found in packaged foods and fruit juice.
Drink more Water:
Drink more water. The body needs water to remove waste from the system and it is especially important during a “detox” because toxins need to be mobilized.
Green Tea:
Try to drink 1-2 cups of green tea per day. Green tea contains catechins, a type of antioxidant that supports the liver and assists with detoxification.
