The liver is the heaviest organ in the body and one of the largest. It is responsible for functions vital to your life. The liver primarily processes nutrients from food, makes bile, removes toxins from the body and builds proteins. Having said all this, I’m sure you can appreciate why its health is of huge importance to your quality of life. 

It stores most of our nutrients – it’s the major organ for nutrient processing – and, anything bad you consume will be associated with potential damage. 

There are a variety of different things you can do to keep your liver healthy, and treat one that is damaged. 

Diet is key, so, too, is keeping your weight in check by controlling portions and exercising regularly. Why? Obesity is linked to fatty liver disease. 

Before we dive into diet, I want to mention that other ways of maintaining your liver health are; limiting alcohol consumption, avoid risky behaviours such as over the counter medications and/or prescribed ones when possible, and being mindful of your sexual health and avoiding at all costs unsterile needle use –  tattoos or piercings for example. 

How Do You Know If Your Liver Isn’t Working Properly?

Fatigue is one of the most common signs that your liver is not functioning properly. Others might experience nausea, vomiting, brown urine or in extreme cases jaundice (yellowish colouring to the skin). In the event you are feeling any of these symptoms and concerned about your liver function you can seek medical or naturopathic advice, in addition to eating foods from the list below.

9 Foods That Can Help 

1. Garlic had the ability to activate your liver enzymes in an effort to flush out toxins more readily. Garlic also has high amounts of allicin and selenium, two natural compounds that aid in liver cleansing. 
2. Leafy green vegetables such as; arugula, spinach, mustard greens. They can be consumed raw or cooked and if you are juicing, they are also a great addition. They are extremely high in chlorophyll, greens soak up environmental toxins from the blood stream
3. Avocados help the body  produce glutathione, a compound that is necessary for the liver to cleanse harmful toxins.
4. Cruciferous Vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower are good sources of glucosinolate, which supports enzyme production in the liver. These natural enzymes flush carcinogens and other toxins from the body. 
5. Cabbage stimulates liver detoxifying enzymes that help flush out toxins.
6. Walnuts are high in the amino acid arginine, walnuts support detoxifying ammonia. Walnuts are also high in glutathione and omega-3 fatty acids which support normal liver cleansing.
7. Olive Oil can help the body by providing a lipid base that can absorb harmful toxins in the body (when used in moderation)
8. Beets and Carrots are both extremely high in plant-flavonoids and beta-carotene; eating beets and carrots can stimulate and support overall liver function.
9. Green Tea the beverage is full of plant-based antioxidants known as catechins—compounds known to assist liver function

In addition to these liver cleansing foods, some naturopaths (or doctors) might encourage completing a liver cleanse twice a year (may vary depending on your practitioner). It is important to be well informed before commencing one and be mindful of any supplements you may or may not require throughout. 

Other liver cleanse foods not listed above include artichoke, asparagus, kale, and Brussels sprouts. Eating the foods listed above is a great way to help keep your liver functioning properly. 

Oh! and we can’t forget Turmeric. OK, maybe I meant 10 foods you must consume to help keep your liver healthy! Adding turmeric to your meals is so key to a variety of diseases and illnesses, in addition to liver function. 

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you have found some valuable information, if so, I’d love to hear about it! Please feel free to share this post with anyone who might benefit, and comments are always welcomed and appreciated. 

I look forward to connecting with you next time!

And be sure to check out why you should order your family’s next meal courtesy of Ki’s Kitchen  

From my kitchen to yours, 

Love+Peace

K

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Kiran

I was inspired by my loved ones to reach out to people who have Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, Diabetes and other debilitating illnesses. I learned to prepare food for people who need to consume a certain diet, in order to stave off their symptoms and/or help fight their illness, but have neither the physical strength, capability nor time to cook for themselves.

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