Foods for a Healthy Liver

The liver is one of those organs which has a wide range of functions, and is necessary for survival. Among the vital functions carried out by this organ, the most prominent ones are detoxification in the body, synthesis of protein, and manufacture of biochemicals that are necessary for digestion.

This is the only internal organ in the human body that has the capability to regenerate. However, despite this fact, it stays vulnerable to several kinds of diseases. A malfunctioning or poorly functioning liver gives rise to bouts of symptoms and other medical disorders, thus, putting the overall health of a person in jeopardy.

So, one of the most effective ways to keep this organ healthy is by getting it the right kind of nutrition from your diet.

First in the list are fruits, and not just any fruits, but those which are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants set up a barrier to protect the organ from free radical damage, which is caused due to detoxification:

• Apples
• Black currant
• Blackberries
• Cantaloupe

• Crowberries
• Grapefruit
• Grapes
• Kiwifruit
• Oranges
• Pears
• Pineapples
• Plums
• Pomegranates
• Prunes
• Raspberries
• Strawberries

Vegetables belonging from this family are known to be among the most powerful, and natural detoxification agents for this organ:

• Bok choy
• Broccoflower
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprout
• Cabbage

• Cauliflower
• Collard greens
• Garden cress
• Horseradish
• Kale
• Radish
• Turnip root
• Watercress

• Almonds
• Yogurt
• Kidney beans
• Green tea
• Soybeans
• Oats
• Salmon
• Spinach
• Dandelion
• Chicory root
• Endive
• Rocket
• Pumpkin

Further, carrots are a storehouse for beta carotene and carotenoids. These agents protect the organ from damage caused by toxins.

The next name to be listed is beet. It is a source of vitamin B, vitamin C, folic acid, and antioxidants such as selenium and glutathione. All these agents help keep the organ in an optimum state of health.

Allicin is also an important agent for this organ, as it helps carry out the process of detoxification effectively. This agent is abundant in garlic. So, adding garlic to your regular diet will help your body eliminate mercury, food additives, and other harmful toxins.

One of the simplest methods for liver detoxification is to drink a cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice with warm water, early in the morning. Lemon helps in stimulating a healthy bowel movement, thus, preventing ailments such as constipation.

Foods that are rich in lecithin are also good, as this agent helps the organ breakdown fats, thus, lowering the cholesterol levels in the body.

The liver secretes a digestive juice known as bile. This juice works as an eliminator of toxins and harmful microorganisms from the body. So, if bile production is high, it is certain that the organ would function more effectively.

One of the natural ways to do this is by adding artichoke to your diet. According to studies, bile production leaps by 100%, 30 minutes post consuming globe artichoke.

While including all these foods in your diet, do not forget the importance of drinking plenty of water throughout the day, every day. Even if you include a few of the things mentioned above in your diet, and drink about 8-9 glasses of clean water every day, you are doing more than enough for your liver. Remember, water is nature's most inexpensive medicine.