The liver acts as a filter to prevent the body from being overloaded with toxins. Today's foods and environment are loaded with chemicals that can wreak havoc on the liver as it works hard to do its job. Doing a regular liver cleansing can help remove the toxins and improve liver function and the way you feel. Fatty liver affects more than 50 percent of people over the age of 50, according to an article in HealingDaily.com.
Function of the Liver
The liver's jobs include breaking down harmful substances, removing waste from the blood, storing nutrients and maintaining proper chemical levels in the body, according to doctors at MayoClinic.com. "When the liver becomes diseased, these important functions can be disrupted."
Eat Organic Foods
The first step in detoxifying the liver is to stop putting so many toxins into the body. Eating organic foods will allow your body to function at its highest level. Not only do organic vegetables not have the chemicals in conventionally grown produce, they typically have more antioxidants and minerals. Organic cows' milk also has more antioxidants and none of the hormones and chemicals that pass through other cows.
Increase Fiber
To help the sludge and toxins pass through the body more quickly and efficiently, increase the amount of fiber you eat. Fresh, raw vegetables typically have more fiber than overcooked or processed products. As the liver is cleansed, the toxins are pushed through the digestive tract, so you want to keep your bowels moving smoothly and without any of the chemicals or pollutants being reabsorbed into the body. In addition to raw vegetables, increase your consumption of whole grains, seeds and nuts. A psyllium supplement is also an excellent source of fiber.
Eat Healthy Fats
To keep the liver functioning properly and working as a healthy filter, consume healthy fats, such as omega 3 oils. Avoid unhealthy foods with hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats. Increase healthy fats, such as those from fish, olives or grape seed. Cook with olive oil, coconut oil or grape seed oil.
Increase Liver Friendly Foods
In addition to the fiber benefits, certain vegetables have other elements that are good for the liver. Leafy green vegetables, deep-colored fruits such as mangos and papaya, garlic, ginger and cilantro are helpful in detoxifying the liver. Increase vitamins B, C and E.
Liver Cleansing Methods
Once you start eating the right kind of foods to promote a healthy liver, you may want to do a liver cleansing regime to eliminate some of the stubborn sludge that has build up over time.
One way to do this is to take 500 to 2,000 milligrams of milk thistle supplements daily for as long as needed. "If you drink alcohol regularly and are at risk of liver disease, then milk thistle can help repair this vital organ," states Sandra Kim Leong at SelfGrowth.com. "It also has preventative healing abilities for the bowels and gallbladder."
Another method of cleansing the liver is to consume the juice of one lemon with one ounce of olive oil hourly throughout the day for up to two months, depending on the amount of toxic buildup in the liver. People who have consumed large amounts of alcohol or prepared foods will see the most benefits from this method.
What to Avoid
You'll want to avoid certain foods that will create more work for the liver and bog it down in the process. White flour and sugar put an extra burden on the liver that can damage it. Other foods to avoid are those with saturated fat, preservatives, artificial coloring, processed meats such as hot dogs and tobacco. During the detoxification process, also avoid shellfish that may have a large amount of mercury.
