The task of the liver is to remove impurities from the blood. It filters the blood to remove toxins and also dismantles dangerous chemicals that may have entered the body via food or from the environment. Every minute, almost two quarts of blood flow through the liver to have toxins and impurities removed; therefore it is imperative that you keep your liver in a healthy state so it can function optimally, as only the liver can purify the bloodstream. The food choices you make can help to keep your liver healthy.
Fruits and Vegetables
Dr. Sandra Cabot, who is also known as "The Liver Doctor," recommends that in order to detoxify the liver, 30 to 40 percent of your diet should consist of fresh raw fruits and vegetables. Dr. Cabot recommends eating some raw vegetables or fruits with every meal. Dark green leafy vegetables and brightly colored fruits or vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes, plums, papayas and red bell peppers are optimal.
Meats and Fish
Fatty preserved meats such as bacon or salami should be avoided if you are eating to detoxify the liver. Any deep fried food such as chicken nuggets or fish in breadcrumbs contains trans fats, which not only overload the liver but have also been found to increase your risk of heart disease. Dr. Cabot recommends opting for shellfish or oily fish such as tuna, salmon, sardines or herring when on a liver detox diet. Other sources of protein can include up to four ounces of lean poultry or beef a day. The meat should be organic and hormone free.
Dairy Foods
Milk contains a protein that may cause you to have an allergic reaction. if you are sensitive to the proteins in milk, your liver can become overloaded in trying to remove it, as your body will treat it as a toxin. Patrick Holford, a leading authority on health and nutrition, and author of "The Holford 9-Day Liver Detox," recommends replacing cow's milk and dairy foods with soy products while on a liver detox regimen. Free-range eggs can be eaten in moderation; eggs are a source of methionine, which is an essential amino acid that helps with detoxification. Butter is high in saturated fat and should be replaced with cold-pressed olive oil, a rich source of the more healthy monounsaturated fat.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are beneficial for good liver function. Walnuts and seeds are a source of arginine, which aids the liver to detoxify ammonia, a toxic waste product that occurs during the metabolism of proteins. Brazil nuts are a rich source of selenium, which further helps to remove toxins from the body.
Drinks
You should aim to drink at least two quarts of fluid every day in order to help your kidneys eliminate the toxins that have been broken down by the liver. Optimally, this will consist of raw fruit and vegetable juices, herbal teas and pure water. Avoid fizzy soda drinks, caffeine and alcohol. Any drink containing a sugar substitute such as aspartame should also be avoided.
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