The accumulation of toxic substances --- insecticides, preservatives, alcohol, animal products, refined and processed foods --- can damage your liver and its ability to function. When the liver starts losing its ability to function, it leads to high blood pressure, blood poisoning, kidney failure, cirrhosis and diseases of the brain. It is possible to follow a detox diet plan for the liver to help prevent these problems to your health.
Function of the Liver
The liver is the largest gland in the body and the only organ that can regenerate itself if it is damaged. The liver has many functions with the most important being the secretion of bile. Bile is stored and released as it is needed for digestion. It breaks down fats but also assists in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. These include vitamins A, D, E and K. According to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," author Phyllis Balch says the liver also acts as your body's natural detoxifier. The liver combines toxic substances with substances that are less toxic. These substances are then excreted through the kidneys and bowels.
Dangers of an Improper Diet
A diet that is low in protein but high in carbohydrates and fats is hard on the liver. Eating saturated fats, fried foods, processed foods, refined white flour products, white sugar products and imitation foods are toxic to your liver. Poor food choices lack the natural vitamins, minerals and enzymes the liver needs in order to function. Elson M. Haas, author of "The Detox Diet," suggests eating a diet that consists of 75 percent raw foods. Consuming fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains and seeds provide your liver with the necessary nutrients it needs to detoxify.
Function of Potassium
A healthy liver should be getting ample amounts of potassium. Potassium functions by regulating the digestive organs such as the gallbladder, kidneys, liver and stomach. Potassium maintains steady fluid levels within your body as it detoxifies of harmful substances. It also assists in the breakdown of alcohol in your system. Increase your consumption of foods high in potassium. Include bananas, kelp, prunes, raisins, rice and wheat bran in your detox diet.
Function of Vitamin K
According to Phyllis Balch, a diet that is deficient in vitamin K results in disorders of the liver such as cirrhosis. Vitamin K functions by attacking bacteria and improving blood flow to your organs. Vitamin K is highly concentrated in your liver and aids in the break down of toxin. Eat plenty of foods high in this fat-soluble vitamin for normal liver functioning. Good sources of vitamin K include alfalfa sprouts, kale, collard greens, spinach, turnip greens, broccoli and olive oil.
Benefits of Juices
In "Juicing For Life," author Cherie Calbom says fresh fruit and vegetable juices should be included in your liver detox diet plan. Juices are easy for the liver to digest. They are also concentrated in nutrients vital for proper liver functioning such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants and phytochemicals. Drink fresh vegetable juices such as beet, carrot, dandelion extract and juices made from dark green leafy vegetables.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs and Food Supplements"; Phyllis Balch; 2006
- "Juicing for Life"; Cherie Calbom, Maureen Keane; 1992
- "The Detox Diet: A How-To & When-To Guide for Cleansing the Body"; Elson M. Haas; 2004
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