The liver is the largest internal organ in the body and plays a key role in many vital body functions, including digestion, metabolism and blood clotting. The liver contains protein enzymes that help to speed up reactions; elevated levels of these enzymes may indicate that the liver is overworked or impaired due to illness, injury or the effects of some medications. Some foods and juices can help to keep the liver healthy.
Cleansing Foods
Physician and author Dr. Sandra Cabot recommends a liver-cleansing diet to help balance the enzymes of the liver. Liver-cleansing includes reducing the consumption of refined carbohydrates such as sugar, white breads, pasta, pastries, biscuits and desserts. Dr. Cabot also advises avoiding processed and sugary foods, deep-fried foods, carbonated beverages and saturated fats such as margarine, butter and animal shortenings. A liver-cleansing diet also generally includes more fresh fruits, vegetables and garlic, which contains an antioxidant called allicin that helps to reduce accumulated heavy metals in the liver.
Decongesting Foods
Foods that contain high amounts of the B-complex vitamins, such as eggs, spinach, broccoli, brown rice and whole grains, help to decongest the liver. Bitter vegetables such as bitter gourd, mustard greens and chicory in the diet help to increase the production of the digestive fluid bile in the liver, allowing for healthier digestion and liver function.
Toxin-Free Foods
The liver also has an important role in fat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism. Foods that contain chemicals, antibiotics and hormones increase the workload of the liver, which has to filter them from the body. To decrease stress on the liver, restrict the amount of these foods in your diet, such as meats that contain antibiotics, steroids and growth hormones, and foods made with artificial sweeteners and colorings. Milk, cheese and other dairy products may also harbor these chemicals; limit or replace them with vegetable proteins and soy milk.
Raw Juices
A raw juice diet is a popular method to decrease weight and strengthen the liver. Dr. Cabot recommends both raw vegetable and fruit juices for the healing and rejuvenating properties they contain. The vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in fresh juices help to decrease inflammation and help balance the function in the liver. Apple juice contains pectin that helps to remove heavy metals from the intestines; grapefruit, beets and carrots also contain potent antioxidants and vitamins for liver health.
