The liver is the largest gland in the body. Detoxification is one of the many liver functions. According to the book, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing", the liver combines toxic substances, such as drugs, alcohol, metabolic waste and environmental toxins with substances that are less toxic to produce a neutralized substance that is then excreted through the kidneys and bowel. Certain nutritional drinks help cleanse the liver and maintain its many functions.
Warm Lemon Water
Drinking warm lemon water cleanses the liver. Lemons are a super-food rich in potassium, vitamin C and citric acid. In the book, "The 150 Healthiest Foods On Earth" author Jonny Bowden says that hot water and lemon, or a lemon tonic, has long been used as a staple in dietary programs for its positive effects on the liver, bile and digestion.
Broccoli And Cabbage Juice
Broccoli and cabbage are cruciferous vegetables that can be juiced into a cleansing liver drink. The website, Positive Health, says that cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage, have been shown to enhance Phase I activities of liver detoxification by their active ingredient indoles. Indoles are phytonutrients that help detoxify the body.
Dandelion Tea
Dandelion contains nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, iron, selenium, zinc, phosphorous and vitamins B and C. According to the website, Nutrition and You, the dandelion root contains bitter crystalline compounds called Taraxacin. In addition, the root contains compounds called inulin and levulin. Together, these compounds are responsible for the healing properties of the herb. Dandelion can be boiled into a therapeutic tea that cleanses the liver.
Fruit Smoothies
According to Dr.Gillian McKeith, certain fresh fruits help to stimulate energy flow through the liver, enhancing its function. Blackberries, strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are considered liver fruits. These healthy and potent berries make a delicious liver cleansing fruit smoothie when combined with a banana and almond milk.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2006
- "You Are What You Eat"; Dr. Gillian Mckeith; 2004
- Nutrition-and-you: Dandelion herb nutrition facts
- PositiveHealthOnline: Nutritional Approaches to Liver Detoxification
- "The 150 Healthiest Foods On Earth"; Jonny Bowden; 2007
Member Comments