The liver is unique in its ability to completely regenerate healthy cells from damaged tissue. As the largest organ in the body, your liver is responsible for filtering toxins from your system as well as producing bile to digest fats. Everything you eat eventually passes through the liver in some form. A whole foods diet low in salt, sugar and saturated fats will help restore liver function.
Vegetable Juices
Organic vegetable juices deliver nutrients without taxing the liver and digestive system. The Herbal Encyclopedia website suggests that water and vegetable juice will help flush toxins from your system while allowing the liver to "rest from the rigors of digestion." Use organic vegetables and filtered water, so you don't introduce pesticides or other chemicals into your body.
Nuts, Seeds and Fish
Walnuts, flaxseed and purslane, a bitter green vegetable, are excellent plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s contain two specific types of lipids, resolvins and protectins, that may protect against fatty liver disease, technically known as hepatic steatosis. Animal-based sources of omega-3s are salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines and other fatty cold-water fish.
Egg Yolks
Garlic, onions and egg yolks contain sulphur, which helps the liver detoxify from a range of chemical pollutants, including some prescription and over-the-counter medications, states Alive.com.
Chicken
Chicken, turkey, fish and other lean high-protein meats provide the body with essential amino acids -- the building blocks of cells, needed by the liver to generate new healthy cells to replace damaged tissue.
Brussels Sprouts
Rich in antioxidants, one cup of Brussels sprouts has more than 150 percent the RDA of vitamin C and more than 200 percent the RDA for vitamin K. A vitamin K deficiency is a common cause of liver problems. Broccoli and alfalfa sprouts are also good sources of vitamin K. Vitamin C protects the liver and other organs against free radical damage.
Artichokes
According to the Women Fitness website, artichokes act as a blood purifier and simultaneously restore and protect the live -- the active ingredients are caffeoylquinic acids, also found in apples, pineapples, cherries and peaches.
References
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics: Liver Disease Frequently Asked Questions
- MedLine Plus: Liver Diseases
- The Herbal Encycolpedia: Cleansing and Supporting the Liver
- The FASEB Journal: Obesity-induced insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis are alleviated by ω-3 fatty acids: a role for resolvins and protectins
- Alive.com: The 10 Best Foods for Looking After Your Liver
- Women Fitness.com: Top 10 Tips for Healthy Liver and Lymph
