Your liver and kidneys are organs used for digestion and elimination and they filter, process and store toxins. This is an ongoing process, but sometimes too many toxins build up and your organs can't function properly, which may lead to fatigue, lack of energy, digestive issues, low libido and the build-up of toxins in other organs and tissues. A healthy diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, is high in soluble fiber, low in saturated fats, and limits caffeine, nicotine and alcohol can restore liver and kidney function.
Salmon and Other Fatty, Cold-Water Fish
Resolvins and protectins, two specific types of lipids found in omega-3 fatty acids, may alleviate the symptoms of fatty liver disease, technically known as hepatic steatosis. According to research from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain, omega-3 polyunsaturated fats lower insulin resistance, have an anti-inflammatory effect and regulate energy.
Wild salmon and other fatty cold-water fish, walnuts, flaxseed and algae are rich in omega-3s.
Cranberries
Cranberries contain quinine, which becomes hippuric acid in the liver. Hippuric acid aids the elimination of toxins, such as uric acid. The All For Natural Health website recommends taking one cup of cranberries, blended with filtered water and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed organic lemon juice as a kidney detox mechanism.
Guava
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that may fight free radical damage, protecting the cells in your organs and tissue. According to the Alternative Health website, a vitamin C deficiency may impair the detoxification process. Other foods high in vitamin C include red bell peppers, kiwi and citrus fruits.
Grapes
Organic grapes are a rich source of potassium, which alkalizes the blood to ensure that the kidneys function optimally. Potassium also regulates heartbeat. Grapes also flush out waste products, cleansing the liver and kidneys. It is important to choose organic produce to ease the burden of filtering pesticides and herbicides. The less work your kidneys and liver have to do, the more energy they have to cleanse existing toxins.
Garlic
Garlic and onions contain allicin, a compound that activates liver enzymes to help your body flush out toxins. Garlic is also high in selenium, a vitamin that aids liver cleansing.
Grapefruit Juice
Grapefruit juice boosts the production of liver detoxification enzymes that flush out carcinogens and other toxins. Fruit and vegetable juices help you stay hydrated and deliver easy-to-absorb nutrients.
Raw Spinach
Spinach and other leafy green vegetables neutralize heavy metals, pesticides and environmental pollutants from your blood stream because of their high chlorophyll content. The Global Healing Center recommends eating spinach, arugula, dandelion and mustard greens to increase the creation and flow of bile in the liver, which breaks down fats and removes waste from the body.
Legumes
Beans and nuts are high in water-soluble fiber, which binds with waste in the colon and helps the body quickly move material through the digestive system and out of the body. Other foods high in fiber include whole grains, such as brown rice, millet and barley, and fruits with intact skin, especially apples, which have high pectin content.
References
- FASEBJ: Obesity-induced insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis are alleviated by ω-3 fatty acids: a role for resolvins and protectins
- All For Natural Health: Useful Foods for Kidney Detox and Cleansing
- The Herbal Encycolpedia: Cleansing and Supporting the Liver
- Global Healing Center: 14 Foods that Cleanse the Liver
- Alternative Health: Liver Detox and Detoxification
