- Like
- SHARE
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Flattr
- Buffer
- Love This
- Save
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- JOIN
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
Introduction
The liver is the largest gland in the human body. And so, it is burdened with the responsibilities of performing about 500 body functions. It produces bile to help digest fats and works hard to ensure that our body functions as it should.
Each of these functions requires immense energy. Hence, it’s essential to keep your liver healthy.
The good news is that you don’t need harsh chemical cleanses or detox kits for a liver cleanse. You can do it organically with dietary changes. Natural supplements and lifestyle modifications also help.
So, let’s learn more about the threats to your liver’s health and how to keep it free of toxins in an organic way.
What Causes Liver Damage?
Your liver is lined with cells and mitochondria. These are the little power plants of your body, producing energy. Each liver cell has about 2000 mitochondria. But with age and illness, these small power plants burn out, resulting in a lack of energy for the liver.
It is what leads to liver damage, also known as fatty liver.
Viral hepatitis can also cause liver damage. The liver’s exposure to a virus triggers an immune response. It leads to inflammation and scarring of the liver, which keeps it from functioning correctly.
Two other major contributors to liver damage are excessive alcohol consumption and dependence on certain over-the-counter and prescription medications. These unhealthy addictions can cause the cells of your liver to deteriorate, resulting in scarring or cirrhosis.
In such a case, rehab is the best way to reverse liver damage. If you believe you have a problem, check www.delphihealthgroup.com to get help.
Nine Organic Ways to Detox Your Liver
1. Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a balanced diet is the cornerstone of good health. Your liver needs essential nutrients to stay healthy and function properly. Whole, organic foods can provide your liver with the necessary minerals and vitamins to keep its energy production going.
Certain superfoods are particularly beneficial for the liver. Here’s a list of them:
2. Tea
Tea has a reputation for having multiple health benefits. Green tea, specifically, is high in antioxidants like catechins and polyphenols. These compounds help reduce liver inflammation and improve overall health. A Japanese study discovered that drinking 5-10 cups of green tea every day immensely improved liver health.
You can also infuse your tea with herbs like rosemary and milk thistle, which benefit the liver.
3. Garlic
Garlic is a sulfur-rich vegetable that helps activate your liver enzymes. Eating garlic can stimulate bile release, which helps break down fats and toxins in the body. There are also high amounts of selenium in garlic. Selenium is an essential micronutrient that promotes healthy liver cells and boosts their antioxidant capacity.
4. Citrus
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are good for your liver. Citrus fruits contain vitamin C, which has been found to help reduce fat in the liver. They also contain limonoids which can reduce inflammation in the liver and help protect it from damage.
You can squeeze fresh lemon into water or make a delicious citrus salad to enjoy the benefits of these fruits. A glass of grapefruit juice or orange juice can also give a nice boost to your liver health.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It contains a compound called curcumin which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have found that curcumin can help reduce liver fat, protect it from damage and repair any existing damage. Curcumin also assists the liver in detoxing metals while increasing bile production.
You can add ground turmeric to curries and soups or sprinkle it over salads. You can also make turmeric tea by boiling some water with ground turmeric and adding honey to taste.
6. Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are potent sources of glutathione. Glutathione is an antioxidant produced in the liver that helps to cleanse and detoxify it. It does so by boosting the liver’s natural ability to break down toxins, such as acetaminophen and alcohol. When you eat dark leafy greens like kale and spinach, they can also help to stimulate the liver’s production of glucosinolate. This compound helps break down toxins and carcinogens that the liver would otherwise struggle to eliminate.
7. Keep Yourself Hydrated
One of the most important things you can do for your liver is to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins from your body and keep your liver functioning properly. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to help maintain liver health.
But you must follow a particular time to take water. It is beneficial to drink room-temperature water on an empty stomach in the morning, as it helps to activate your liver enzymes. In-between meals and at least 2 hours before bedtime are also ideal times for drinking water. You can also add a pinch of salt and turmeric to your water for added benefits.
8. Sweat It Out
Regular physical activity is essential for healthy liver functioning. Sweating helps to release toxins from the body, leaving your liver free to process more of them. Exercise also helps to reduce inflammation in the body and boosts your immune system. You can choose any activity that gets you sweating, like running, cycling, or even brisk walking.
The ideal time to exercise is in the late morning or early afternoon when most of your body’s detoxifying functions are at their peak. A yoga routine is also a great way to get your body moving while stimulating the liver’s detoxifying mechanisms.
9. Don’t Skimp on Sleep
Getting plenty of quality sleep is essential for healthy liver functioning. It is because sleep is detoxifying. When you are asleep, your body’s cells can repair and regenerate themselves. It helps to reduce inflammation in the body, including the liver.
Plus, the lymphatic system is also activated during sleep, which helps to eliminate toxins and waste. Aim for at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night. You can also practice yoga and meditation before bed to further reduce inflammation in the body and promote better sleep.
Conclusion
Eliminating toxins from the body is essential for maintaining a healthy liver. Top that with a healthy diet, and you can keep your liver functioning optimally. You’ll notice a drastic improvement in your overall health too. Following the tips mentioned above can help you organically cleanse your liver.
So, include organic sources of liver-cleansing foods in your diet, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and get plenty of quality sleep. Doing so can go a long way in helping you maintain liver health.
About Theresa Duncan
Originally from Detroit, MI, Theresa has been offering health and fitness advice for the last 30 years while working as an engineer. She decided to turn her passion into a profession, and finds nothing more satisfying than helping others reach their health and fitness goals.