Natural Liver Cleansing Diet
Your liver, located in the upper
right side of your abdomen, is one of your largest organs and serves
many vital functions that fall into four basic categories: absorption of
fat and fat-soluble vitamins through bile production, nutrient
distribution, detoxification and protein production. Cleansing your
liver may improve your digestion and complexion and increase your energy
levels. Certain foods and dietary practices are particularly helpful
for cleansing your liver to help it function at maximum efficiency.
Functions
Among
its many functions, your liver produces bile and cholesterol, stores
excess glucose in the form of glycogen and detoxifies drugs, ammonia -- a
waste product of protein metabolism -- and other toxins. Your liver
also produces blood-building proteins and immune system components and
filters bacteria from your bloodstream. Your hard-working liver can lose
up to 75 percent of its cells and still function, according to Ohio
State University Medical Center. However, today's environment, into
which 2 billion pounds of pesticides alone are released each year,
presents a challenge to your liver's health and happiness. A liver
cleansing diet can help keep your liver functioning efficiently.
Bile
Once
your liver has processed toxins so that they do not pose a danger to
you, it deposits them into your bile. As your liver secretes bile into
your small intestine to break down fats in your diet, the toxins begin
their journey out of your body. A good way to cleanse your liver is to
promote the flow of bile, which causes your liver to produce more bile,
into which it can deposit more toxins. Foods that promote bile
production help cleanse your liver, and thereby the rest of your body,
in this manner. One particularly helpful bile-promoting food is
dandelion greens, which are available in many health food and grocery
stores. Dandelion may increase liver detoxification by over 200 percent,
according to naturopath Michael T. Murray, author of "The Encyclopedia
of Healing Foods."
Bitter Foods
As
a rule, your liver thrives on compounds that taste bitter, according to
oriental medicine doctor Michael Tierra, author of the book "Chinese
Traditional Herbal Medicine: Volume I, Diagnosis and Treatment." Foods
such as endive, artichoke, onion, garlic, radicchio and bitter lettuces
are cleansing and supportive for liver function. Kale and collard,
mustard and beet greens also add liver-cleansing bitterness to your
diet. However, certain kinds of bitter flavors, such as coffee and
chocolate, cause liver congestion and should be avoided or minimized
while on a liver cleansing diet, says Tierra.
Lemons
Lemons
have a strong alkalizing effect on your system and assist your liver in
its detoxification processes, according to nutritionist Cheri Chalbom,
M.S., author of "The Wrinkle Cleanse: 4 Simple Steps to Softer,
Younger-Looking Skin." Drink the juice of one-quarter of a lemon in hot
water each morning to stimulate your liver and gallbladder. Add a pinch
of cayenne pepper to promote blood flow to the liver and increase
sweating, which releases toxins and reduces the burden on your liver.
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