The liver is the body’s, major organ for detoxification. It’s our second largest organ and it’s our heaviest organ (probably heavier than normal right now too). Everything we ingest passes through the liver and produces about 1 litre of bile a day to aid fat digestion. The liver stores glucose for energy and plays a major role in metabolism. Too much bad fatty food, sugar, artificial sweeteners, an overload of caffeine and alcohol cause the liver to swell so you feel bloated, constipated, lethargic and bogged down.
Well good news, the liver can regenerate itself in 6 weeks.
In an ideal world a colon cleanse would be recommended before doing a liver detox, but see below for a list of foods you should be getting in your diet this January to give your liver the break it needs. If your liver is not functioning optimally this will be detrimental to any weight/fat loss efforts.
Garlic
Garlic is rich in sulphur to activate the liver’s enzymes, improve it’s bile production and expel toxins.
Try this liver flushing drink:
Blend: 225ml fresh orange juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, some fresh ginger and 1 clove of garlic.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is known for easing hangovers and for good reason. Milk thistle gets its name from the white fluid that is extracted when the leaves are crushed. It is a powerful antioxidant, improves bile function and regulates blood sugar levels. Milk thistle helps regenerate new liver cells.
Artichoke
Although using the hearts in salads is a great idea, it is the leaves that contain the most goodness and digestive-flow benefits. Artichokes are full of antioxidants, vitamin C, folic acid, magnesium, and potassium. They help restore the liver helping to eliminate the accumulated toxins and supports the production of bile.
Coriander
Coriander helps in proper secretion of enzymes and digestive juices, stimulates digestion and peristaltic motion. Coriander is often used in heavy metal detoxification.
Beetroot
A popular, effective and natural liver detoxifier that reduces inflammation, balances the hormones, and strengthens the immune system. Beetroots also contain betaine which encourage the liver to speedily and smoothly eliminate toxic waste. If you like to juice beets, be sure to leave the green leafy tops in as well as these are full of iron, calcium and vitamin K.
Dandelion Root
Stimulates the digestion due to the increase of bile. Dandelions are also a natural diuretic which ease the feelings of bloating and water retention. It may have a mild laxative effect.
Flaxseeds
Full of fibre, omega-3s and lignans, adding ground flaxseeds to your daily smoothie, or sprinkling on your porridge, yoghurt, soups, salads or even in raw flap jack recipes, helps to balance blood sugar levels and smooth and ease digestive flow. Flaxseeds are at the top of the list of the worlds healthiest food, helping to prevent fatty liver disease, reduce inflammation, and lowering bad cholesterol.
Ginger
A powerful antioxidant that helps lower blood pressure and is a natural pain-killer. Add warm water to a few slithers of ginger to make a liver-protecting tea, add to juices for a tangy twist, cook with it to give you the Asian vibe.
Green Tea
Helps the liver to function at its optimum level and prevents the build up of fatty deposits, prevents kidney stones and fights abdominal cancer cells. It can be used as a weight loss aid. It is not fermented like regular black tea and it contains polyphenols helping to keep a healthy liver and an all round booster.
Grapefruit
This fruit is a great cancer-fighting food, high in vitamin C, lycopene and antioxidants. Eating and drinking grapefruit aids detoxification of the liver and the breaking down/prevention of kidney stones. Go for a heavy weighted fruit as this indicates a thin skin and more juice. Drink a glass of freshly squeezed juice every morning or add segments to salad for a tarty tang.
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