Following on from my earlier article on liver function, here are some simple diet tips to help improve your liver function.
Choose wholegrain
Whole grains, such as brown rice, oats
and whole meal breads are rich in B-complex vitamins which are nutrients known
to improve overall fat metabolization, liver function and liver de-congestion. Choose
healthy wholegrain over white flour alternatives.
Leafy green vegetables
One of our most powerful allies in
cleansing the liver, leafy greens can be eaten raw, cooked, or juiced.
Extremely high in plant chlorophylls, greens suck up environmental toxins from
the blood stream. With their distinct ability to neutralize heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides, these cleansing foods offer
a powerful protective mechanism for the liver.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Ensure a daily portion of broccoli or other brassica
vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage and brussels sprouts which contain compounds
which support the livers detoxification process and this in turn is believed to
be behind their ability to help reduce the risk of cancer.
Fruits
Add a variety of fruits to your diet especially
blue, purple and dark red berries which are powerful antioxidants and are
essential to support the livers detoxification process.
Turmeric
Turmeric which contains yellow pigments
called cur cumin which is one of the most powerful of all antioxidants.
Turmeric is one of the best natural treatments for liver inflammation.
Reduce
or eliminate caffeine and alcohol intake
Alcohol and caffeine are 2 of the biggest
culprits that deposit toxins in your liver and keep it from functioning
properly. Cleanse your liver by reducing your intake of alcoholic and caffeine
beverages and replacing them with non-alcoholic beverages such as freshly
juiced vegetables to allow your liver to regenerate, flush itself clean and
function properly.
Reduce saturated fat and processed sugar
When the digestive system is overloaded
with food (especially fatty, sugary food) this uses up a great deal of energy
and makes you feel both physically and metal tired. Excess animal fat stresses
the liver and promotes inflammation and excess sugar imbalances and plays havoc
with insulin levels and other hormones.
Drink
plenty of water
Flush toxins out by drinking at least 2
litres of water every day. Drinking lots of water will keep you hydrated, which
naturally encourages cell regeneration. It will also allow the liver to filter
out more toxins and residue, letting it work faster and increasing your energy
level.
