Being the largest organ inside the body, the liver has many functions to perform. It is located at the upper right corner of your abdomen beneath your rib cage and lungs. Weighing around 3-3.5 pounds or 1.3-1.5 kg, it is about the size of a football.
The primary functions that a liver performs are:
●
Eliminating and filtering any toxins from your blood
●
Production of bile
●
Turning glucose into glycogen for storage
●
Managing blood clotting
Therefore, keeping the liver healthy to perform these vital functions without problems is essential. Now the question arises, how to keep the liver healthy and clean?
There are many foods available that can help you keep the liver detoxified.
1. Dandelion greens & root-
It promotes liver health. In folk medicine, dandelion root is known as “liver tonic”, which helps increase bile flow. Dandelion root tea could help with skin and eye problems too, and helps in maintaining a detoxified liver.
2. Milk thistle-
Native to Mediterranean countries, milk thistle, is also known as Silymarin and Mary thistle. It has numerous benefits and can help tackle problems related to the liver and gallbladder. It may also provide benefits for heart-related problems and diabetes.
3. Cruciferous Veggies like Broccoli sprouts; Flaxseeds-
Broccoli sprouts treat various problems such as hay fever, asthma, and sunburn. However, there is no solid scientific support behind this theory. Still, people have improved their liver health by consuming broccoli sprouts and flaxseeds. Broccoli sprouts contain a chemical called glucoraphanin. During digestion, it converts into sulforaphane, which has antioxidant effects and helps detoxify the liver.
4. Lemon-
Having lemon water every day already has many benefits for the body, including liver detoxification. It can help flush out the toxins from your liver and help cleanse. Plus, it is an excellent addition to your daily life; it will detoxify the liver, improve your skin health, and boost immunity.
5. Allium Veggies like Garlic; Turmeric-
You may already consume them daily, but you might need to learn their benefits. Garlic has a mineral called Selenium which helps in liver cleansing. At the same time, turmeric ensures a smooth flow of the bile duct.
6. Artichokes-
For people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, artichokes can be a perfect and helpful cleanser. Though there is no data for this statement, artichoke leaf can help in overall liver health.
7. Sesame seeds and Beetroot-
contain a compound named lignan which helps break down fatty acids. At the same time, Beetroot helps in producing more bile and activates liver enzymes to detoxify it.
8. Apples-
Apples are high in pectin and polyphenols, which help keep lipid levels in control. And its anti-inflammatory properties protect you from fatty liver disease.
9. Sea Vegetables-
Seaweeds and sea vegetables are high in minerals and iodine, which help detoxify your body. The liver, kidneys, skin, and intestines benefit from sea vegetables. They contain unique bioactive compounds which cannot be found in land plants. These compounds help remove radioactive elements, heavy metals, and other environmental pollutants from the body. They are rich in chlorophyll, which helps purify bodily fluids, improving overall health.
Liver detoxification may or may not seem easy, but it should be included in your daily life. After all, it is your responsibility to take care of your body. And only you can help your organs by being their best friend.