Foods that support your liver health

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There are a number of foods that nutritional experts consistently name as

" supportive " or " protective " to the liver:

 

 

Artichokes are a member of the milk thistle family that help control blood sugar

levels and are known to support liver health. This fibrous, green veggie

contains cynarin, which promotes the flow of bile from the liver to the

gallbladder. This is very important because if the bile is not transported

adequately to the gallbladder, the liver has increased risk of damage.

 

 

Beets are a very high-antoxidant vegetable. Beet fiber seems to be particularly

health-promoting for the liver. Pectin, a soluble fiber in beets, binds toxins,

heavy metals, and excess hormones that have been dumped into the gut from the

liver. The toxins are passed out instead of being reabsorbed.

 

 

Carrots contain beta-carotene and other carotenoids that help to protect the

liver. In the treatment of disease it is important to alkalinize the body and

carrot juice has been demonstrated to rapidly achieve this objective through

cleansing of the liver and improving the quality of the blood.

 

 

Shitake Mushrooms contain lentinan, a beta-glucan with powerful effects on

hepatitis and many other diseases, including cancer. According to the Sloan

Kettering Cancer Center, lentinan is used for cancer, high cholesterol,

strengthening the immune system and treating infections. These specialty

mushrooms also raise white blood cell counts and increase helper t-cells.

 

 

Brazil nuts and broccoli have a very high concentration of selenium,a powerful

antioxidant mineral that works synergistically with other antioxidants to assist

in protection against further damage to liver cells and is essential for proper

functioning of the immune system and thyroid gland.

 

 

Garlic has sulfur-containing compounds, which are responsible for many of its

healing properties. Garlic possesses the ability to stimulate the immune system.

The bulb stimulates the activity of macrophages, white blood cells which engulf

the foreign organisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and yeast. It increases the

activity of the T-helper cells, immune cells which are central to the activity

of the entire immune system. This amazing herb has also demonstrated the ability

to protect against a variety of environmental and other toxins. Garlic's sulfur

compounds, in addition to selenium containing compounds, are potent antioxidants

which protect cell membranes and DNA from damage. Furthermore scientific studies

have shown that garlic stimulates the production of the liver's own detoxifying

enzymes which neutralize carcinogens and other toxins.

 

 

Brown rice retains the bran layer that is packed with B vitamins, selenium,

vitamin E, and magnesium.

 

 

Brewer's Yeastis a rich source of minerals -- particularly chromium, an

essential trace mineral that helps the body maintain normal blood sugar levels;

selenium; protein; and the B-complex vitamins which help maintain a strong

immune system.

 

 

Whey Protein contains lactoferrin and builds glutathione levels. While

glutathione is the main antioxidant found inside liver cells, lactoferrin

stimulates the immune system and has a direct antiviral property that hampers

the Hepatitis C virus from attacking liver cells.

 

 

Whole grains contain vitamin B and vitamin E. These agents positively affect the

liver.

 

 

Mung Beans are used by practitioners of Traditional to detoxify

poisons in the body, mung beans contain a natural protease inhibitor. High in

Vitamin B and C, potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, copper, fiber and

protein, mung beans’ ability to help a Hepatitis C-laden liver flush out toxins

are worth the effort to find and prepare.

 

 

Alfalfa cleanses the liver and bloodsteam while supplying necessary vitamins and

minerals. Research suggests that alfalfa may inactivate dietary chemical

carcinogens in the liver and small intestine.

 

 

Dandelion Greens stimulate the flow of bile, help both the liver and gallbladder

break down fat, prevent gallstones and aid in detoxification. In addition,

dandelion greens have mild diuretic properties, which may help relieve ascites,

a common consequence of liver cirrhosis.

 

 

Buckwheat, black currants, and rose hips contain bioflavonoids which stimulate

detoxification by the liver and to strengthen the blood vessels. They also help

reduce the inflammatory response and may help inhibit the formation of tumors

and breakdown of collagen.

 

 

I hope you enjoy and add them into your diet.

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