Help Support Your Liver

Of all of our organs in our bodies, the liver is one of the most important. There are many metabolic functions our livers are responsible for performing. One of those functions is to remove toxins from our bodies.

In order for our livers to function properly, it needs virtually every nutrient available. You can't get any better than fruits and vegetables for high nutrient content. For optimal health, they are a vital addition to our diets.

It is best to avoid conventionally grown produce that is genetically modified or grown using pesticides and herbicides. These substances are toxins that are hard on the liver as they filter through our systems. Organically grown produce will spare your liver the task of filtering those toxins so it can concentrate on other filtering that is required.

Alcohol consumption is also tough on your liver. It is best to limit alcohol consumption or eliminate it altogether. It takes many resources for your liver to metabolize alcohol, again causing it to neglect other detoxification and metabolic functions that are necessary to keep your body healthy.

Stay away from fried fatty foods, particularly those containing hydrogenated oils as your liver cannot functionally optimally when forced to process large quantities of fat.

Don’t salt it until you taste it! Adding extra table salt is also harmful for your liver. Switch to Himalayan or Celtic sea salt and keep salting to a minimum. Try replacing it with spices like turmeric, licorice and cinnamon. Use flavors such as garlic, vinegar, pepper, onion, mustard, thyme, cloves, and sage. These are all healthy for your liver and will add lots of flavor to your meals.

To support your liver function, try taking milk thistle supplements. Milk thistle, an herbal remedy, has been in use for over 2,000 years. It has been used for many problems but is especially effective when used to resolve liver and gall bladder issues.

Many research studies suggest that milk thistle can protect the liver from toxins. Drugs, like acetaminophen, in high doses can cause liver damage. Milk thistle can help to repair the damage done. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may assist the liver to propagate by growing new cells.

Also effective for liver support are foods that are high in sulfur. Foods such as garlic, onions and cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, collards, Brussels sprouts, kale and cauliflower) increase the livers metabolic function.

Keeping your liver healthy is vitally important to good health. Improving your lifestyle and making better nutrition choices is a great way to ensure your liver is able to function optimally.