The environment that we live in is not sterile, and this goes without saying that toxins are everywhere. The air we breathe is not devoid of unwanted foreign particles. The food we eat, no matter how cautious we are, might have undesirable organisms in there. The water we drink can also become contaminated. This is because we live in a polluted world. That may be hard to swallow but that is the truth, and once we start to accept that fact, we can learn to adapt, to be more careful, to go the extra mile to ensure that we remain healthy.

What are Toxins?

Our body is exposed to toxins in an everyday basis. The things that we put inside our mouth could sometimes mean the difference between staying healthy and getting sick. Good thing is, our body has been designed to get rid of these toxins. The liver has a specific role to play: to remove toxic waste products and flush it out of our system through the stool and urine. It converts the toxic chemicals into a form of compound that will be flushed out by the body. This goes to show that the function of the liver is very important. Once the liver deteriorates, the body will now be unable to get rid of toxic wastes and this will be detrimental to health. Toxins will poison the body and will cause important organs to stop functioning. Soon enough, death will follow.

This explains why it is imperative that we take good care of our liver. The organ was not placed there without a reason, and we must take the necessary measures that we ensure its good health. Too much alcohol drinking can seriously impair the liver, so you may want to cut it out. Eating very fatty foods can also cause liver damage. You might argue that you have been drinking for a long time now, or that you have eaten way too much fatty foods, yet you are still in good health. Good for you. But remember that everything is cumulative, and although you may not be experiencing symptoms now, if you continue that kind of lifestyle, you are surely inviting liver damage. Are you going to wait for the time when your liver says ‘I give up’?

Dietary Detoxification: Cleansing the Body

Because of the liver’s important role in getting rid of toxins, a process called detoxification, it is only proper that we give it the support that it needs. Here are some foods that are good for the liver which you can eat to help support liver detoxification:

• Beets

  Beets provide many health benefits to the body because it is packed with a lot of nutrients, and it boasts of high antioxidant levels too. Antioxidants present in beets are betanin, folate, betacyanin, betalains and betaine. It also has fiber in the form of Pectin. Pectin helps keep the liver healthy by removing toxins and flushing it out of the system. To further take advantage of these fibers’ benefits, medical professionals recommend eating beets in its raw form, and not juiced, so that the fibers are completely ingested.

  However, beet juice is also beneficial because it makes sure that betaine remains intact. Betaine acts on liver cells. It stimulates the liver cells to work and get rid of toxins found inside the body. Also, it acts as the liver’s defender, allowing the liver to properly function.

• Carrots

  Carrots are loaded with important nutrients that are essential to the health of the liver which is considered to be the largest organ in the body. Nutrients present in carrots include vitamins, B6, A, C and K; magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Perhaps one of the most important nutrients found in carrots that are beneficial to the liver is vitamin A. It is said greatly influence the liver’s overall health and it also aids in its detoxification. Most recommend that carrots be taken in its juice form. However, remember to take it moderately as very high levels of vitamin A can also be toxic. If taken correctly, carrot juice can do wonders to the health of the liver.

• Turmeric

  Turmeric is a well-known spice that is commonly found in curry powder and is used in numerous cuisines worldwide. It contains curcumin, a powerful phytochemical compound which helps regulate detoxification enzyme levels. The Linus Pauling Institute says that curcumin may have a hand in preventing carcinogen production inside the body which may come from the toxins that we have ingested. Plus, it also helps get rid of toxins by flushing it out of the body. It works by stimulating the gallbladder to produce bile. The liver utilizes bile to get rid of toxins and it also helps by rejuvenating the liver cells that are responsible for breaking down harmful compounds.

• Garlic

  Garlic has been widely known for its health benefits towards the heart and immune system, among others. Another good reason for incorporating garlic into your dishes would be its effects on the liver. This little bulb is considered to be one of the best foods that aid in detoxification. It is responsible for stimulating the liver to produce essential enzymes necessary for the detoxification process as it filters out toxic residues.

• Cruciferous Vegetables

  Cruciferous vegetables such as arugula, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and radishes contain specific compounds that help raise detoxification enzymes in the liver thereby promoting efficient removal of toxic substances and flushing it out of the system. These helpful enzymes aid in eliminating toxins, excess hormones and carcinogens from the body.

• Avocado

  Avocadoes, especially avocado oil contain Omega-3 oils which aids in lubricating the walls of intestines thereby allowing the oil to absorb the toxins and then flush them out of the body. Aside from avocado oil, flax seed oil, olive oil and hemp oil are also excellent alternatives in liver detoxification.

• Limes, Lemons and Oranges

  Citrus fruits such as limes, lemons and oranges help the body in getting rid of toxins. They also help the digestive tract when it comes to enzymatic processes. These fruits cleanse the liver because of its vitamin C content. Vitamin C converts toxins into materials that are easily digested by the body.

Sources
livestrong.com
healthmad.com
naturalnews.com
carrotjuice.com
globalhealingcenter.com