How To Cleanse Your Liver

The liver is the body’s second largest organ and it performs various processes that are detrimental to our survival and well-being. The roles that our liver plays in our body include blood detoxification, storage of vitamins and iron, bile production, conversion of sugar compounds into simpler form, destruction of old red blood cells, and breaking down of hemoglobin, insulin and other hormones. The liver is one major organ that should be taken good care of. One great way of doing this is by knowing how to cleanse your liver.

Cleansing or detoxifying the liver involves processes that will help clean it and maintaining its optimal function. It involves purging out old wastes inside the organ through intake of the right foods, more water, and omission or moderation of alcohol intake in the diet. Everything that comes inside the body is processed by the liver, so cleansing it involves being conscious of what we put into our mouth.

Liver Cleansing Foods

Intake of foods that cleanse the liver is the most important part of detoxifying the organ. The following are foods that science has proven to be beneficial for a healthy liver.

1. Beets- They are red purplish fruits that are high in antioxidants, nutrients and fiber that are essential for purifying the blood and cleansing the liver of impurities. The antioxidants of this fruit majorly purifies the blood, its nutrients keep the liver healthier and its fiber content facilitates solid waste elimination and keeps the body feeling full for a longer period of time.

2. Sweet potatoes and carrots– These root crops are very rich in beta carotene, vitamin A and vitamin C which are effective antioxidants. They are also rich in fiber. The vitamin A in these foods are converted in the liver but they are not toxic to the organ unlike other sources of vitamin A. Their vitamin C helps detoxify the liver and keep it functioning well. The fiber also keeps it from overworking by limiting the body’s need for food intake.

3. Broccoli and other green vegetables– Green and leafy vegetables contain high amounts of fiber and antioxidants which are important in flushing out toxins. They also have chlorophyll and glucosinolates which are good in keeping toxins at bay and aiding digestion.

4. Garlic- This food is the liver’s best friend, as it has allicin and selenium which helps the liver maintain optimum health. Selenium is a detoxifying mineral while allicin keeps the immune system in tip-top shape thus lessening the load for the liver. Garlic also activates enzymes that are good for digestion and liver cleansing.

5. Healthy Fats in Moderate Amount- The liver also needs fats in order to function properly. However, it needs the healthy kind which is found in plants like the different seeds and nuts.

Liver Detoxification Symptoms

The process of detoxifying the liver may result to some changes in the body and can manifest in illness-like symptoms. They do not need to be medicated and will eventually pass once the body has adjusted to the changes brought about by the cleansing process.

1. Headache- This is a common experience among those who undergo cleansing. It could be due to the imbalances in bodily fluids due to increased elimination as a result of flushing out of toxins. It could be relieved by drinking more fluids to avoid dehydration.

2. Nausea- The feeling of dizziness may be attributed to the flushing out of toxins in the bloodstream, including bile. Other foods used for cleansing may also be the cause of this sensation as they may leave unpleasant reflux after-taste to the upper digestive tract.

3. Irritability- Undergoing detoxification leads to fluid imbalance if the fluid flushed out is not replaced in time. Being irritable is a sign of dehydration. This can be relieved or prevented by large amounts of water intake.

4. Fatigue- Being on a detox process results to feeling of weakness and tiredness, as most fluids and wastes in the body are flushed out. Fatigue results from the depletion of nutrients and changes in the demand for food intake. Detox foods containing high amounts of fiber keeps the body from feeling hungry, thus the lesser intake of food. For a couple of days, the body will feel fatigued as it adjusts to the difference in the food demand and intake.

Liver Detox Benefits

After the temporary unpleasant symptoms experienced by the body in the beginning of the detoxification process, positive results follow. As the liver performs major bodily processes, detoxifying it will lead to positive changes in over-all feeling of health which include:

1. Increased Energy- As the body becomes free of harmful toxins, the energy level experiences a major boost. The new diet of fruits and vegetables and the elimination of unhealthy sugar and caffeine from the diet also plays a big role to this positive change.

2. Weight Loss- There will be a significant amount of weight loss during and after the detoxification process, as the elimination process is sped-up due to a healthier liver. The increased fiber in the diet also keeps the body from consuming large amounts of food, thus the loss in weight. Once the body has adjusted to consuming less than before, the ideal weight is easier to maintain.

3. Improved Skin and Hair Condition- A healthier liver leads to a more glowing skin, as toxins no longer make the body cells dry. This reflects to the outside appearance through a major improvement in the over-all appearance of the skin and hair. Healthier cells manifest through clearer skin and shinier hair.

4. Stronger Immune System- The immune system automatically benefits from the liver detox diet, as toxins and free radicals are eliminated from the system. These harmful and unhealthy cells can no longer damage the immune system, leading to a healthier individual who experiences less episodes of sickness.

5. General Sense of Improved Well-being- As the blood that circulates in the body is already free of most toxins, a general feeling of wellness can be felt after a liver detoxification. The body will also feel lighter as a result of weight loss and a stronger immune system that is free from diseases.