I have to admit I do a pretty good job of taking care of myself for the most part. I never had a problem time-blocking out of the day to make sure I got my gym time in and that has helped to keep the weight down. However where I do often slip up is with my diet and could sometimes eat a high calorie lunch when I’m short of time at work. Additionally, when happy turns into ‘girls night out’ then it’s not just my calorie intake that’s going to be a little out of whack. So I learned that one of the things I can do to help my body maintain status quo and help prevent problems in the future is the addition of natural antioxidants to my system help itself. Surprisingly these are little things we all can all do help our kidneys and liver do their job and keep us healthy well past our 50s.

The liver is a vital organ of the human anatomy and performs multiple critical functions to keep the body pure of toxins and harmful substances. Without a healthy liver, a person cannot survive. Some of the more well-known functions include the following:

• Production of bile.
• Production of proteins for blood plasma.
• Production of cholesterol and proteins to help carry fats through the body.
• Store and release glucose.
• Processing of hemoglobin for use of its iron content (the liver stores iron).
• Conversion of harmful ammonia to urine.
• Clearing the blood of drugs and toxins.
• Regulating blood clotting.
• Resisting infections by producing immune factors and removing bacteria from the bloodstream.
• Clearance of bilirubin.

Unfortunately, everyday toxins like medications and alcohol can overload the liver, reducing its functioning ability and negatively impacting your health. Fortunately, there are many natural foods that detox the liver, and chances are you already have them in your kitchen.

Here are 7 natural foods to detox your liver…

1. Lemons

Commonly used in natural medicinal remedies, lemons are loaded with nutrients that are our bodies need, including fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. They also contain riboflavin, which are antioxidants that help to cleanse the blood, detoxify the liver, and make the immune system strong. Drink the juice of half a lemon with some water daily to detox your liver. You can even add a little more juice, water, and make a strong lemonade which you can sip on for an extending period of time. What really works well is to add some natural syrup or like Agave that can aid as a natural sweetener.

 

2. Green Tea

Green tea is widely considered one the healthiest beverages you can drink, and nutrition experts agree. To make green tea, the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant are used. These leaves are rich in catechins, a kind of antioxidant that studies show prevents fat accumulation and facilitates detoxification. Drink 4-5 cups of green tea daily to detox your liver. Keep in mind that it does contain caffeine.

 

3. Artichokes

Artichokes are another nutrient-dense food that cleanses the liver and purifies the blood. In fact, artichoke extracts have been prescribed by doctors for patients with liver problems since the 1800s. Plus, modern researchers have found that the phytonutrients cynarin and silymarin protect and regenerate liver cells and increase the production of bile. Artichoke can also help stabilize blood sugar.

 

4. Turmeric

Turmeric, one of the main components of curry powder, has long been used as an effective healing remedy. The spice’s anti-inflammatory properties and health-boosting nutrients work together to improve liver function (among other things), and the curcumin in turmeric is a potent phytochemical that stimulates bile production. Bile is used by the liver to rid the body of toxins and restore liver cells. Ginger also provides similar benefits and may not cause the stomach discomfort.

 

5. Avocados

Avocados are delicious. They are also nutrient-rich and help the body to produce glutathione (aka the mother of all antioxidants), which the body needs for liver detoxification and regeneration. If you’re worried about the high fat content, don’t, as avos contain monounsaturated fats. These are healthy fats that in moderation actually help reduce bad cholesterol and lower your risk of heart disease.

 

6. Onions

Onions are underrated. Not only do they add flavor and aroma to a wide range of dishes, but they also provide a long list of vital minerals and vitamins that protect against harmful free radicals. Additionally, they contain sulfur, a chemical compound that opens up the liver’s sulfation pathways and enables the body to release accumulated toxins. Red onions are best for detoxing the liver.

 

7. Cabbage

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that is high in sulfur and provides vitamins K, C, folate, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Due to its high glucosinolate and chlorophyll content, cabbage activates important detoxifying enzymes and strengthens the liver. Generally, green cabbage is best (especially raw and organic), but any type of cabbage is good for detoxing the liver and will promote health.

Know of any other natural foods that are great for detoxing the liver and improving health? Let us know in the comments.