Every day our liver has to process the enormous amount of toxins that come to us with food additives, pesticides, alcohol, etc.
Most toxins are fat-soluble, meaning they are easily absorbed by fatty tissues and stored there. The job of the liver is to convert toxins into a water-soluble form so that they are eliminated from the body with urine, stool and sweat.
Detoxification occurs in two phases. In the first phase toxins are broken down into small pieces by enzymes and chemical reactions. In the second phase the resulting substances are bound into a completely water-soluble form so that they can be eliminated.
In some cases, exposure to toxins is beyond our control. However, we can support the liver by balancing both phases of detoxification and protecting it from toxic overload. The liver is affected by many factors, including our diet. And strengthening the liver can help with these foods.
Cruciferous vegetables.
White cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables are not only rich in vitamin B, but also contain important phytonutrients, including sulforaphane, a sulfur compound that enhances liver detoxification in both stages.
Oranges, lemons and tangerines
The peels of oranges, lemons and tangerines contain the antioxidant D-limonene, which is known for its strong stimulatory effects on liver enzymes in both phases of detoxification. Two glasses of drinking water with the juice of one lemon on an empty stomach in the morning will do your liver a lot of good.
Garlic
Garlic contains a sulfur compound called alliin, which is converted to the active and beneficial liver ingredient allicin when we chop, cut or crush garlic. Allicin is a powerful antioxidant that prevents toxic substances processed by the liver from reaching other organs. Garlic also contains selenium, a mineral that enhances the effects of antioxidants. Add 1-2 cloves of garlic to your favorite meals every day.
Quality protein
Protein is key to cell growth, repair and detoxification. The body needs the right amino acids to effectively detoxify the liver, especially in the second phase. The most important of these are cysteine, methionine, taurine, glutamine and glycine. Good sources of these amino acids are nuts, seeds, legumes, eggs, and fish.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables should be abundant in the diet because they are responsible for providing important antioxidants to the body. Bioflavonoids and anthocyanins (purple pigment in plant foods), chlorophyll (green pigment), carotenoids (yellow and orange pigments) are powerful liver protectors. Try to eat 5 fruits and vegetables of different colors each day to get the full range of health benefits.
Milk thistle
In modern phytotherapy milk thistle is one of the key plants for maintaining liver function. Its active ingredients belong to a group of bioflavonoids collectively called silymarin. Studies show that they protect against liver disease. Silymarin activates the liver's production of glutathione, which is one of the key agents in detoxification. In addition, milk thistle enhances the ability of liver cells to regenerate.
Curcuma
The curcumin present in turmeric enhances detoxification enzymes in the second stage, which helps increase bile secretion. This helps break down toxins and digest fats. Turmeric also has strong antioxidant activity against a number of liver toxic chemicals and drugs. Just one teaspoon of turmeric powder a day provides all of these effects. Here's a recipe for turmeric "tea."
Green Tea
Green tea has powerful antioxidant properties and protects the liver. Green tea bioflavonoids enhance liver detoxification in both stages.
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