How to detox your liver with natural remedies

by John Griffith
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The liver is one of the most important organs in our bodies. It performs over 500 functions and is the largest gland in our body. The liver regulates most chemical levels in the blood and excretes a product called bile. This, in turn, helps carry away the waste products from the liver. It stores iron and vitamins and converts bad sugar into good sugar, detoxifying the blood and breaking down fat. However, nowadays, our liver is constantly tested. Whether it is through the processed foods that we consume, alcohol and tobacco, as well as air pollution, our liver is constantly working in trying to keep us healthy. Sometimes, though, it needs help. So, here’s how to detox your liver with all natural remedies.

The liver performs over 500 functions in our body

illustration of liver foods for liver health

How to detox your liver naturally?

It is no secret that the best way to keep your body healthy and keep your immune system boosted is through food. Eating the right foods for your body is far easier than constantly being on some kind of medication. In particular, there are some superfoods, which are not only going to keep your body healthy, they will also help your liver perform its functions far better.

Green tea – one of the healthiest beverages out there

Green tea is full of natural antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and detox your body. It has been proven that the natural polyphenols in the green tea support the body’s normal detoxification processes. Therefore, green tea supports the liver’s functions and helps boost your immune system, fights bad cells in your body and has natural anti-inflammatory effect.

Green tea isn’t just delicious, it is also incredibly healthy

foods for liver health green tea

How to detox your liver with green vegetables?

Green vegetables aren’t just very low on calories. One of the other main reasons why green vegetables are a part of every healthy meal plan is because they also have lots of health benefits. Vegetables such as kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, etc. are rich in glutathione, which triggers enzymes, which, in turn, help your liver clean out the toxins from your body. They also help eliminate carcinogens in your system. So, if all of that isn’t enough to make you add green veggies to your meals, we have prepared a delicious recipe, which is definitely going to convince you.

Leafy greens should be a part of all of your meals

how to detox your liver green vegetables

Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze recipe

Ingredients:

  • 500g Brussels sprouts
  • 100 ml olive oil
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 50g grated parmesan
  • 125ml balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp honey

Instructions:

  1. Cut the Brussels sprouts in half and place onto a baking sheet.
  2. Drizzle olive oil over them and sprinkle with black pepper, grated Parmesan and garlic. Mix well.
  3. Bake at 200C for about 30 minutes.
  4. In a saucepan add the balsamic vinegar and honey and cook for about 15 minutes.
  5. Serve the Brussels sprouts with the balsamic glaze.

Kale smoothie recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups kale leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup frozen pineapple chunks
  • 1 banana
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 2 tbsp peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup yogurt
  • 3/4 cup almond milk

Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

This delicious kale smoothie will win you over

kale smoothie liver detox in glass

Turmeric – Earth’s mightiest cure

Turmeric is a spice, which is widely used in cuisines around the world. Not only does it bring a specific flavor and fragrance to your meals, it is also very healthy. The spice contains the active ingredient curcumin, which has lots of health benefits. It activates enzymes and stimulates the production of bile, which help your liver get rid of the toxins. Furthermore, it contains powerful antioxidants which repair liver cells. Needless to say, if you haven’t started using turmeric in your meals, now is the perfect time to add this healthy spice to your kitchen.

Turmeric is one of the most fragrant spices out there

turmeric powder how to cleanse your liver ginger

How to detox your liver with citrus fruits?

Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C. They stimulate the liver by synthetizing toxic materials. They help fight inflammation, therefore protecting the liver from damage. Grapefruits are especially healthy, because they contain naringin and naringenin, which are powerful antioxidants. Plus, who doesn’t love eating fruits?

Citrus fruits are super delicious

crate of citrus fruits liver detox

How to detox your liver with beets

Same as citrus fruits, beets are rich in vitamin C and fibers, which help your digestive system. What’s more, beets increase the oxygen in your blood ceels, therefore they break down the toxic waste and clean your blood. They stimulate the production of bile and stimulate enzyme activity.

Beets are very good for your blood

close up photo liver healing foods beets

What are the worst food for your liver?

There are foods, which help the liver and there are those that hurt it. The bad news is that the foods that hurt it are some of the most consumed foods in the world. If, however, you want a healthy liver you need to stay away from them.

Processed foods are not good for your health

different kinds of junk food liver detox

Leave junk food behind

Saturated fats are terrible for your liver’s health. And the bad news is that all types of junk food is full of it. They also cause inflammation, increases your cholesterol, causing all kinds of damage to your organs. Calling all burgers junk food, however, isn’t right, because there are definitely healthy ways to cook. For example this chorizo burger recipe:

unhealthy junk food how to cleanse your liver

Reduce the sugar consumption

One of the functions of the liver is to turn sugar into healthy fat. Overating sugar can lead to your liver working extra hard and producing too much fat, which can be unhealthy. Eating lots of sugar can also prevent it from functioning properly, leading to liver damage.

Replace sugar with natural ingredients like honey and maple syrup

stop sugar how to detox your liver wooden surface

Wondering how to detox your liver – start by saying “No!” to alcohol

Alohol isn’t healthy and that is not news! It has been proven that regular consumption of alohol is detrimental to our health. Our liver, however, suffers the most. Excessive drinking leads to a disease known as cirrhosis. The disease, in which healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissure, resulting in liver damage and often times complete liver failure.

Saying “No!” to alcohol is the first step towards cleansing your liver

woman refusing alcohol how to cleanse your liver wine

Tobacco is also very bad for your liver, especially when mixed with alcohol

man holding beer liver healing foods cigarette

Liver detox and the side effects

Cleansing your liver has some side effects and you need to keep this in mind. Although some researchers say that the liver cleanses itself naturally and doesn’t need any additional detox, lots of people seem to have found that they feel better after a detox. However, cleansing your body can lead to some side effects.

Liver detox can lead to headaches

Cutting certain foods from your eating habits can cause a bit of shock to your body. That, in turn, can lead to mood swings. Don’t make drastic changes, though. Slowly reduce the unhealthy foods from your diet and drink a lot of water to prevent headaches.

Drink plenty of water to prevent headaches

man holding his head liver healing foods headache

Lack of energy

Cutting certain foods from your diet can cause metabolic changes, which in turn can make you feel a bit fatigued. If you notice that this fatigue lasts more than a few days, make sure your diet provides all the protein, minerals and vitamins your body needs.

liver healing foods man laying on sofa

You might notice some breakouts

Detoxifying your body naturally means that all of the toxins need to come out. That is why a liver detox may cause some breakouts. Fear not, however, as this means that your detox is actually working. Use natural cosmetic products and once the detox is done, you will notice that your skin is clear and glowing.

woman popping pimple how to detox your liver

Air pollution is detrimental to our health

how to cleanse your liver city air pollution

If you feel fatigued make sure you are eating healthy, balanced meals

liver detox man tired sitting on sofa

Try and say “No!” to cigarettes as well

man smoking foods for liver health cigarette

A good lemonade is not only delicious, but also healthy

two glasses lemonade how to detox your liver

John Griffith

John Griffith is a young, passionate journalist. Writing has been John’s hobby ever since he was a boy. He has worked in some of the UK’s most successful news portals over the course of his professional career but found his forever home at Archzine.