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If you have been slugging through the day extremely exhausted or just struggling with gut and digestive issues, there is a chance your liver is taking up extra load. Of all the organs in your body, liver is one of the most important organs and is used in a wide range of functions, some of which include removing toxins from the blood, metabolizing alcohol, converting lactate into energy, activating enzymes, regulating fat, protein and carbohydrate in the blood, producing and excreting bile and storing essential vitamins, minerals and glycogen. Basically, without liver our body wouldn't be functional. Thanks to the constant mechanism, liver goes through lots of exertion, which is why it can get damaged easily if not taken proper care of.According to Bangalore based Nutritionist Dr. Anju Sood, "Liver cleanses itself; the process of which primarily starts at midnight, which is why it is recommended to take your dinner as early as possible so your liver gets some rest. Some of the foods act as stimulators of the detoxification process; include fibre-rich foods like spinach, carrots, et al in your diet." Consultant Nutritionist Dr. Rupali Datta agrees, "Liver is the only organ that cleanses itself. Just that whatever we eat and drink is detoxified by the liver; therefore it is important to feed good food to the body to not exert the liver."
It should go without saying that taking care of your liver is imperative; it is time you give attention to the much neglected yet an important organ of the body and improve its function. While liver tends to cleanse itself, one of the ways to improve your liver's health and cleanse it is through proper diet. The foods that you choose to eat define how your liver will function.
Here are foods that may somewhat help cleanse your liver naturally:
1. Garlic
Garlic contains certain sulphur compounds that are essential for supporting the liver and activating liver enzymes, which are responsible for flushing out toxins and waste from the body. It also consists of selenium, which is an important mineral that assists in detoxification.
2. Green leafy vegetables
The greener, the better! Your liver loves bitter and greener leafy vegetables like spinach, mustard greens, et al that contain various cleansing compounds. In fact, they help to stimulate bile flow.
3. Fibre-rich foods
Adding fibre-rich foods like apple, carrots, cauliflower, beetroots, green leafy vegetables, et al hastens the elimination of toxins in the body, while providing support to the digestive tract.
4. Green tea
Green tea has plant-based antioxidants known as catechins, the compounds that are known to assist liver function and eliminate liver fat accumulation. So sip 2-3 cups of green tea every day to ensure a healthy liver.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric is known to be one of the most powerful spices that helps maintain a healthy liver by protecting against liver damage and regenerate healthy liver cells. It also helps boost production of bile and improves overall functioning of the gall-bladder, another blood-purifying organ.
6. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits like lemon, grapefruit, oranges, et al are rich in vitamin C content and antioxidants that are known to be powerful liver-cleansers. They also boost the production of liver detoxifying enzymes.
7. Walnuts
Walnuts are a rich source of amino acid known as arginine that support liver cleansing. They are also high in glutathione and omega-3 fatty acids that also support liver detoxification. Ensure that you munch on this important liver-friendly nut.
Go on and help your liver function better with these foods!
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