Liver Cleansing Diet

The liver is the largest solid organ as well as gland in your body. It secretes bile which aids your stomach in digestion as well as transports fat and waste products to your intestines. All blood which leaves your stomach and intestines must pass through the liver first. The liver than breaks down the blood into nutrients and drugs which your body can more easily use.

What are the liver's functions?

*it aids in metabolism and breaking down of carbohydrates and converting glucose into glycogen (this aids in giving us energy and maintaining blood sugar levels)

*makes and secretes bile which aids in digestion and helps your intestines absorb fats and fat soluble Vitamins A, D, E and K

*produces urea, the main substance in urine and the waste produced when your body metabolizes protein

*it helps in regulating blood clotting

*produces cholesterol and special proteins to help in carrying fats throughout the body

*Eliminates, by metabolizing or secreting, potentially harmful biochemical products produced by the body

*Metabolizes or secretes, therefore detoxifying, drugs, alcohol, and environmental toxins from the body

What are diseases of the liver?

Jaundice, acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhoisis (scarring) , fatty liver, and cancer all affect the liver. These symptoms can come out as fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, and edema (fluid build-up).

Excessive alcohol intake, drugs, and high fat and sugar diets can lead to improper functioning of the liver.

A liver cleansing diet: Why do it?

As with any detox, it is best to consult your doctor first. As mentioned above, your liver is vital in maintaining health and eliminating your body of toxins. Toxins stay stored in your liver, and therefore, a detox can be very beneficial in clearing your body of these harmful substances. The liver is a sensitive organ and so an occasional detox will aid in its functioning so that it can continue to help with metabolism and eliminating waste products from your body.

Tips on doing a liver cleansing diet.

1) Frame your mind for a detox.
Before you begin, examine your reasons for wanting to do a liver cleanse. If you are interested in rapid weight loss, you are probably not in the right frame of mind. Being in the wrong mindset can lead you astray on your diet, not only causing you to not reap the benefits of a cleanse, but also potentially causing harm to your body.

2) Start a journal.
This is not necessary but can be greatly helpful in keeping you on track for your detox. Writing down symptoms you currently have now related to health can be helpful in monitoring your progress and seeing if improvements are being made. Examples of health issues that can be related to liver function: allergies, fatigue, nausea, night sweats, and dry skin. Keeping a food journal is also recommended.

3) Items to avoid.
*Antibiotics and hormone therapy should not be taken when you are on a liver cleansing diet, but before stopping these medications, please consult your doctor.
*Junk foods high in fat, sugar, and sodium
*Alcohol, coffee, tobacco, and soft drinks

For those seriously looking for a body make-over and a fresh beginning, this detox is the answer. It is intensive, over the course of 3 weeks, and has been used by successful athletes. It has been tested and is proven to be a healthy way to cleanse your body.

CLICK HERE to learn more!

There are 2 pathways for your liver to detoxify known as Phase One and Phase Two.

Phase One.
This is where toxic chemicals are made less harmful and free radicals are formed. Too many free radicals in your body can damage liver cells. Food rich in antioxidants (Vitamins C and E) and phytochemicals can help reduce the number of free radicals. Fruits, vegetables and whole grain, and foods with folic acid and selenium are recommended.

Here are a few foods that will help liver detoxification in Phase One:
*Beets
*Broccoli
*Brown Rice
*Carrots
*Eggs
*Garlic
*Spinach
*Tomatoes
*Wheatgerm
*Melons
*peppers
*Tomatillos, papaya, plantains, carambola and guava

Phase Two.
This is where the liver adds a substance to the now less harmful chemical to make it water soluble. It is later moved out the body as urine or feces. Foods rich in sulphur compounds are needed and often smell when you cook them.

Here are foods recommended for liver detoxification in Phase Two:

*Broccoli
*Cabbage
*Eggs
*Brazil Nuts
*Garlic
*Onions
*Asparagus
*Watermelon
*Papaya
*Avocado
*Mushrooms

Other recommended foods for liver health:

*Soy Beans
*Cayenne Pepper
*Lemon (helps in general cleansing of the body)
*Walnuts
*Wheatgerm

It is important when doing a liver cleansing diet to drink plenty of fluids especially water.