CLEANSING SPRING FOODS TO SUPPORT YOUR LIVER

Just as nature intended, your body has the ability to “spring clean” naturally on a daily basis if your diet adequately supplies for the process.  Unfortunately, modern society is a sad state that produces many over-processed livers. When we overeat processed or fried foods, and, anytime we are exposed to environmental pollutants or stress, the liver becomes overworked and overloaded. When the liver is taxed, it can’t process toxins and fat in an efficient way. There are many foods that can help cleanse the liver naturally by stimulating its natural ability to clean toxic waste from the body.

Foods that purify your system include colorful veggies and fruits that are antioxidant rich. Phytochemicals in plants absorb sunlight giving them their rich colors and vibrant flavors. When we eat these foods proper required energy is transferred to us.

ARE ANY OF THESE FOODS IN YOUR SHOPPING CART? 

I would encourage you to incorporate one or two servings of these liver cleanse foods into your weekly diet: 

1. GARLIC:

• Just a small amount of this pungent white bulb has the ability to activate liver enzymes that help your body flush out toxins. Garlic also holds high amounts of allicin and selenium, two natural compounds that aid in liver cleansing.
• Raw garlic, in particular, activates liver enzymes, helping your body to destroy unwanted chemicals and toxins. 
• TIP: Mince or chop fresh garlic, let it sit on the counter for a minute or two (this activates the allicin, the enzyme that gives it its aroma), and then add it to salad dressing or a really nice olive oil for dipping vegetables or crusty bread.

2. GRAPEFRUIT:

• High in both vitamin C and antioxidants, grapefruit increases the natural cleansing processes of the liver. 
• Grapefruit actually slows down phase 1 detoxification in your liver. This may sound like it’s a bad thing, but it turns out that excessive amounts of toxic chemicals, such as pesticides, may cause hyperactivity or what’s called “induction” of this pathway. This can result in high levels of damaging free radicals being produced if phase 2 detoxification can’t keep up. Other substances that may cause hyperactivity include caffeine, alcohol, dioxin and paint and exhaust fumes. 
• If the phase 2 detoxification systems are not working adequately, these intermediates can cause substantial damage. By enjoying grapefruit, you can slow phase 1 and let phase 2 catch up, helping your liver balance out the workload.
• TIP:A small glass of freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice will help boost production of the liver detoxification enzymes that help flush out carcinogens and other toxins.

3. BEETS AND CARROTS:

• Both are extremely high in plant-flavonoids and beta-carotene; eating beets and carrots can help stimulate and improve overall liver function.
• It's acceptable to continue eating these root veggies well into spring. Beets benefit the overall health of the liver while also boosting cardiovascular endurance.

4. DANDELION:

• Yes, the pesky lawn weed has medicinal properties. The root of dandelion makes a great tea that has been shown to help the liver rid the body of toxins.
• TIP: The tea is a tad bitter, so add a splash of local honey.  Roast, juice, or shred them on a salad.

5. GREEN TEA: 

• Green tea is made from un-oxidized leaves from Camellia sinensis bush and is one of the less processed types of tea (with white tea the least) and therefore contains one of the most antioxidants and beneficial polyphenols.  
• This liver-loving beverage is full of plant antioxidants known as catechins, a compound known to assist liver function. 
• Recent studies have shown green tea can potentially have positive effects on everything from weight loss to liver disorders, type 2 diabetes and alzheimer's disease.
• Green tea is not only delicious, it’s also a great way to improve your overall diet. Learn more about the benefits of green tea at RoyalHealingND.com.
• TIP: Nothing says spring better than iced tea. Why not make it iced green tea? Green tea is high in catechins will cleanse the body and support liver health.  Add a bit of mint for a refreshing twist.

 6. LEAFY GREEN AND CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES: 

• One of our most powerful allies in cleansing the liver, leafy greens can be eaten raw, cooked, or juiced. Extremely high in plant chlorophylls, greens suck up environmental toxins from the blood stream. 
• With their distinct ability to neutralize heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides, these cleansing foods offer a powerful protective mechanism for the liver.
• Eating broccoli and cauliflower will increase the amount of glucosinolate in your system, adding to enzyme production in the liver. These natural enzymes help flush out carcinogens, and other toxins, out of our body which may significantly lower risks associated with cancer.
• Much like broccoli and cauliflower, eating cabbage helps stimulate the activation of two crucial liver detoxifying enzymes that help flush out toxins.
• TIP: Try incorporating vegetables such as bitter gourd, arugula, broccoli, dandelion greens, spinach, brussel sprouts, mustard greens, and chicory into your diet. In addition, try eating more kimchi, coleslaw, cabbage soup and sauerkraut.  This will help increase the creation and flow of bile, the substance that removes waste from the organs and blood.

7. AVOCADOS

• This nutrient-dense super-food helps the body produce glutathione.  As mentioned above, glutathione is a compound that is necessary for the liver to cleanse harmful toxins during Phase 2 Detoxification. 
• Along with asparagus, avocados are rich in glutathione. This powerful antioxidant supports the liver in getting rid of harmful materials.
• TIP: Avocados are a fun addition to a smoothie—hello, yummy creamy beverage. Add slives of avocados into green leafy salads or make an avocado dip with chips as a snack.  

8. APPLE: 

• High in pectin, apples hold the chemical constituents necessary for the body to cleanse and release toxins from the digestive tract. 
• This, in turn, makes it easier for the liver to handle the toxic load during the cleansing process.

9. OLIVE OIL: 

• Cold-pressed organic oils such as olive, hemp and flax-seed are great for the liver, when used in moderation. 
• They help the body by providing a lipid base that can suck up harmful toxins in the body. In this way, it takes some of the burden off the liver in terms of the toxic overload many of us suffer from.
• TIP: Use Olive oil is the base for your salad dressing.  Instead of using the microwave, pour olive oil over food to keep moist when warming in the oven.  

10. ALTERNATIVE GRAINS: 

• It’s not only that you need alternative grains like quinoa, millet, and buckwheat in your diet, it’s that if you’ve got wheat, flour, or other whole grains in your diet, it’s time to make changes.
• Your liver is your body’s filter for toxins, and grains that contain gluten are full of them. A study last year found that persons who experienced gluten sensitivities also had abnormal liver enzyme test results, and that’s just one of many.

11. ASPARAGUS: 

• Asparagus contains glutathione, a powerful antioxidant known for its role in supporting the body’s natural detoxification process carried out by your liver. 
• TIP: Asparagus cooks very quickly, making it an easy addition to an omelet in the morning. What's better than starting your day with a fresh green veggie? 

12. LEMONS AND LIMES:

• These citrus fruits contain very high amounts of vitamin C, which aids the body in synthesizing toxic materials into substances that can be absorbed by water.
• The volatile oils in the rind of the lemon are called limonoids. These chemicals, in addition to the juice of the lemon, support healthy digestion.
• Lemons are known to boosts your immune system while fighting free radical damage to the body.
• TIP: Drinking freshly-squeezed lemon or lime juice in the morning helps stimulate the liver.  Squeeze fresh lemon/limes over vegetables, fish or chicken when cooking.  Squeeze a little in your water, or, better yet, make your own zesty salad dressing. It can be drizzled on fish, chicken, kale, broccoli, or just about any other veggie you can think of.. 

13. WALNUTS:

• Holding high amounts of the amino acid arginine, walnuts aid the liver in detoxifying ammonia. 
• Walnuts are also high in glutathione andomega-3 fatty acids, which support normal liver cleansing actions. 
• High in ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), a type of omega-3 fat that not only boosts brain power and also supports detoxification in the body.

• TIP: You know what to do here: Toss some on a salad or just enjoy them as a snack. Make sure you chew the nuts well (until they are liquefied) before swallowing. 

  

14. TUMERIC: 

• One of the best ways to get rid of toxic overload in our bodies is by eating foods that help support the body’s natural method of eliminating metabolic wastes as well as the onslaught of chemicals we are exposed to in our air, water, soil, and food.
• Turmeric, an ancient Ayurvedic spice used in countless recipes, has so many health benefits that we talk about it regularly in Naturopathic Medicine. Among those benefits is turmeric’s ability to help the liver to detox. 
• Known as the liver’s favorite spice. Turmeric helps boost liver detox, by assisting enzymes that actively flush out dietary carcinogens.
• TIP: Try adding some of this detoxifying goodness into your next lentil stew or veggie dish for an instant liver pick-me-up.
• One recipe for turmeric tea that “tastes like chai” follows:
  
  
  1 teaspoon fresh ginger
  2 teaspoons fresh turmeric
  Pinch of black pepper
  ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
  ¼ cup organic coconut (or alomond) milk
  1 teaspoon raw, organic honey
  Simply heat the mixture in boiling water and add milk at the end. You can leave the ginger and turmeric pieces in your tea cup or strain them out if you prefer.

Tips For Doing a Liver Cleanse

Spring is a natural time of transition. No matter where you may have drifted over the winter, don’t let that stop you. As we now head into the vibrancy of spring, start thinking about what your reset looks like. Keep a growth mindset over the next few weeks.

This is not a pass-fail event but rather an invitation to transition your diet to one that supports your best self as you step into the warmth of spring. Pick one food each week to add to your cooking routine.

Other liver cleanse foods not listed above include artichoke, kale, and brussel sprouts. Eating the foods listed above is a great way to help keep your liver functioning properly. However, for best results, I recommend performing a liver cleanse, which is supported by a WHOLE BODY CLEANSE SYSTEM. Performing a whole body cleanse at least twice a year will eliminate any foreign substances that may be trapped in your liver. 

LEARN MORE...CONTACT US TODAY 

Royal Healing Natural Health Center

Dr. Ezenwanyi Ahaghotu

832-917-5022