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Tips for Optimum Liver Health

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The liver is the largest gland in the human body and serves many important functions.  It works to detoxify the bloodstream, filtering potentially harmful impurities, and the liver produces bile – a yellowish liquid necessary for the absorption of fat from the intestine.  Fat-soluble substances including some chemicals and medicines are stored in the liver.  Using enzymes, the liver converts these substances into water-soluble forms that can then be wasted through the kidneys or the gastrointestinal tract.  The liver is also responsible for metabolizing hormones and for the production of cholesterol.  With the body dependent on the liver for all of these important functions, it is essential to keep it as healthy as possible!  Check out these tips for optimum liver health.

Steer clear of processed foods.  Foods that have been put through a process to preserve shelf life are infused with chemicals that can be potentially harmful.  The liver has to work overtime to filter toxic preservatives like nitrates used for some types of meat and benzoic acid used in some forms of margarine, fruit juice and carbonated beverages.  Other harmful additives are colorings, flavorings, and sweeteners.

Consume plenty of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables.  Organically grown foods reduce the workload of the liver as they are void of agricultural chemicals.  Look for fruits and vegetables high in beta-carotene or antioxidants like carrots, beets, broccoli, peppers, apples, oranges, pink grapefruit, and berries.  Lemon is particularly healthy for the liver, as it contains hydrochloric acid, which is helpful in the digestion of proteins. 

Purchase a juicer.   Crushed vegetable juice is chock full of concentrated, liver-cleansing nutrients.  As vegetable juice travels quickly through the blood stream, it has a swift, positive effect on the liver.  Advocates of juicing also report improved mental clarity and focus, enhanced sleep, reduced stress, better digestion, and clearer skin. Carrots, parsnips, beets, celery and cucumbers are good detoxifying vegetables to juice for the liver. 

Limit dietary fats.  For good liver health, try steaming vegetables, baking fish and roasting meats and poultry.  Avoid saturated and trans fats and concentrate on monounsaturated fats, found in extra-virgin olive oil, avocados and almonds or polyunsaturated fats – the healthiest found in wild, cold-water fish, flaxseed oils and walnuts.

Eat smaller meals, and chew your food thoroughly.  Overeating can adversely affect the liver because it is forced to work harder to process additional food.  Eating smaller meals and thoroughly chewing food helps to promote healthy metabolism through a more efficient digestive process.

Give your liver a regular cleanse with an herbal detox or liver tonic.  Check out teas or supplements containing liver-detoxifying herbs like milk thistle and dandelion root.  Many supplements available in capsule or liquid form contain a host of healthy detoxifiers, including herbs, alpha-lipoic acid, and amino acids like arganine, methionine and taurine.

Curb consumption of alcohol.  As it is a potentially toxic substance, it is best to limit consumption of alcohol to keep the liver functioning properly.  Heavy alcohol use can cause liver damage on its own and is known to accelerate the development of liver disease in people with hepatitis B or C.  Medical experts recommend two drinks or less per day for men and one drink or less per day for women.

Drink plenty of H2O. To promote good health throughout the body, drink at least 64 ounces of pure filtered or spring water daily.  Adequate hydration helps to keep the blood thin and easy to filter.  Water carries hormones, nutrients, and oxygen through the blood stream and enhances the efficiency of enzymes – all of which are essential to healthy liver function.  Infuse water with lemon juice or a lemon slice for optimum liver health!

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