Liver Cleansing Foods

Detox and cleanses are used to rid the body of toxins and impurities, but their calorie restrictions often lead people to quit without fully cleansing their organs. Eating liver-cleansing foods will ensure that daily detoxification and cleansing take place without the drastic lack of food or nutrition. A build up of toxins in the body cause organs to work harder, leading to a lack of energy, water retention, lack of concentration and even weight gain. The liver must work even harder than other organs to process fat, salt, sugar and preservatives found in a daily diet, so a constant liver cleanse will help it to detox the body more efficiently.

Foods to Eat

While you can eat a variety of liver-cleansing foods to keep it running efficiently, a week-long liver cleanse is ideal to purify the body and restore energy levels. Consume nothing but fresh fruits and vegetables in their raw form, including cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, which allow the liver to create natural cleansing enzymes. Dark, leafy vegetables are also important to include with liver-cleansing foods because they contain valuable amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber.

Soy beans should be included in a liver cleanse, because they contain lecithin, which naturally works to lower cholesterol and break down fat in the liver. Other foods that contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals include: tomatoes, brown rice, beets, garlic, melons, avocado and Brazil nuts.

Eating these foods during a liver cleanse will help to remove impurities and toxins from the organ, as well as the body. Liver-cleansing foods like these also are healthy choices to incorporate into daily meals.

Foods to Avoid

The foods to avoid during a liver cleanse should be refrained from in general, or reduced to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Avoid foods that contain sugar, as well as carbonated drinks, alcohol, and any foods that are high in fat content such as fast food.

Refrain from drinking more than one cup of coffee each day, and try to switch to decaffeinated if possible.

Benefits

Eating liver-cleansing foods helps to improve the health and nutrition of an individual, which in turn will help in weight loss efforts. The liver is an important organ in the fat-burning process and when it gets bogged down with toxins and impurities it fails to get rid of excess fat, leading to weight gain. Once the liver undergoes a cleanse, it becomes more efficient in burning fat through an increased metabolism. Once the liver is toxin-free, energy will increase to enhance fitness levels.

Liver Cleansing Herbs

Herbs have long been used in detox programs, since they are effective and safe to use. You may find liver-cleansing herbs either in supplement form at health food stores, or liver cleansing packs which contain all of the necessary herbs in a convenient dosage.

Rosemary is a common herb, mostly used in cooking, but is also effective in detoxing the liver. Two compounds found within Rosemary, caffeic and rosemarinic acid, stimulate the liver to cleanse it of toxins.

Dandelion is a beneficial source of phosphorous, potassium, Vitamin A, iron and calcium. Using dried dandelion, you may create a liver cleansing tea combining a tablespoon of dried herbs with one cup of hot water. Drink each morning for liver cleansing benefits.

Turmeric contains curcuminoids, which help defend the body against toxins and have also been shown to help those who suffer from hepatitis and cirrhosis. You can add this herb to a variety of dishes, including proteins, grains and fruit juices.

Liver Cleansing Drinks

Drink at least 64 ounces of water each day to flush the system of toxins and purify the organs. In addition to water during a liver cleanse, drink mixtures that work to increase detoxification efforts such as a lemon drink. Combine 1 cup of hot water with 1/4 fresh lemon juice and a pinch of cayenne pepper, mix together and drink each morning. Lemon is an ideal liver cleanser because it works as an astringent, naturally detoxifying the liver and bloodstream.

Beet juice is also beneficial in cleansing the liver. Use a juicer to make 8 ounces of fresh beet juice, and consume a serving each day. If you prefer to add additional vegetables to the beet juice, try carrot, celery or cucumbers to enhance the taste. Beets are especially valuable to the liver because they contain beta carotene, flavonoids and folic acid.