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Foods that Support Liver Detoxification
Bitter Foods
Bitter foods benefit the liver as they stimulate the liver to produce bile, a digestive fluid that is then stored in the gallbladder. Toxins that are processed in the liver can be excreted from the body through the bile. Try to incorporate some bitter foods into every meal. Tip - They make a great salad. Bitter foods include romaine lettuce, dandelion leaves, asparagus, artichokes, radishes and their leaves, rye, quinoa, amaranth, lemons/limes and their peels.
Sulphur Containing Foods
The liver can neutralize and solubilize toxins by adding sulphur to them. Foods rich in sulphur can be enjoyed in almost every meal. Sulphur rich foods include onions & garlic as well as leeks, chives, shallots, and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, kohlrabi, mustard greens, cabbage, kale, brussel sprouts)
Betaine Containing Foods
Betaine is a detoxifying compound used by the liver. Not only does it heal the liver, it lowers homocysteine and improves the function of stomach acid, which in turn improves digestion. Betaine rich foods include beets and their leaves, spinach, shrimp (a sustainable source are B.C. spot prawns), wheatgerm, whole grains
Dietary Guidelines for a Healthy Liver
Start the day with a cup of water and the juice of a lemon to stimulate bile flow
Eat bitter foods, and detoxifying foods each day to maintain liver health
Include a wide variety of vegetables in your daily meals, lightly steamed or raw
Buy organic or pesticide free when possible, or wash veggies and fruit thoroughly
Avoid grease, processed foods, sugar, excess meat or dairy, and alcohol
Eat mindfully - do not eat while standing, rushing, working, watching TV, or in a stale mood
The Importance of Exercise
In traditional Oriental medicine, the liver and gallbladder govern the sinews of the body (the ligaments, tendons and muscles). Just as winter melts into spring, mild exercise can melt stiff muscles and joints, allowing them to become lubricated for a more active summer. Exercise stimulates circulation of the blood and lymph, which are filtered by the liver. This process allows the removal of toxins from the body. Aim for a 30 minute brisk walk in nature every day that the sun is out, and allow the colors and smells of spring to rejuvenate your senses.
A Spring Cleanse
Traditionally, cleansing the body was a natural part of spring. The diet would shift from the salted preserved foods and low physical activity of the winter, to the fresh green shoots and increased exercise of the spring. The light, fresh diet and gentle movement allowed for the body to easily cleanse itself through the action of the liver and gallbladder as it moved into the summer. A liver cleanse can be done year round, but a practice of boosting liver function each spring is an excellent and healthy habit to have. Seek the support of your local naturopathic doctor to learn about herbs, homeopathic preparations, neutraceuticals, or other protocols that support the liver and gall bladder detoxification, and begin your transition from winter to summer with a liver cleansing program that works best for you.
