Liver Support & Detoxification

The liver is the largest organ in the human body and performs over 500 functions. The most important of these is its ability to help detoxify your system by filtering out harmful substances from foods, microorganisms and the environment. To keep the liver from being overwhelmed by too many toxins and help it perform optimally, it's imperative that you consume a healthy diet.

Foods That Nourish the Liver

• Focus on getting a wide variety of vegetables and fruits into your daily diet, preferably ones that are raw, fresh and organic. The antioxidants in these foods (vitamin C, beta carotene and vitamin E), as well as B vitamins, calcium and trace minerals, protect the liver from damage and help it do its job. Another reason to eat your veggies: green leafy vegetables, alfalfa sprouts and cauliflower contain vitamin K, which helps control blood clotting and is essential in the production of liver protein. Choose other high-fiber foods, including beans, whole grain breads, rice and cereals, since a high-fiber diet helps keep the liver healthy. For protein, eat beans, nuts, seeds and low-fat animal protein like organic poultry and fish (preferably wild-caught, not farmed). Drink at least eight glasses of water every day, preferably filtered.

Supplements & Fasting for Liver Support

• Try using supplements often taken for liver support: milk thistle (Silybum marianum) may block toxins from entering the liver in the first place, help the liver remove toxins already present and assist in the regeneration of liver cells; schizandra (Schizandra chinensis) is taken from the dried berries of a Chinese plant and has also been found to support and maintain the liver. Although fasting is used by some practitioners to promote a healthy liver, it is controversial and may not be appropriate for everyone. Check with your doctor first before you attempt any fast.

Foods to Avoid

• Reduce or eliminate deep-fried and fatty foods. The risk of gallbladder disorders, including gallstones, a liver-related disease, can be reduced by avoiding high-fat and cholesterol-rich foods such as red meat, organ meats, cream, whole milk and butter. Minimize your consumption of smoked and cured foods and overly-processed foods. Look for whole foods or foods with the smallest list of ingredients on the label. Avoid salt and try alternative seasonings instead, such as lemon juice, onion, vinegar, garlic, pepper, mustard, cloves, sage or thyme. Stay away from rich desserts, snacks and drinks, which are high in calories and can lead to obesity. Medical researchers have established a direct link between obesity and gallbladder disease. Minimize your use of the pain reliever acetaminophen, which has been linked to liver damage especially in higher doses.