Foods for a Healthy Liver

The liver has two types of detoxification pathways. Known as Phase One and Phase Two, both work to keep your body healthy. According to the Gay Men's Health Crisis website, Phase One converts toxic chemicals into a less harmful chemical and Phase Two adds a substance to this chemical, making it water soluble. These toxins are then removed from the body via waste. During this process free radicals, unstable and damaging particulars are created. With the proper nutrition, our body naturally reduces and removes these free radicals.

Phase One Detoxification

• It is important to eat foods rich with antioxidants and phytochemicals to help break down free radicals. Foods like beets and carrots contain antioxidants like beta-carotene which have a healing and cleansing effect on the liver. Foods rich in B vitamins such as broccoli, brown rice, eggs and spinach contain folic acids that help the liver in Phase One detoxification. Other foods that are helpful for this phase include garlic, tomatoes, melons, peppers and papaya.

Phase Two Detoxification

• Foods that are rich in sulfur compounds such as selenium and methionine are necessary for Phase Two detoxification. These foods include broccoli, eggs, cabbage and onions. Also, one of the most important antioxidants is glutathione, a type of amino acid. It works by removing harmful toxins and chemicals that build up in the liver. Glutathione aids the liver in making the compound used to flush these toxins out of the body. Though glutathione is naturally produced by the body, it is also found in some foods. These foods include asparagus, watermelon, avocado and papaya. Mushrooms are also helpful because they contain glutamic acid which is necessary for the body to make glutathione.

General Health

• Certain foods are good for the general health and function of the liver. Cayenne pepper is naturally rich with phytochemicals like beta-carotene as well as B vitamins. Eating lemon is a good way to cleanse the body. Soy beans help the liver break down fats and cholesterol. They also contain lecithin which promotes healthy membranes around liver cells. Walnuts aid the liver in detoxifying ammonia while caraway seeds help produce glutathione.