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Enhanced Liver Function Through Diet

The liver is the largest internal organ, and one of the most complex. It helps us absorb nutrients and vitamins such as A, D, E and K. It also helps remove toxins from alcohol and medications as well as environmental toxins acquired through our diet. The liver also produces important proteins, such as the one which helps our blood to clot. The liver also produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder. Bile helps in the digestion and absorption of fats. It is important to take care of your liver through proper nutrition.

  1. First, No More Toxins

    • Since the liver's primary job is to remove toxins, it's best to avoid foods that contain harmful chemicals so as not to put a strain on the organ. When you think of a liver-healthy diet, think natural foods. Try to avoid pesticides, herbicides, artificial flavors and colors and artificial preservatives. Buy organic and local foods as much as possible, or wash your produce with a vegetable wash if you can't buy organic. Meats and dairy are more important to buy organic as these cannot be washed. Artificial sweeteners should be avoided. Avoid excess alcohol to support your liver. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen should be avoided as well.

    Colorful Vegetables

    • Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore's Dilemma, asked many dietitians and nutritionists for advice on the perfect diet. No one could agree on what was important, but they all agreed that we need to consume more green leafy vegetables. According to Dr. Sandra Cabot, known as "the Liver Doctor," 30 to 40 percent of the diet should consist of raw vegetables of all colors: dark green ones such as kale and spinach, orange vegetables such as carrots and red vegetables such as tomatoes.

    Good Fats and Protein

    • Your liver needs fats such as flax seed oil and oils found in nuts and seeds such as pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, almonds and sunflower seeds. Cold water fish such as salmon also contain oils that are very healthy for your liver. Butter from grass-fed cows and avocados help your liver as well. Olive oil and grape seed oils are very healthy for your liver and contain omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in cold water fish. Your body needs a balance of these to stay healthy. Usually, we get enough omega-6 fatty acids and need to supplement with omega-3 fatty acids.

      Your liver also needs protein to stay healthy. Try to get your protein from fish, nuts, seeds and beans. Try to limit other types of protein, especially red meat. When cooking, try to broil or eat them in soups. Avoid high temperature methods of cooking meats, because this can lead to the creation of harmful chemicals, according to Sally Fallon, author of Nourishing Traditions.

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