Liver is undoubtedly one of the most involved organs in the body and performs a variety of functions. It’s a central player in our body’s digestive system, because whatever you eat, or drink goes through it.
Our liver sits exactly under the lower rib cage on the right side of our body and is around the size of a soccer ball (the size-vary from person to person depending on the type of body). The most significant function of the liver is to cleanse the blood by removing toxic chemicals in the body. It also helps in the formation of bile, which in turn helps to break down fat in the body. It helps in the storage of sugar (glucose), which provides a fast boost of energy whenever needed.
10 warning signs of impaired liver functionality
The liver flushes out toxic chemicals and body waste. It is also very important to take care of the liver to ensure that it is in good health. If not properly cared for, the liver will slow down, and toxins will begin to build up in the body and tissues.
Luckily, if there is anything wrong with the liver, there are some indications or warning signs that suggest that it is not functioning properly. Some people experience a sudden rise in weight, and even though they do their hardest. Some of the signs which indicate liver disorders are listed below:
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Indigestion
- Anxiety and Depression
- Headache
- Joint Pains
- Lethargy
- Chronic Fatigue
- Facial Acne
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
Now, the next question that arises is how do you take good care of your liver, and if your liver is not working well, what can you do to make it work better? The response to those questions is quite easy.
How to improve liver health?
Liver health can be improved by eating food that is beneficial to your wellbeing, and by making some positive improvements to your lifestyle. Here are some tips and tricks that will help you keep your liver healthy:
- Adequate Water Intake
- Healthy Fats
- Balanced diet
- Avoid Processed Foods.
- Organic Foods
- Avoid foods that contain heavy metals
- Limited Added Sugar Consumption
- Reduce Fructose Intake
- Eat Green and Leafy Vegetables, Eggs, Fatty Fish
- Sulfur Rich Food
- Limited Alcohol Consumption
- Quit smoking
In addition to these lifestyle changes, some of the food items are found to help prevent liver disorders.
What are the foods to improve liver health?
Some of the food items which have a positive impact on liver health are discussed below with their other health benefits.
Apples
Apples are rich in pectin and other enzymes required to clean the system and expel toxins from the digestive tract. As a result, they help the liver handle the toxic overload during the cleaning process.
It is also rich in antioxidants and fibers essential for the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal system. Antioxidants are required by the body to expels oxidative which is the by-product of metabolism.
Avocados
Avocados are super-foods that are high in nutrients. They allow the body to create a compound called glutathione that helps the liver cleanse harmful toxins.
It is rich in fiber and essential omega-3 fatty acids which are necessary for keeping the blood pressure markers within the check and prevents any sort of vascular impairment.
Green Tea
Green tea is high in antioxidants. It contains catechins that make it easier for the liver to function properly. The regular consumption of green tea helps in removing the chronic free oxidants from the body which have deadly effects on human health.
Carrots and Beetroots
Both carrots and beetroots are abundant in flavonoids and beta-carotene. And so, consuming them will enhance and boost the overall functioning of the liver.
In addition to the above benefits carrots and beetroots is a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals which helps in the proper function of the body. Micronutrients help in the absorption of nutrients by the liver.
Garlic
This pungent-smelling white bulb can induce enzymes in the liver that flush toxins out of the body. They also include selenium and allicin, both of which help to clean the liver.
Garlic is also considered a rich source of sulfur which helps in the proper functioning of the liver. Individuals who have liver disorders or those who don’t want any liver complications should daily consume 1-2 cloves of garlic.
Green Leafy Vegetables
All green leafy vegetables, including spinach, bitter gourd, and dandelion greens (whether consumed raw or cooked) are rich in plant chlorophylls that draw the environmental toxins out of the bloodstream. They also have the potential to neutralize the effects of chemicals and pesticides on the body and thus serve as a defense mechanism for our liver.
Lemons
These citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which helps the body synthesize harmful materials into compounds that are readily absorbed by water. It is also advised to have a glass of lemon juice in the morning as it is very effective in stimulating the liver.
In traditional medicine, it is also regarded as an important ingredient in treating inflammatory disorders and prevention against cold. Its regular consumption also helps in reducing body weight.
Walnuts
Walnuts contain a high amount of amino acid arginine that helps to detoxify ammonia from the liver. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids that make it easier to clean the liver normally. When you eat walnuts, make sure you chew them correctly and swallow them.
Olive Oil
Olive oil and other cold-compressed organic oils, such as hemp oil, are quite healthy for the liver. They help to provide the liver with a lipid base that can absorb all the toxins and waste from the body. This will remove some of the pressure off the liver.
Turmeric
You should consider it a favored liver spice as it helps improve liver detoxification by allowing the enzymes to flush out toxins. Moreover, turmeric also acts as an antiseptic and prudent in killing bacteria. It improves the wound healing process and improves the immunity.
Grapefruit
Grapefruits are also rich in antioxidants and vitamin C that make a significant contribution to the natural purification of the liver. A small glass of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice is enough to improve the production of detoxifying enzymes in the liver.
Summary
Indeed, the liver is one of the important organs which not only digest the food we consume but also plays important role in the extraction of micronutrients from the food. It provided energy to the body and at the same time vitamins and minerals to perform the specified task which in turn tries to keep the liver in healthy condition. Some of the lifestyle changes and food habits modifications can help in achieving healthy liver. “Stay Healthy, Stay Happy”.
