Your liver works hard to remove toxins from your body!
But are you working hard to help it? Most of us are not. We bombard it with an overload of toxins that take their toll over time. And the very thought of a detox nearly terrifies most of us with thoughts of nasty tastes from weird stuff that makes you feel like…well, you know!
It isn’t that hard though and it is certainly not the dramatic experience we expect when we make it a lifestyle. There are 7 highly effective, powerful, flavourful, natural foods that are perfect to detox your liver and they are easily incorporated into your lifestyle of wellness strategy.
1) Leafy Greens
Leafy greens, the darker the better, such as arugula, dandelion greens, spinach, collards, mustard greens, and kale contain numerous cleansing compounds that neutralize heavy metals. They also eliminate pesticides and herbicides from the body, and spur the creation and flow of bile which is natural cleanser.
Braised, steamed, in salads, as wraps, in stews and soups, dark leafy greens are a versatile and delicious addition that promotes health and healing.
2) Garlic
Garlic contains essential compounds that activate the enzymes responsible for flushing out toxins from the body. It is proven to contain powerful nutrients to help protect the liver from damage by toxins.
It is easily added to stirfry dishes, soups, braised meats, sauces and dressings.
3) Avocado
Avocados detox your liver through compounds that protect it against toxic overload. In fact, some studies are now showing that eating one or two avocados a week can repair a damaged liver.
Add avocado to salads, make dips and spreads, eat alone as a snack with lean protein. My favourite is egg avocado salad!
4) Walnuts
Walnuts contain high levels of l-arginine, an amino acid, and omega-3 fatty acids, that help detox your liver of disease-causing ammonia.
Walnuts can be eaten as a snack with an apple, on salads, crumbled over grains, added to oatmeal and muesli for delicious and highly nutritious additions.
5) Tumeric
Turmeric has been shown to protect the liver against toxic damage, and even regenerate damaged liver cells. It boosts the natural production of bile- again the natural liver cleanser. Tumeric is a common ingredient in curries.
Add it to soups, grains, broths and stocks to raise the flavour and nutritional profiles.
6) Grapefruit
Grapefruit is rich in antioxidants. Like garlic, grapefruit contains compounds that boost the production of liver enzymes that effectively detox your liver. As an added bonus, grapefruit also contains a compound that causes the liver to burn fat rather than store it. A win, win I’d say!
Eat it fresh peeled or oven roasted.
7) Green Tea
Green tea is loaded with a type of plant antioxidant that has been shown in studies to eliminate liver fat accumulation and promote proper function. Green tea also protects the liver against toxins that tend to accumulate and over time cause serious damage.
Simply brew in a cup of hot water, add fresh lemon, essential oil of orange or peppermint and a touch of raw honey for a wonderful substitute for coffee!
Include these simple, delicious, nutritious and natural powerhouse elements of wellness in your daily diet and detox your liver for great health and healing.
Which of these 7 elements are you using already? Are there new ones you are willing to try and add to your strategy?
Carl Mason- Liebenberg is a Wellness and Weight Loss Specialist, Author, Fitness Coach, and a Leader in Creating a Lifestyle of Wellness.
His passion is for those who suffer from poor nutrition, related illnesses, addictions and overweight conditions; with a specific focus on women.
Carl has personally experienced what he teaches and continues to study and learn to improve his ability to teach you a Lifestyle of Wellness.
Visit him at http://www.el3mentsofwellness.com.
Carl Mason-Liebenberg has been working with individuals since 2001 to achieve a healthy lifestyle and transform their bodies and lives. From 110 pound weight losses, from frail to strong, from ill to healthy, Carl has led, inspired and empowered individuals to Create New Beginnings. And has now developed programs, products and private coaching opportunities as part of the services and tools he provides.
