Boosting your Liver and Bodies Detoxification
With so many processed foods, environmental toxins and lifestyle stresses constantly affecting our health, it is absolutely crucial to maintain a high functioning liver. The liver cells, or hepatocytes, are your bodies primary method of detoxification of the blood and activate the excretion process of these toxins via your sweat, urine and bowel movements. Not only do we need to detoxify our livers on a regular basis, but it is extremely beneficial when recovering from a weekend of festivities that includes alcohol and excessive consumption of processed foods, inhaling dust and environmental pollutants, as well as the build up of endogenous toxins from lack of exercise, household toxins and improper sleep.
Here is a list of ideas that will help begin the detoxification and healing process:
Be sure to accumulate a minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep each night
WATER: Drink 1/2 your body weight in Ounces (Example: 200 lbs = 100 ounces/water)
Exercise is the best way to not only detoxify your body but to reduce stress and anxiety as well. Be sure to get at least a 30-45 minutes of exercise per day that elevates your heart rate (at least 60% MAX HR) and gets the blood flowing.
Example: Age 25, then MAX HR = (220-25) x .6
MAX HR= 117 beats per minute
The following herbs and foods have been shown to help support liver and body detoxification:
Milk Thistle- Silymarin found in Milk Thistle has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that the hepatocytes love
Wheat Grass - Extremely alkaline in your body, wheatgrass is a great source of beta carotene, B vitamins, and is loaded with Vitamins C, E, and K. Known as a complete food, wheatgrass contains 90 minerals, 17 amino acids, 80 known enzymes, and is 70% chlorophyll.
Garlic - Just a small amount of this pungent white bulb has the ability to activate liver enzymes that help your body flush out toxins. Garlic also contains high amounts of allicin and selenium, two natural compounds that aid in liver cleansing.
Beets and Carrots -Both are extremely high in plant-flavonoids and beta-carotene; eating beets and carrots can stimulate and support overall liver function
Lemons, Limes & Grapefruit - High in both vitamin C and antioxidants
Cruciferous Vegetables- Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cauliflower contain good sources of glucosinolate, which supports enzyme production in the liver. These natural enzymes flush carcinogens and other toxins from the body, and may significantly lower risks associated with cancer
Turmeric- helps boost liver detoxification by assisting enzymes that actively flush out dietary toxins
Maintaining a healthy functioning liver will ensure your bodies entire metabolism is operating at a higher level. The liver plays a crucial role in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, so a happy liver will promote optimal function of the bodies primary energy sources leaving you feeling both refreshed and ready to take on the day. If you have any questions regarding topics discussed in this article, please contact me and we can dive deeper!