Foods that are Good for Your Liver Health

FOODS THAT ARE GOOD FOR YOUR LIVER HEALTH

There are a number of foods that nutritional experts consistently
name as "supportive" or "protective" to the liver. These simple dietary tips will help you improve your liver function and help you achieve many health benefits, including weight control and internal cleansing of the body.

Artichokes are a member of the milk thistle family that help control blood sugar levels and are known to support liver health. This fibrous, green veggie contains cynarin, which promotes the flow of bile from the liver to the gallbladder. This is very important because if the bile is not transported adequately to the gallbladder, the liver has increased risk of damage.

Asparagus have anticancer, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. Asparagus have high levels of folate, potassium, and extremely high levels of Vitamin C which serves an important function in those with liver disease- recyclying glutathione and protecting against free radicals. New research in the Journal of Food Science says that "an extract from asparagus may increase the function of enzymes in the liver and boost the metabolism of alcohol."

Beets are a very high-antoxidant vegetable. Beet fiber seems to be particularly health-promoting for the liver. Pectin, a soluble fiber in beets, binds toxins, heavy metals, and excess hormones that have been dumped into the gut from the liver. The toxins are passed out instead of being reabsorbed.

Carrots contain beta-carotene and other carotenoids that help to protect the liver. In the treatment of disease it is important to alkalinize the body and carrot juice has been demonstrated to rapidly achieve this objective through cleansing of the liver and improving the quality of the blood.

Shitake Mushrooms contain lentinan, a beta-glucan with powerful effects on hepatitis and many other diseases, including cancer. According to the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, lentinan is used for cancer, high cholesterol, strengthening the immune system and treating infections. These specialty mushrooms also raise white blood cell counts and increase helper t-cells.

Brazil nuts and broccoli have a very high concentration of selenium,a powerful antioxidant mineral that works synergistically with other antioxidants to assist in protection against further damage to liver cells and is essential for proper functioning of the immune system and thyroid gland.

Garlic has sulfur-containing compounds, which are responsible for many of its healing properties. Garlic possesses the ability to stimulate the immune system. The bulb stimulates the activity of macrophages, white blood cells which engulf the foreign organisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and yeast. It increases the activity of the T-helper cells, immune cells which are central to the activity of the entire immune system. This amazing herb has also demonstrated the ability to protect against a variety of environmental and other toxins. Garlic's sulfur compounds, in addition to selenium containing compounds, are potent antioxidants which protect cell membranes and DNA from damage. Furthermore scientific studies have shown that garlic stimulates the production of the liver's own detoxifying enzymes which neutralize carcinogens and other toxins.

Brown rice retains the bran layer that is packed with B vitamins, selenium, vitamin E, and magnesium.

Brewer's Yeastis a rich source of minerals -- particularly chromium, an essential trace mineral that helps the body maintain normal blood sugar levels; selenium; protein; and the B-complex vitamins which help maintain a strong immune system.

Whey Protein contains lactoferrin and builds glutathione levels. While glutathione is the main antioxidant found inside liver cells, lactoferrin stimulates the immune system and has a direct antiviral property that hampers the Hepatitis C virus from attacking liver cells.

Whole grains contain vitamin B and vitamin E. These agents positively affect the liver.

Mung Beans are used by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine to detoxify poisons in the body, mung beans contain a natural protease inhibitor. High in Vitamin B and C, potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, copper, fiber and protein, mung beans’ ability to help a Hepatitis C-laden liver flush out toxins are worth the effort to find and prepare.

Alfalfa cleanses the liver and bloodstream while supplying necessary vitamins and minerals. Research suggests that alfalfa may inactivate dietary chemical carcinogens in the liver and small intestine.

Dandelion Greens stimulate the flow of bile, help both the liver and gallbladder break down fat, prevent gallstones and aid in detoxification. In addition, dandelion greens have mild diuretic properties, which may help relieve ascites, a common consequence of liver cirrhosis.

Buckwheat, black currants, and rose hips contain bioflavonoids which stimulate detoxification by the liver and to strengthen the blood vessels. They also help reduce the inflammatory response and may help inhibit the formation of tumors and breakdown of collagen.