Liver Supportive Foods

Our liver, like many organs in our body, is often taken for granted until problems arise. On the one hand, the liver is one of the only self-healing organs, but similar to our skin, damage leaves the liver with scars known as cirrhosis. Each time your liver is injured, it tries to repair itself. In the process, scar tissue forms. As cirrhosis progresses, more and more scar tissue forms, making it difficult for the liver to function (Mayo, 2018). This is just one of the many ways that our liver can be harmed so it’s important that we make a conscious effort to support our livers through proper nutrition.

Herbal Support

• For detoxification and cleansing try: Milk Thistle, Borotutu bark, and/or Organic Turmeric

• To help with bile production try: Peppermint, Dandelion root, and/or Milk Thistle

• For protection and cell regeneration try: Organic turmeric, Chicory leaves/roots, and/or Milk Thistle

Support through your meals

Beverages:

• Water, among its many positive effects on the body, helps to thin the blood and makes the liver’s perform better

• Coffee has been shown to have positive effects on the liver, including reducing cirrhosis

• Herbals tea concoctions involving some of the herbs listed above

Fruits & Vegetables:

• Grapefruit contains antioxidants that help protect the liver from injury (Jones, 2017)

• Broccoli and Brussels sprouts increase levels of detoxification enzymes in the liver

• Artichokes are a relative of the above mentioned Milk Thistle, they stimulate bile flow, which helps to carry toxins from your liver out of your body

• Studies show that the types of antioxidants found commonly in berries slowed the development of lesions and fibrosis, the development of scar tissue, in the livers of rats and blueberry extract has even been shown to inhibit the growth of human liver cancer cells in test-tube studies, but more research needs to be done in humans (Jones, 2017)

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Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018, January). Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases- conditions/cirrhosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351487

Group, Dr. Edward DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM. (2018, February). Retrieved from: https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/top-9-herbs-for-liver-cleansing/

Luengo, Maria Transito Lopez. Retrieved from: https://www.consciouslifestylemag.com/liver-cleansing-foods-herbs-detoxification/

Jones, Taylor RD. (2017, July). Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-foods-for-your-liver#section3

Daniluk, Julie R.H.N. (2013, March). Retrieved from: https://www.chatelaine.com/health/diet/cleanse-your-liver-with-artichokes/