Natural Remedies For A Healthy Liver
The liver is the second largest organ in the human body, surpassed in size only by the skin. In addition to its essential role in the digestive process and in detoxifying the body, the liver helps to perform over 500 functions. A healthy liver has the ability to filter about one liter of blood per minute.
During the liver filtration process, the blood is cleansed of substances such as hormones, drugs, medications, chemicals, bacteria and toxins.
About 500 million people worldwide are infected with a virus that affects the liver and about one million of them die each year from liver failure or cancer.
However, many of these deaths can be prevented by an optimal liver diet. It is best to focus on the application of preventive methods, if we want to have a healthy liver. Everything is based on a healthy diet, without alcohol and, as much as possible, on avoiding contracting any type of hepatitis.
Symptoms of liver disease
- Jaundice, blemishes, red nose, acne and various skin diseases. Sensation of dry mouth, indigestion, nausea, gas, chills during digestion.
- Defective purgation, constipation or diarrhea, heavy stools, intestinal cramps, anal itching, bloating, parasites, demineralization, anemia, diabetes, obesity or too thin waist, appendicitis, difficulty falling asleep.
- Dark urine, pain under the ribs on the right side, headache, cirrhosis, abscesses, gallstones, vision or hearing problems, swollen legs, rheumatism, sclerosis, glandular imbalance, discomfort during menstruation.
- Infertility or impotence in men, emotional problems and instability, chronic bronchitis and tuberculosis, the tendency to bleed, predisposition to mosquito bites and even cancer.
Sometimes it is vital to help the liver heal. It performs such complex functions that its activity can be disrupted when we suffer from infectious diseases. But, there are natural products that can help us have a healthy liver.
Natural liver products
Boldo
Boldo, also called the liver plant, is known for its regenerating properties. This plant contains boldine, an alkaloid that stimulates the secretions of bile, uric acid and gastric juices, being helpful for the liver. In addition, boldo is a fungicide, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
The plant can be consumed as an infusion. Boldo can also be found in the form of tablets in health food stores. We can consume it after lunch or dinner, to improve digestion and liver functions. In addition, at night, the liver intensifies its activity and, if we drink an infusion of Boldo after dinner, we will help it eliminate toxins more effectively.
Garlic
Undoubtedly, garlic is one of the best foods for cleansing the liver naturally. It activates enzymes that eliminate toxins, while selenium and allicin in its composition take care of the liver. It is very easy to use garlic in food and, by consuming it regularly, we make sure that we have a healthy liver.
Whole grains
Brown rice and other whole grains contain a large amount of B-complex vitamins. They are very helpful for the liver, as they accelerate the burning of fat. It is important to avoid eating foods made from white flour and to choose whole grain alternatives instead.
Cruciferous vegetables
These vegetables are very helpful for the liver, having a strong detoxifying effect. Crucifers contain substances that neutralize certain toxins, such as nitrosamines found in cigarette smoke. They also contain glucosinolate, a stimulant that causes the liver to produce the enzymes needed in the detoxification process. The most famous cruciferous vegetables are: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage.
Antioxidants in fruits for a healthy liver
According to a study by Tufts University, the following fruits contain the highest amount of antioxidants:
- Plums
- Raisins
- Cranberries
- Blackberries
- Strawberries
- Raspberry
- Oranges
- Grapefruit pink
- Melon
- apples
- pears
Antioxidants help protect the liver from the action of free radicals that result naturally from the detoxification process. They must be included in our diet.
