Natural Ways to Protect Your Liver

Ignoring this vital organ could have life-threatening consequences.

When it comes to vital organs in the body, it often seems like the heart and brain get all the attention.

But the liver also plays a crucial role in maintaining good health. Liver disease, which affects one person in 10, is among the top 12 causes of death in the US (primarily from cirrhosis).

Fortunately, there are plenty of steps you can take to help safeguard the health of your liver. What you need to know…

ANTIOXIDANT-RICH FOODS

All tissues of the body are subject to damage by highly reactive molecules known asoxygen free radicals, which are produced by natural metabolic processes. In the liver, free radicals can trigger an inflammatory response that may result in scarring and culminate in the tissue destruction that characterizes cirrhosis.

The body has built-in defenses against free radicals—enzyme systems that neutralize these dangerous chemicals. But they can be overwhelmed without the help of additional antioxidant compounds provided by the diet. To help protect your liver, make sure that your daily diet includes at least some of the foods with the highest antioxidant levels—especially if you have liver disease or are at risk for it (due to such factors as obesity or alcohol abuse)… *

• Cinnamon.
• Berries (especially wild blueberries, which are particularly high in antioxidants), cranberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries (frozen berries also are a good choice).
• Red, kidney or pinto beans.
• Pecans.
• Artichoke hearts.
• Russet potatoes (with the skin).
• Apples.
• Plums.

Also: For a concentrated source of liver-shielding antioxidants, drink fresh raw juices made from beetroot, dandelion leaf, wheatgrass and/or barley grass. Antioxidant-rich green tea also promotes liver health

Garlic, grapefruit

Garlic contains numerous sulfur-containing compounds that activate the liver enzymes responsible for flushing out toxins from the body. This bulbous relative of the onion also contains allicin and selenium, two powerful nutrients proven to help protect the liver from toxic damage, and aid it in the detoxification process.

Grapefruit is rich in natural vitamin C and antioxidants, two powerful liver cleansers. Like garlic, grapefruit contains compounds that boost the production of liver detoxification enzymes. It also contains a flavonoid compound known as naringenin that causes the liver to burn fat rather than store it

Avocados and walnuts

Some research has shown that eating one or two avocados a week for as little as 30 days can repair a damaged liver.

Walnuts, which contain high levels of l-arginine, an amino acid, glutathione, and omega-3 fatty acids, also help detoxify the liver of disease-causing ammonia. Walnuts also help oxygenate the blood, and extracts from their hulls are often used in liver-cleansing formulas.

Goji berries 

Also used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, goji berries are known to increase energy levels. Otherwise known as wolfberries, this bright orange-red fruit can be eaten raw, cooked or dried (like raisins) and are used in trail mix, herbal teas, juices and medicines. Besides being beneficial to the liver, goji berries increase blood flow – which helps oxygenate the cells and tissues of the body. This slightly sweet and slightly sour member of the nightshade family is safe, but may increase the risk of bleeding, so caution is advised to those with bleeding disorders or those taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding.