Foods that Cleanse the Liver

We're "Spring Cleaning" our recipes and meals this month.  To get started we're going to add in foods to help cleanse and support the liver.  Dr. Hart tells patient that "the Liver is your body's filter" and I think mine needs a good cleaning!  Check it out!

Organic Swiss Chard

Leafy Vegetables

On the top of my list for cleansing the liver and high in plant chlorophyll, these yummy greens pull environmental toxins from the blood stream. They also possess a distinct ability to neutralize heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides.  Arugula, Dendelion, Spinach, Mustard Greens, Swiss Chard, Kale, Chicory and Cabbage are all excellent choices for leafy greens.  
Grow Your Own!  Heirloom Non-GMO Greens seeds!

Citrus: Orange, Lemon, Lime and Grapefruit

These citrus fruits contain very high amounts of vitamin C, which aids the body in synthesizing toxic materials into substances that can be absorbed by water. Drinking freshly-squeezed lemon or lime juice in the morning helps stimulate the liver.

Garlic

Garlic is a proven antiviral and antibacterial that helps the liver protect the body against harmful foreign invaders. And the phytochemicals in garlic break down fatty deposits.

Green Tea

My favorite is Yerba Mate.  Full of powerful antioxidants called EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), green tea provides an overall health boost by lending the liver a much-needed hand. It helps reduce liver fat as well as protects the organ from accumulating toxins. Green tea has other, wide-ranging health benefits, including boosting metabolism and aiding in healthy weight loss, protecting and restoring brain cells, and even lowering your risk of cancer.

Apples

High in pectin, apples hold the chemical constituents necessary for the body to cleanse and release toxins from the digestive tract. This detoxifying makes it easier for the liver to handle the toxic load during the cleansing process.

Cold-Pressed Oils (in moderation)

Cold-pressed organic oils such as olive, hemp and flax-seed are great for the liver, when used in moderation. They help the body by providing a lipid base that can suck up harmful toxins in the body.  It can take some of the burden off the liver in terms of toxic overload.

Turmeric

The agent that gives turmeric its bright yellow color contains a powerful phytochemical component known as curcumin. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, curcumin stimulates production of bile by the gallbladder. The liver uses bile to eliminate toxins; bile also rejuvenates liver cells that breakdown harmful compounds. For this reason, turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat digestion and liver disorders.
*I buy fresh Turmeric Root from the Yellow Green Farmer's Market*

Cruciferous Vegetables

From Nutrition Facts, "Researchers just found out that the boost in detoxifying enzymes triggered by cruciferous vegetable consumption may last for weeks!"  

*Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale, Cabbage, Collard Greens 

and Brussels Sprouts are the most common cruciferous veggies*

Author and liver specialist Dr. Sandra Cabot says the sulphur compounds in cruciferous vegetables, which give them their slightly bitter taste, enhance the liver's detoxification pathways and help the liver break down and eliminate fat through the bile ducts. Cruciferous vegetables also contain glucosinolates, which may play a part in preventing cancer cell growth.
Grow Your Own!   Heirloom Non-GMO Greens seeds!


I found a great recommendation for a "liver Cleanse" at Green Mountain Garlic:
Here is what you need: (All items should be raw, fresh and are better if organic)
1. Garlic
2. Ginger Root
3. Olive Oil
4. Orange
5. Lemon
6. Cayenne Pepper
7. Mint Tea
8. Water, lots of water
9. (optional) L-Arginine & L- Ornithine Capsules
10. Lots of raw fruits and vegetables. Avoid those high in starch such as potatoes and bananas.
First thing in the morning drink a glass of water.
Place ingredients items 1-6 in a blender, in the following amounts
1. Garlic (4 to 8 cloves)
2. Ginger Root (1 to 2 inches)
3. Olive Oil (1/4 to ½ cup)
4. Orange (1 whole fresh squeezed, juice only)
5. Lemon (1 whole fresh squeezed, juice only)
6. Cayenne Pepper (few dashes, appx ¼ to ½ tsp)
Blend until pureed, you may add water if necessary. Should make about 12 ounces. Hold your nose and gulp it down. The first time I drank this I had a hard time holding it down and experienced some stomach pain as I was not used to this much raw garlic. You may drink some water after to rinse some of the garlic taste out of your mouth. After 20 minutes drink 2 cups of mint tea. For the remainder of the day you may only eat raw fruits and vegetables, and drink lots of water. You must drink 1 gallon per day to flush the toxins out (very important!). Repeat for seven (7) days.