500 Processes of the Liver.
The liver is an organ and also a gland. A gland because it secretes chemicals to other parts of the body. Here are just a few of the functions:
Cleanses the blood by metabolizing drugs, chemicals and alcohol & nutralizes and destroys poisonous substances; Regulates supplies of vitamins and minerals such as iron and copper; Produces bile that is responsible for eliminating toxic substances & promotes digestion. Regulates hormones such as sex hormones, cortisone and adrenal hormones and thyroid hormones; Regulates energy by producing, storing and supplying glucose and fat; Regulates & produces cholesterol and converts it to other essential substances; Manufactures essential body proteins responsible for clotting blood, gives resistance to infection, and transports substances in the blood.
Signs of a Toxic Liver.
Depression, chronic fatigue, emotional instability, moodiness, bouts of anger, sweating and bloating after a meal, inability to lose weight reguardless of diet or exercise, headaches, brain fog and lack of clarity, itchy skin, poor digestion, brown or age spots on the skin, abdominal pain, jaundice, anxiety, dark urine, pale or tar colored stool, muscle aches, bad breath / body odor, nausea, and / or easily bruises.
Conditions increase in severity with a heavy meat diet, alcohol consumption, eating foods with refined sugars and processed carbohydrates, chronic dehydration, medication use, and malnutrition. Toxic livers may be a sign of other liver problems: cirrhosis, hepatitis, or hemochromatosis.
Liver Support.
Apples: Pectin makes it easier for the liver to handle the toxic load during a cleanse.
Avocados: Glutathione neutralizes free radicals and increases immune system.
Alternative grains: Quinoa, millet, buckwheat help lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
Beets & carrots: Plant flavonoids and Beta-carotene improves and stimulates overall liver function.
Citrus: Vitamin C and antioxidents for flushing.
Cruciferous vegetables: (Cabbage, artichokes, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, kale) Glucosinolate helps flush out toxins and carcinogens.
Garlic: Allicin and selenium aid in liver cleansing.
Green tea: Catechins reduce fat accumulation, fight oxidative stress, and lowers inflammation.
Leafy green vegetables: (Bitter gourd, arugula, dandelion greens, spinach, mustard greens, chicory) Chlorophyll helps neutralize heavy metals, pesticides, and increases bile flow.
Methionine: (Eggs, Brazil nuts, parmesan cheese and spirulina) Sulfur-containing amino supporting detox and fat accumulation by restoring glutathione levels.
Olive, hemp and flaxseed oil: Provides lipid base to absorb toxins, which takes the burden off of the liver.
St. Mary's Thistle: Protects liver from alcohol and carbon tetrachloride; Helps regenerate cells.
Turmeric: Assists enzymes in flushing.
Walnuts: Amino acid Arginine which aids in detoxing ammonia and high in glutathinone and Omega 3’s.
Zinc: Helps to break down alcohol.
Tips for Detoxing.
It is important to consult your physician when planning a thorough detox.
Drink extra pure water with organic lemon.
Stop alcohol, caffeine, drug and sugar consumption.
Limit meat and processed foods.
Eat primarily an all organic diet with an abundance of raw fruits and vegetables.
Increase fiber intake.
Eat liver cleansing foods.
Exercise regularly.
Schedule regular fasting and cleanses into your life for maintenance.