Our liver is the second largest organ in our body, second only to our skin. It is very important due to its many processes which include filtering our blood, regulating our digestion, metabolizing drugs and protein production for blood clotting.
Unfortunately, however, alcohol, a poor diet, toxins, hepatitis and genetic factors can cause our livers to become damaged or inflamed. Many of these factors can eventually lead to fat buildup in the liver, which in turn can cause fatty liver disease. While eating a low-fat diet that is well balanced can be quite helpful, there are certain foods that can aid in the detoxification process of the liver.
Furthermore, there are a variety of vitamins, minerals, and herbs that can be quite potent at reversing fatty liver and liver disease.
1. Milk Thistle
According to Ramen Venataramanan, PhD, FCP, “There is a lot of experimental work in the laboratory and in animals suggesting the beneficial effect of milk thistle extract,” and other studies that have been conducted by Bharat B. Aggarwal, Ph.D. have indicated that silymarin which is an extract of milk thistle has the ability to act on our biochemical pathways to aid in detoxification.
2. Garlic
3. Grapefruit
4. Dandelion
5. Leafy Greens
Spinach, kale, chard, romaine, arugula and collards are all packed with nutritional components that are essential for the cleansing of the liver. They are packed with chlorophyll which purifies the blood, and in turn, our liver function is increased exponentially. Furthermore, leafy greens neutralize a variety of toxins as a bonus!
6. Turmeric
7. Avocados