How to Improve Your Liver Function With Natural Remedies and Diet

The liver is one of the most essential organs in your body. It performs several important tasks, such as filtering toxins from blood and producing bile to break down fat for digestion.

Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise are the best ways to protect your liver and boost its function. However, if damage has already been done to the organ, more steps may be needed in order to speed healing and repair.

Licorice Tea

Your liver is an essential organ that filteres toxins from the blood and keeps cholesterol levels balanced. A nutritious diet and regular use of herbs are two ways you can support its function and keep it healthy.

Licorice root is an herb that can aid in improving liver function. Its primary component, glycyrrhizin, helps reduce liver inflammation and damage while strengthening the immune system to combat certain cancers.

Licorice root can also aid with weight loss efforts. It’s considered a diuretic, meaning it helps the body rid itself of extra fluid by flushing out waste products.

It has also been known to improve bowel health and reduce bloating. Furthermore, it may be beneficial for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastric reflux, since the herb acts as an expectorant.

If you’re considering trying licorice tea, it is best to consult a healthcare professional about the correct dosage and safety. Furthermore, avoid consuming it if you have high blood pressure, are taking any medications or supplements, or have an illness.

Studies have demonstrated that licorice root can help combat alcohol-induced liver injury, commonly referred to as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). According to a study published in Nature Medicine, taking a daily dose of licorice extract reduced ALT, fasting insulin and MDA levels by 24 percent when compared with those taking an inactive placebo.

Another study published in Phytomedicine demonstrated that licorice root can protect your liver from alcohol-induced fibrosis. It inhibited the secretion of inflammatory compounds which could damage the organ, as well as TNF-a protein which is believed to lead to fatty liver.

Finally, licorice root may help improve the health of your digestive tract. It has been known to relieve indigestion, cramping and diarrhea as well as reduce constipation.

Make your own licorice tea by adding one teaspoon of licorice root to a cup of hot water and steeping for 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Cruciferous Vegetables

The liver is an essential organ in our bodies, responsible for proper metabolism, hormone balance and clean blood. However, when it’s not functioning optimally it may cause symptoms like bloating, fatigue, abdominal pain and hormonal imbalances.

Thankfully, there are natural remedies and dietary modifications you can make to improve your liver function. Some of these include eating more cruciferous vegetables, drinking green tea and including licorice root in your meals.

Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbages and Brussels sprouts all contain fiber that protects the liver from damaging compounds that could harm it. Furthermore, these vegetables boost your body’s natural detoxification enzymes for added benefit.

Another way to promote liver health is by eating more foods rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, like berries. Studies have demonstrated that these fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of cirrhosis as well as liver cancer.

Garlic is an excellent food for the liver as it contains allicin, which protects and strengthens the body’s liver cells. Furthermore, garlic has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect which can fight inflammation both within the liver and other parts of the body such as skin.

Fermented foods such as kefir, kombucha and sauerkraut contain probiotics – beneficial bacteria that maintain the lining of your gut. This keeps your bowels clean and healthy, decreasing toxins that enter into your system and relieving any congestion in the liver.

Beetroot, kale, romaine and spinach contain chlorophyll which helps neutralize heavy metals, pesticides and toxic chemicals in the body that are absorbed from environmental exposure and affect your health. Furthermore, these foods stimulate bile production in the liver – essential for eliminating fats and other undesirable substances from circulation.

Avocados, lemons and green tea are all excellent sources of antioxidants that can protect the liver and other organs in the body from oxidative stress. Furthermore, these fruits aid digestion and nutrient absorption. Try adding slices of avocado to your lunch salad or sipping warm water with freshly squeezed lemon for a deliciously refreshing drink.

Fatty Fish

The liver is an amazing organ that does a lot of hard work for your body. It filters blood, processes wastes and eliminates chemicals that are detrimental to health. Furthermore, it serves as storage area for essential nutrients essential to good nutrition.

Your liver is constantly fighting to protect your body from toxic wastes that enter the bloodstream from all sources – food, exercise, air pollution, pharmaceutical drugs and even sunlight. Unfortunately, the more toxins you expose yourself to, the greater their toll on your liver.

Maintain the health of your liver with simple diet and lifestyle modifications. Eat plenty of high-fiber foods like whole grains and vegetables, while limiting processed foods and sugary drinks that put undue strain on the organ.

Another way to protect your liver is by eating foods that contain antioxidants, which may help prevent liver disease. Fruits and veggies are packed with these phytochemicals which may reduce the risk of developing chronic liver diseases like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Drinking green tea has also been known to be beneficial for your liver, as it contains bioactive compounds called catechins which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This may explain why drinking it regularly has been linked with a reduced risk of developing Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).

Eating a diet low in carbohydrates and high in fats can help your liver operate more efficiently. Fatty fish is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been known to reduce oxidative damage caused by alcohol and other toxic chemicals.

In addition, a high-fiber diet can improve your bowel movement and ease the strain on your liver, helping ensure toxins are eliminated quickly from your body. Other healthy habits like getting enough sleep and abstaining from alcohol and other toxic substances will also benefit you in this regard.

Maintaining the health of your liver is the best way to keep it functioning optimally. Eating a balanced diet, avoiding processed foods and eliminating toxic substances from your life are the best ways to do this. You can achieve this by adding some natural remedies like turmeric to your daily regimen:

Flax Seeds

Flax seeds provide protein and lignans, both of which have been scientifically proven to support the liver. Studies have demonstrated that these nutrients reduce inflammation within the body and enhance liver function.

These foods are also packed with alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid that supports proper body functioning. Studies have even suggested ALA may prevent heart disease and alleviate depression symptoms.

Flax seed can be found in several forms, such as whole or ground seeds, oil, and capsules. You can purchase them at health food stores like Sprouts and Whole Foods or specialty shops like Natural Grocers.

Raw or cooked, broccoli can be enjoyed. For best results, combine with plenty of water or other liquids so that the nutrients can be easily absorbed by your digestive tract.

Many people rely on flaxseed to help lower their cholesterol levels, but it’s essential to combine it with other dietary changes as well. Furthermore, flaxseed may aid in weight loss and regulate blood pressure.

Multiple studies have demonstrated that consuming large amounts of ALA through your food intake may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and help lower your cholesterol. Furthermore, research suggests the ALA present in flaxseed may have anti-inflammatory properties.

A study of mice with lung problems after exposure to radiation therapy shows that lignans from flaxseed can help prevent chronic pulmonary inflammation and oxidative damage. These researchers suggest lignans from flaxseed may also shield the lungs during cancer treatment or other medical conditions.

Studies on humans have also explored the antioxidant activity of flaxseed. It appears to eliminate free radicals responsible for oxidative stress, which has been linked to various health issues.

Lignans from flaxseed have also been demonstrated to boost immunity and lower the risk of infection. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that they improved lung function in mice with COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

If you are considering using flaxseed to support your liver function, it is imperative that you consult a healthcare professional first. Food supplements should never replace healthy eating habits or regular physical activity.