If you are not a biology enthusiast, this is how you will interpret the functions of some important organs-Heart pumps blood to all body parts. Brain helps us to think and carry out all the work. Stomach digests food. But do you know what your liver does? Your multi tasking liver is involved in various functions such as glycogen storage, hormone production, decomposition of red blood cells and detoxification. As far as detoxification is concerned, liver has an extremely important job. It filters the blood to remove toxins, neutralizes the toxins by breaking them down and finally modifies them into a non toxic form to facilitate their excretion. So much for an organ weighing just about 1.5 kilograms! Want to extend a helping hand in this process? Improve the intake of the following through food or liver supplements:
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B-Vitamins i.e. Vitamin B2, B3, B6, B12, folic acid
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Foods rich in vitamins A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E found in fruits and nuts.
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Flavonoids loaded in fruits and vegetables.
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Phospholipids in eggs, fish, soyabeans, meat.
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Glutathione, found in avocado, watermelon, asparagus, walnuts, fresh fruits and veggies.
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Fish oil rich in omega 3 fatty acids or omega 3 supplements for healthy liver.
How can you protect Your Liver?
Eat the right kind of food:
It has been rightly said that food is like a bank account and good food choices are good investments! A good diet is the simplest way to good health. However these days overuse of pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals has ripped off the natural goodness of food. Hence, opt for organic food that is foods which are free from synthetic fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, growth hormones antibiotics and other drugs. These compounds add to the toxic load of your body and thus strain the liver.
Sulfur-rich foods like garlic, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage etc. and liver supplements for detoxification can help your liver to clean up the environmental toxins. Also, fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and help to eliminate some of the toxins via digestive tract, thus reducing the workload on liver. You can always reach out for your spice box for health remedies! Turmeric, saffron, cinnamons are known to support healthy liver function.
Reduce the consumption of Trans fats, hydrogenated fats and saturated fats in your diet. These are found in processed foods, deep fried foods, dairy products and red meats. Excessive consumption of fats can lead to unwanted fat buildup eventually causing a serious disorder called fatty liver disease.
Try to shun alcohol or drink it in moderation:
No matter what, the health hazards of alcohol will always weigh more than the purported benefits its lovers claim. Alcohol destroys liver cells and lead to liver damage causing cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis. So if you are an alcoholic, try to reduce your intake for the sake for your health.
Consider dietary Supplements for liver
Some health supplements for stronger liver is milk thistle, grape seeds or ALA.
Milk thistle is a flowering herb which is not only considered beneficial for liver as well as for health and in diabetes. Seed extract of health thistle helps to promote liver health by fighting oxidation and regenerating liver cells. Research suggests milk thistle has antioxidant properties several folds more than that of vitamins C and Vitamin E. So, go ahead with the milk thistle supplements for a better liver health.
Detox supplements for liver: These supplements are blends of nutrients and herbs which promote liver health and also take care of free radical damage to liver cells. These may contain Curcumin, Milk Thistle, Grape Seed Extract, Green Tea etc.
Alpha Lipoic Acid: Alpha Lipoic Acid or ALA is a powerful antioxidant supplement for liver cell regeneration. Studies have also revealed that ALA is vital for preventing necrosis of liver cells.
Work Out!
Your body loves to exercise. You can keep your body weight under check by burning away the extra fats. Thus exercise helps to prevent fatty liver disease. So why not indulge in your favourite work out and keep your liver hale and hearty.
Keep your medication and supplements in check:
Overdose of drugs such as paracetamol, can lead to liver damage. So consult your doctor before taking any drug and always follow the prescribed dose. Also, certain traditional remedies can contain heavy metals which can result in liver damage. High dose of dietary supplements can be liver toxic and must be avoided.
Apart from these tips, you must protect your liver from viral diseases as well by getting yourself vaccinated.
Will you think twice before shelling out money for a low cost automatic machine which will keep your house absolutely spic and span that too without your efforts. Certainly not! So, why not follow the same approach for liver as well which does the same work, but in your body! This clean up center doesn’t need your bucks but just a healthier lifestyle. So eat well, exercise and live longer with a healthier liver.