Among the different organs of the body, the liver is one of the busiest, and most overworked. The liver’s functions, according to naturopathic nutrition experts, include storing iron and glucose, synthesizing cholesterol, regulating amino acid levels, removing toxins and preventing infections. With junk food, alcohol and other unhealthy lifestyle habits wreaking havoc on the body, here are a couple of organic and herbal therapies that can help the liver stay healthy and active.
Turmeric
If you like eating curry food, be very happy, because one of the best natural therapies for keeping the liver strong and healthy is turmeric. While those living in Asia are already familiar with turmeric’s benefits, those in the West are only beginning to notice its many health benefits. A number of studies have hailed turmeric’s potent antiviral properties, which help ward off diseases like hepatitis and liver cancer.
Garlic
While some people don’t like eating garlic, because it causes bad breath, the truth is that garlic offers more benefits than what most expected. Garlic not only purifies the blood and reduces bad cholesterol, but it also helps kick out harmful toxins from the body. Homeopathy alternative medicine promoters suggest that you peel and chew one to two garlic cloves on an empty stomach every morning. You could also add crushed garlic to your favorite dishes during lunch and dinner.
Milk Thistle
Another herb that’s great for keeping the liver healthy is milk thistle. In the realm of natural homeopathy, milk thistle does more than just heal or prevent cirrhosis, but it can also help ward off cancer and other dreadful diseases. To create milk thistle tea, crush two teaspoons of milk thistle using a mortar and pestle, and pour it in a cup of hot water.
Apples and Grapefruit
Apples contain high levels of pectin, which removes harmful toxins from the digestive tract, making it easier for the liver to cleanse the body. Grapefruit on the other hand, contains vitamin C and antioxidants, which enhance the liver’s natural cleansing abilities, according to homeopathy medicine backers. A small glass of freshly-squeezed grapefruit daily can help remove carcinogen and toxins from the digestive tract.
Green Leafy Veggies
Leafy greens are perhaps one of the most potent natural therapies for a vibrant liver. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and they can be juiced too. Among the highly-suggested leafy greens include spinach, bitter gourd, mustard greens, chicory and dandelion greens.
Walnuts and Avocados
To make the process of cleansing the liver more fun and savory, you could also hike your intake of avocados. Avocado is high in vitamin E, which prevents the oxidation of cholesterol. It also contains potassium, which regulates blood pressure, and is high in dietary fiber (which is good for lowering blood sugar levels).
Walnuts (along with the other organic fruits and veggies) are potent natural therapies for the liver too, because they have high antioxidant levels. Thus, they’re effective at killing all cancer-inducing free radicals which harm not just the liver, but the other organs as well.