The liver and its needs
The Liver`s Role
The liver is the body’s largest gland and performs several important functions. No less than a liter and a half of blood passes through this organ every minute. It is made up of two parts, a large right lobe and a smaller left lobe. Most of it is located on the right side of the abdominal cavity. Only a quarter of the liver’s volume is needed for the body to function normally. Interestingly, the liver also has important regenerative capacities. If part of it is removed, new cells are made, allowing the remaining liver to grow back to its original size.
Eat lots of lightly cooked fruits and vegetables, especially dark green, leafy vegetables, and orange, yellow, purple or red fruits and vegetables. They contain live enzymes, fiber, vitamin C, natural antibiotic substances and phyto-nutrients which are anti-cancer.
It is good to eat foods that are high in glutathione or that help make glutathione in the body. Glutathione is a protein naturally produced by the body. It is a tripeptide, composed of three amino acids: and glutamate (glutamic acid), cysteine and glycine. It is involved in the transport of hydrogen. Glutathione would protect cells from any oxidation. It would help minimize the damage caused by free radicals and limit the accumulation of toxins.
Cellular oxidation is a completely normal process. Oxidative molecules induce oxidative stress, which can lead to aging and possibly death of the cell.
Asparagus, watermelon, broccoli and boldo are good sources of glutathione while papayas and avocados are foods that help the body make glutathione.
Bitter foods like dandelion and mustard greens, romaine lettuce and Raabe broccoli may help in liver cleansing.
Herbs like dill, caraway seeds, garlic, onion, the boldo, turmeric and cayenne pepper are easy to use for cooking and may help protect the liver.
Green tea contains less caffeine than coffee and is an immune booster.
Drink a lot of water (8-16 cups per day) because it helps the kidneys to get rid of toxins that the liver has filtered. If you fill your water bottle regularly and it is near you, you will tend to drink more.
Omega-3 fatty acids are very useful. These fats are found in cold water fish such as salmon, thon, mackerel, sardines and halibut. Other good sources are crushed flax seeds, linseed oil and nuts.
Nuts, seeds and avocados are good dietary sources of polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat which are less harmful to the liver than saturated fat.
Foods that can make it harder for the liver to work
Saturated fat is harder for the liver. Most saturated fatty acids are found in animal products (fatty cheese, Butter, sour cream, fatty meats, etc.), but also in pastries, pastries, chocolate bars, the biscuits, fried and breaded products, etc. Some vegetable oils also contain it, especially palm oil. Their excess consumption promotes cardiovascular disease.
French fries are high in fat as well as snack foods (chips, Doritos etc.).
Limit processed foods like white bread, White rice, cakes, biscuits, donuts and candies. Add whole grains like whole grain breads and cereals, brown rice, quinoa and barley in your diet. Quinoa is the grain with the most protein. If you are trying to lose weight or limit your portions, quinoa with sweet potatoes, makes a very satisfying and very healthy meal.
Limit caffeine to 2-3 cups per day. Caffeine is filtered by the liver and can make cleansing the liver more difficult. Coffee, tea, and most sodas contain a lot of caffeine.
Eat more frequent, light meals. Especially in the evening as this can help reduce the healing work of the liver during sleeping hours.
Things to avoid:
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol is known to be a potent toxin that can damage the liver. Some recreational drugs can also be stressful on the liver.
Limit, as much as possible, chemicals such as food coloring, artificial flavors and preservatives as these substances make the liver work harder.
Avoid multivitamins that contain iron. Iron is stored in the liver and can poison it. Dark leafy vegetables, contain a lot of natural iron and very easy to assimilate by the body.
In conclusion, it is certain that balance in everything is important. So being aware of what can be good and bad for the liver, it helps us make better choices. One thing at a time, you don’t have to do it all in one day. Step by step, we end up arriving at our destination!