The liver is the largest organ in the human body and performs a wide variety of metabolic functions such as breaking down harmful substances, removing toxins from the blood, and balancing chemicals in the body. When liver health is compromised conditions such as obesity and high cholesterol are more likely. Thankfully, there are a number of home remedies that can be used to restore and maintain liver health.
Food for Liver Health
According to the American Liver Foundation, a well balanced diet that includes foods from each of the four food groups will help you obtain the nutrients you need for optimal liver health. Eat bitter leafy greens such as dandelion, collard, and mustard greens. You can eat them raw or cooked. Their high vitamin content will provide the liver with essential nutrients it needs to regenerate itself.
Foods high in sulfur compounds are also recommended since sulfur is one of the molecules used to help the liver detoxify a wide range of toxins from the body. This includes onions, garlic, and egg yolks. Regarding egg yolks, it is advisable to keep consumption to between 2 and 4 per week. Cruciferous vegetables are also high in sulfur. Add broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts to your diet. Other liver-nourishing foods include artichokes, rhubarb, sprouts, and apples. To make the most of your liver healing efforts, avoid products that actually impair liver function, such as refined sugar, soft drinks, excessive alcohol and fried foods.
Spices for Liver Health
Spices such as turmeric, cinnamon, and licorice have also been shown to improve liver health. Incorporate them into your daily diet by adding turmeric to stewed vegetables, cinnamon to your oatmeal, and drink licorice teas after meals. Lemon is also thought to be an excellent liver tonic. Squeeze half a lemon into lukewarm water and drink first thing in the morning. Parsley and apple cider vinegar are also beneficial.
Milk Thistle
Herbs such as milk thistle can also act as liver tonics to help a bad liver and have been studied extensively. You can buy milk thistle at most drugstores, supplement stores and even at supermarkets. It is available in many forms, including capsules of dried herb, liquid extract, tincture, and as silymarin phosphatidylcholine complex. The recommended dose for adults, according to the University of Maryland medical center, is 200 to 400 mg one to three times a day for standardized milk thistle extracts. In the case of silymarin phosphatidylcholine, the recommended dose is 100 to 200 mg twice a day. As a precaution, consult your doctor before starting treatment with any herbal supplements. Milk thistle is not recommended for children or during pregnancy and nursing.
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