- Highlighting the liver’s primary role in separating nutrients from the blood and ensuring the regular functioning of numerous essential hormones, Ok stated:
- The liver plays a crucial role in processing proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and medications in the body, as well as contributing to blood clotting. In addition to absorbing and eliminating toxic substances entering the body, the liver also serves as a storage facility. Given the vital tasks performed by our liver, one of our essential organs, we must care for it attentively. The proper functioning of our liver, akin to a well-tuned clock, is paramount for our overall health. However, we can strain and damage our liver by exposing it to risky foods and beverages. Just as our liver purifies our body, it also requires detoxification, a cleansing process.
- TIPS FOR LIVER DETOXIFICATION Dietitian Hande Selin Ok suggested that the health of the liver can be assessed by examining liver function tests and enzyme values. She listed the following recommendations for liver detoxification:
- Eliminate processed foods containing refined sugar and trans fats from your life. Consume the juice (along with the fiber) of vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, arugula, parsley, kale, watercress, spinach, and carrots by squeezing them.
- Consume an ample amount of water according to your daily needs. Ensure that your diet includes foods like onions, garlic, artichokes, tomatoes, broccoli, ginger, turmeric, arugula, and fish.
- Milk thistle is helpful in cleansing toxic substances accumulated in the liver. Milk thistle is commonly used, especially in the form of tea. You can add 1 teaspoon of milk thistle to 1 cup of boiling water, strain, and consume, or use supplements containing milk thistle.
- Always incorporate greens into your life; do not neglect green vegetables, fruits, and seafood in your meals. Consume foods rich in antioxidants such as Omega-3, Selenium, Glutathione, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E, as they are beneficial for the liver. Foods like vegetable dishes made with olive oil, fish, salads, legumes, radishes, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, arugula, watercress, beets, carrots, and garlic are liver-friendly.
