Monday, July 20, 2009

The Health Benefits of A Liver Detox

By Kym Butterworth

You want to know tested methods for liver detoxification? This article provides you simple steps you can easily implement for liver detoxification.

The liver is a very important organ in the body carrying out many functions such as, control of blood amino acid, blood glucose and detoxification of the body system. Sources of toxic substances in the body are foods, drugs and alcohols. Normally, the renders toxic substances harmless. But too high concentration of toxic substances is harmful, affecting the normal functions of the liver. The liver actually contains an arrangement of filters, which enables it to carry out the function of detoxification. The liver filter removes microorganisms, chemicals and waste products from the body. The wastes removed are in turn removed from the body through stool and urine. The liver filter needs to be clean and healthy to perform its functions effectively


Healthy Detox Diet Tips



Presence of toxic substances in the liver can cause liver diseases such as gallstones, hepatitis and jaundice. Liver diseases produce certain symptoms including, vomiting, and yellowing of conjunctiva and skin, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite and itching. One of the methods for liver detoxification is to follow a healthy diet pattern on daily basis.

Like many other medical conditions, the first step is proper diagnosis. Here, the particular pathway of detoxification is identified. There are two basic pathways of detoxification, phase1 and phase2.

The second step is to go for liver detox diets. Foods that can activate the phase 1 detoxification pathway are protein foods like fish and egg, fresh fruits and vegetables such as oranges, tangerines, cabbage and broccoli. Fresh fruits and vegetables including, avocado, tangerines, broccoli, asparagus, walnuts and oranges as well as fish oils activate the phase 2 pathways. Fresh vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamin C and the amino acid glutathione, both of which are important anti oxidants. These anti oxidants remove free radicals from the body. Most of these fresh fruits and vegetables are recommended in liver detox diets due to their anti oxidant effect. Beta- carotene and vitamin E are other examples of anti oxidant vitamins.

In addition, other simple nutrients like calcium and vitamin B are also very effective removing harmful chemical substances from the body system.

Get good source of drinking water. You need adequate fluid intake to flush toxic substances in the detoxification process. The source of water maters to avoid introduction of harmful microorganisms into the body. For water safety, bottled water is recommended.

Use of herbs. Many herbs con substances, which are effective for liver detoxification. A good example of plants used for liver detoxification is milk thistle. Milk thistles contain chemical substances called flavonoids. Flavonoids prevent liver damage as well as carry out liver detoxification functions. The mechanism of action of flavonoids involves prevention of the depleting of glutathione and enhancing the level of glutathione in the body. It has also been used as remedy for liver diseases including, hepatitis liver cirrhosis.

Avoid foods that harm the liver. It is a waste of effort carrying out the liver detoxification process if efforts are not made to avoid eating habits that harm the liver. You must avoid the use of artificial flavorings or food additives. Alcohol and saturated animal fats should be avoided. Go for foods, which are produced organically.

In conclusion, liver detox is useful to maintain a healthy liver, the only organ involved in detoxification. The detoxification process involves a healthy diet plan, use of herbs and adjustment of lifestyle.

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