Did you know that our liver performs more than 500 functions in maintaining our health? Yes, it is the most important organ in our body that helps us stay healthy. It plays a major role in maintaining metabolism, the immune and digestive systems, and, most importantly, the prime process of detoxification.
The liver filters out drugs, harmful substances, urea, and bilirubin from the blood. Those substances get mixed with bilirubin and transported to the kidney for excretion through urea or to the small intestine for egestion through feces.
Normal Functions of Liver
The liver is among the most hardworking organs in your body. It performs various tasks, such as
- Removing toxins and waste products from the blood (Blood detoxification and purification)
- Creating bile to aid in fat digestion
- Storage of glycogen, vitamins, and minerals
- Regulating hormones
- Enzyme activation.
- Excretion of bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones, and drugs
- Synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin, and clotting factors.
Signs You Might Need a Liver Detox
1. Fatigue
Feeling constantly tired? It could be a sign that your liver is struggling to cope with excess of toxins.
2. Digestive Issues
Bloating, constipation, or diarrhea can sometimes stem from liver dysfunction, affecting bile production and digestion.
3. Jaundice
The yellowing of skin and eyes indicates liver damage, typically due to elevated bilirubin levels.
4. Fluid Retention
Liver damage can cause fluid buildup in the abdomen or legs, resulting in swelling.
5. Dark Urine
Dark urine can be a symptom of liver problems caused by increased bilirubin levels.
6. Abdominal Pain
Discomfort in the upper right abdomen might signal liver inflammation or enlargement.
7. Unexplained Weight Loss
Liver issues can disrupt metabolism, leading to unexplained weight loss and weakness.
8. Skin Issues
Itching, rashes, or acne could be manifestations of liver dysfunction due to toxin buildup.
9. Mood Swings
Neurotransmitter imbalance caused by toxins can result in mood swings or irritability.
10. Poor Appetite
Liver dysfunction may lead to reduced appetite and nutrient absorption issues.
12 Healthy Juices To Detoxify The Liver
Here are some of the juices you can intake to detoxify your liver.
1. Beetroot Juice
Beet juice is a great way to detoxify your liver and improve your body’s function. It contains anti-oxidants that clean and purify the blood. Beetroot juice is the best liver detox fruit juice.
They promote healthy liver functions to help break down the toxins. Beetroot juice can also help with other health issues, including improving blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, lowering the risk of cancer, weight maintenance, and improving skin health.
2. Orange Juice
Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which plays a huge role in detoxification. Its alkalizing properties help dissolve acids that form waste in the kidneys, cleansing the blood.
Orange juice helps the liver produce detoxifying enzymes that flush out pollutants. They are also rich in potassium, which protects the liver cells from toxic substances. Drinking fresh orange juice helps cleanse the liver and promote better functioning.
3. Carrot Juice
Carrots contain beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is crucial for liver health, protecting the liver from damage. Carrot juice also aids in digestion and detoxification, making it the best juice for liver health.
Several studies indicate that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of carotenoids protect against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Note: Some varieties of carrot juice may not be pasteurized and should be avoided by certain populations, including pregnant people. Drinking too much may also temporarily change your skin color.
4. Watermelon Juice
Watermelon is a fantastic fruit for promoting overall bodily health, as its positive effects extend from brain function to foot health. Interesting, right? They are low-calorie nourishments that are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like lycopene.
It also has diuretic properties that flush out toxins from your body. Additionally, its high water content aids in sending toxins out of the body and promoting optimal liver function.
5. Watercress Juice
Watercress is a leafy green vegetable commonly used in salads. It has a little peppery flavour and is high in nutrients. Watercress contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron, and is noted for its detoxifying effects. It cleanses the liver and kidneys and may potentially lessen the incidence of some malignancies.
It also helps in blood filtration and guidelines of natural liquids reducing inflammation.
6. Lemon Juice
A simple lemon juice can fix all your liver problems. They can be added to water to stimulate and flush out waste from the liver as they are high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Tip: Drink four to 6 tablespoons of lemon juice mixed with water to prevent liver diseases.
7. Cabbage Juice
Cabbage has a lot of vitamin C and sulfur, which assist your body get rid of pollutants like free radicals and uric acid. Cabbage juice includes the antioxidant ‘Indole-3 carbonile’, which is important for liver detoxification.
8. Grapefruit Juice
Grapefruit, which is a rich source of vitamin C contains primary antioxidants- naringin and naringenin help reduce inflammation and protect liver cells to save from injury.
They also have properties to control the buildup of fats in the liver and increase enzymes that burn fat. Grapefruit also fights non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
9. Jujubee Juice
Jujube fruits are rich in minerals like
- Phosphorus
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Complex B Vitamins
They can increase serum albumin and total protein levels. Jujubee juice actively protects liver function and helps to increase muscle strength.
The antioxidants from this fruit may help protect the liver from toxic substances. It contains some of the hepatoprotective flavonoids that may help protect the liver from the injury caused by acetaminophen.
The fermented jujube juice may help protect the liver from acute alcoholic liver injury by:
- Increasing levels of SOD and GSH
- Decreasing levels of MDA
- Improving Liver Tissue Histology
- Increasing the abundance of beneficial intestinal microbes
10. Apple Cider Drink
Apple cider drink is one of the essential fruit juice for liver cleansing. They promote circulation in the detox process and are packed with organic enzymes that support the detoxification of kidneys and livers.
Apple cider drink may also improve filtration and flush out harmful toxins from the liver.
Expert Tips:
To see a difference, add 1 tablespoon of ACV to a cup of warm water and drink it regularly in the morning on an empty stomach for at least two months.
11. Oatmeal
Oats contain a type of dietary fiber called beta-glucan. Fibre is essential for digestion and helps the liver function properly. Some studies reveal that this fibre reduces liver damage and oxidative stress in individuals with obstructive jaundice.
Those who want to include oats or oatmeal in their diet should search for whole oats or steel-cut oats instead of instant oatmeal. This could include fillers, such as sugars or flour, which aren’t as good for you.
12. Pineapple-Kale Smoothie
A pineapple-kale smoothie supports general health and aids in liver detoxification. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory qualities and aids in digestion. Kale is rich in antioxidants and contains several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and vitamin K.
Coconut water assists in Toxin removal and hydration. One of the best ways to improve the health of your liver and detoxify it is by including this Pineapple Kale Smoothie in your diet.
How to Maintain a Healthy Liver
Keeping the liver healthy is critical for general health because it involves metabolism, detoxification, and storage of nutrition.
- A balanced Diet
Includes consuming many fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and other nutrient-rich foods.
- Keep Yourself Hydrated
Drink a lot of water to help the liver remove toxins and properly digest nutrients.
- Limit Your Alcohol Consumption
Drinking too much alcohol might harm your liver.
- Prevent Toxins
Reduce your exposure to dangerous chemicals in pesticides, cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene products by choosing natural substitutes whenever possible.
- Exercise Regularly
Exercise helps flush out toxins from your body. The increase in heartbeat and breathing, blood circulation, and sweat production can assist your body in getting rid of toxins more effectively.
Final Note
Remember to take care of your liver to maintain overall health. Including the top 12 liver detox foods and following a liver-cleansing diet plan can support your liver’s essential processes and keep your body healthy. It’s safer to focus on making healthy lifestyle choices and behaviors instead of opting for a liver cleanse.
