Is a toxic liver preventing you from losing weight? Since your liver is the body main fat metabolizer, it’s important to boost the liver’s function and so it can help decrease the toxins that accumulate in the body.
One thing that healthy people have in common is that they limit the amount of junk that goes into their body. According to Dr. Frank Lipman, MD founder of Be Well, a wellness company, the best way to detox is by cutting back on common gut irritants such as alcohol, coffee and foods that stimulate inflammation such as sugar and highly processed foods.
Diets that are high in sugars, packaged and processed foods, along with alcohol (95 per cent of the alcohol you drink is processed via the liver), place an even greater burden on our already overworked livers. An unhappy toxic liver can leave you feeling miserable and add unwanted weight gain no matter how much you may be exercising.
Our liver is the body’s natural filter. It’s job is to clear the body of toxins through the blood so they can be eliminated from the body. Not only that, but its also the body’s main fat metabolizer! This is why it’s so important to help boost the liver’s function.
If detoxification of the liver doesn’t occur, the liver will become fatty, bloated and cause you to gain unwanted weight because the liver’s fat burning mechanics are unable to work at its optimum level.
Signs of a toxic liver
Signs that a liver may need detoxing include chronic fatigue, problem skin, depression, irritability, abdominal pain, and digestive issues including poor tolerance to fatty foods. Hormonal imbalances, and difficulty losing weight could also be signs of liver dysfunction.
Foods that help with cleansing the liver
For optimum liver function, overall well-being and ideal body weight its important to detoxify the liver.
- Cruciferous vegetables – broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts contain natural sulfur compounds that aid in liver detoxification.
- Carrots: High in beta-carotene, they help regulate blood-sugar levels, reduce inflammation in the body and provide tons of energy.
- Lemon juice: The bitterness of the lemon juice triggers nerve and hormone activation to the liver and digestive system. The juice of half a lemon in warm water, first thing in the morning, is a wonderful way to kick start the liver for the day.
- Herbs and spices: Turmeric, cinnamon, licorice root, curcumin and artichoke have anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body, including the liver. They are excellent for those with a liver virus or infection.
Liver cleansing tips
- Drink plenty of water. Drinking water and herbal teas improves the flow of nutrients to, and waste products from, the liver. Aim for at least two liters of water each day.
- Eat fiber: Fiber binds to bile and eliminates fat-soluble toxins from the body. Aim for 30-40g of fiber each day.
- Get enough sleep: Sleep has many health benefits and aids in regeneration and detoxification. Sleep also strengthens the immune system and helps the body repair from many ills such as stress and pollutants and regulates hormones that affect appetite control.
