It’s time to take care of your liver with this liver-cleansing detox diet

Do you know that your liver is the second largest organ in the human body? This vital organ plays a significant role in our digestive function. All the food, liquid and medication we consume is processed because of our well-functioning liver.  This makes taking a liver-cleansing detox diet important.

The liver is prone to multiple viruses, substances and contaminants present in the food and water since its a multi-functionary organ. The presence of liver problems can often go unnoticed as it shows up little or few symptoms.

According to WHO, liver diseases are the 10th most common cause of deaths in India. Obesity, excessive alcohol consumption and hepatitis viruses are the most common causes of liver disease.

Even along with the major advances taken in medical research, a complete cure hasn’t been found yet. The only identified treatment is a liver transplant. So, to safeguard our liver, healthy lifestyle choices are of utmost importance.

Here, Dr Namita Nadar, head nutritionist at Fortis Hospital Noida shares eight ways to detox your liver with your diet: 

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1. Eat more turmeric
Since centuries Ayurveda has turmeric as a medicine to heal and reignite our body’s healthy functioning.

Being rich in curcumin, this compound helps the enzymes to flush out toxins, repairing liver cells. It also boosts bile production.

Also, Read: Can’t stand haldi doodh? Give this spiced turmeric tea recipe a chance to bask in curcumin’s health benefits

2. Increase intake of alternative grains
As an alternative to the usual, you can consume grains like quinoa, millet and buckwheat and cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, kale and cauliflower.

These foods contain glutathione, which triggers the toxin cleansing enzymes of the liver.

Also, Read: 7 cancer-fighting foods you need to include in your diet right away

3. Include walnuts in your diet 
Walnuts are a rich source of glutathione, omega-3 fatty acids, and the amino acid arginine.

They support normal liver cleansing actions, especially when detoxifying ammonia.

Also, Read: Eat walnuts regularly for healthy ageing, says this study

4. Eat foods that are rich in fibre
Fibre is accessible to us through as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grain bread, rice and cereals.

Beetroot, a natural cleanser for the digestive system, contains a healthy dose of fibre. It breaks down toxic wastes to facilitate excretion. It also stimulates bile flow and boosts enzymatic activity.

Also, Read: 8 finger-licking-good ways of eating beetroot. You’re welcome!

5. Drink tea
Tea is another beneficial food for a healthy liver. This may be due to a compound named catechin. The antioxidants help improve liver enzyme level, reduces oxidative stress and fat deposits in the liver. Green tea is packed full of this plant antioxidant.

Quiz Time: Take this quiz and we will tell you which tea you must sip on right now

6. Nosh on citrus fruits
These juicy fruits synthesize toxic materials into substances that can be absorbed by water.

Grapefruit is particularly beneficial as it contains two primary antioxidants- naringin and naringenin.

Also, Read: Forget lemons and oranges. These 6 non-citrus foods are bursting with vitamin C

7. Eat a balanced diet
Create a balanced diet with foods from all the food groups taking into account all grains, protein, dairy products, fruits, vegetables and fats.

8. Increase the intake of these foods
Consume more olive oil, garlic, grapefruit, carrot, green leafy vegetables, apple and lime juice to get all their liver cleansing properties.

(With inputs from IANS)