Liver detox programs pack in the greens to flush out toxins and other nasty chemicals that might be lingering around your system. By putting good stuff in, you give your body a chance to heal. Take a look at the signs your body is screaming for a detox to see if you might need a good detox to jumpstart your weight loss.
Why Liver Detox?
The liver is the body’s detoxification system, but it can get clogged up with too many toxins. When your liver gets clogged up, you get sluggish, tired, and sick. A sluggish liver can also cause your weight gain and makes losing that weight very difficult.
But, it might just increase the risk of other health problems. People who abuse alcohol, medications, or drugs have a higher risk of liver disease and liver cancer (among other illnesses). These three choices are tough on the liver. But, people who overindulge in unhealthy food also have an increased risk of liver disease.
Liver problems are also linked to heart disease, high cholesterol, blood pressure problems, diabetes, fatigue, foggy memory, and autoimmune issues. Feeling tired? It could be your liver.
That’s why losing weight and doing a proper liver detox is so important. You need a healthy liver so you can avoid the risks we just mentioned, plus enjoy vitality and high energy levels. Head over to sign up for free consultation with one of our counselors to find out about our weight loss program that can help you get more energy and be healthier.
The 6 Greens for Liver Detox
Green Tea
This one’s easy. Drink 1 to 3 cups of quality green tea every day. Green tea contains many nutrients, including EGCG. This antioxidant help support the liver, reduces the risk of cancer, and increases the body’s natural healing abilities. It’s also linked to helping you lose weight.
You want to buy loose, whole leaf green tea. This is where you need to visit a tea shop or an online retailer. The little bags found in the grocery store are too old, too processed and don’t contain the healthy antioxidants any longer.
Spinach (and other leafy greens)
Leafy greens – spinach, collards, kale, beet greens, mustards, broccoli leaves – contain lots of vitamin k, magnesium, antioxidants, and especially chlorophyll. Chlorophyll has many health benefits, including making the liver more efficient.
You just have to be careful when you’re on medications, especially blood thinners. Large amounts of leafy greens could cause your blood thinners to work too well, causing hemorrhages. Plus, since leafy greens make the liver more efficient, your medications could work better (or worse) than expected. Be sure to talk to your doctor before consuming large amounts of greens while you’re on medication.
Seaweed
Seaweed gets underrated in our society. It contains a tremendous amount of trace nutrients, especially iodine. For people who like a little bit salty flavor, but need to reduce their salt intake, seaweed is a great substitute.
Seaweed also may be able to help reduce the amount of fat stored in and around the liver. Reducing this fat also reduces your chance of cardiovascular disease and liver problems in the future.
Parsley
Parsley is a wonder herb. It contains the highest amount of vitamin C in all of the plant world. Parsley the natural diuretic, which can help flush excess fluids out of the body without depleting potassium.
It’s also great for your digestive system. Parsley can mitigate bad breath odors from your food, which often happens when you’re trying to detox your body. It also improves digestion, which can help increase the absorption of nutrients and make elimination of the waste a lot easier.
Dandelion
A noxious weed? Not really. Every part of the dandelion is edible, just make sure it’s not sprayed with chemicals or comes from an area that other animals use as a litter box.
The roots of the dandelion have long supported the liver in herbal medicine. The stems of the dandelion, which contains the milky white sap, are very high in vitamin C and can increase mineral absorption, reduce inflammation, and may help prevent cardiovascular disease.
Dandelion leaves help modulate blood glucose levels, and they help remove excess sugars stored in the liver. They fight fatty liver disease and removes excess fat from storage in the liver.
They’re also very high in fiber, which helps food move through the digestive tract properly. Dandelion greens have been shown to help with diverticulosis, irritable bowel, kidney stones, and heart disease.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
If you consume too many bad fats, you run the risk of getting fatty liver disease. However, some research shows that extra virgin olive oil contains hydroxytyrosol. This polyphenol is a powerful antioxidant and found in studies to protect the liver from other damaging fats and sugars.
Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil as a garnish and flavor at the end of the cooking process. Use quality butter, coconut oil, or natural oils for cooking.
What about the other green veggies?
Don’t worry, as long as you are eating lots of different veggies, you’ll be doing great. Your liver will thank you and the rest of your body will, too.
Try this awesome smoothie for a splendid summer cooling treat, plus a massive kick of liver detox superfoods.
Green Liver Smoothie
Ingredients
1 small zucchini or cucumber
1/4 avocado
1 cup mixed greens – dandelion, kale, collards, beet green, spinach or any other green leaf or any mix of these
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1 tbsp shredded seaweed or 1/4 sheet nori
1/4 cup juice of a lemon
2 cups cooled green tea or green tea ice cubes for a thicker smoothie
2 – 3 drops of liquid stevia
Mint or lemongrass to taste
Directions
Blend all ingredients in blender or juicer that keeps the pulp (you want those healthy fibers).
Keep chilled and enjoy.
