The Importance of a Healthy Liver - NL-015

The liver performs over 500 functions, including filtering 13,000 unique chemicals from one litre of blood each minute, generating over 13,000 distinct chemicals, maintaining over 2,000 internal enzyme systems, producing over 80% of cholesterol, and cleaning up and manufacturing hormones, lipoproteins, and other lipids. The liver also filters the blood, breaks down and deposits hormones, controls the blood sugar, and converts dangerous pollutants into harmless waste. If we were to lose this vital organ, we would be dead in just a few hours. Keeping it in good shape is therefore critical.

 

How the Liver Functions

For proper functioning, the two-stage system of detoxification in the liver necessitates certain vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and amino acids.

Water-soluble toxins can be expelled from the kidneys in Phase One, or neutralized and secreted in bile, in certain circumstances. Sometimes, the toxins are transformed into more harmful substances known as active intermediaries, which can be harmful and destructive if not eliminated promptly. The toxins are modified yet again, this time attaching mineral compounds, amino acids, and other water-soluble biochemicals to form toxic and destructive active intermediaries.

In Phase Two of liver detoxification, conjugation is employed as a way of removing toxic substances from the body. This process consists of binding said substances to other compounds before they are safely passed through bile, the kidneys and bladder. Some of the substances it gets rid of include drugs, additives from food, toxins from intestinal bacteria, as well as steroid hormones, estrogen and thyroid hormones so that the body does not become overloaded.

Foods to Help with the Detoxification

In order to limit the presence of free radicals during Phase One liver detoxification, there are various antioxidants and phytochemicals that can be incorporated into the process. Sources of these substances include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

An amino acid known as glutathione is one of the major antioxidants. It is created by the body and can be found in food items such as garlic, onions, asparagus, watermelon, papaya, avocados and mushrooms.

Phase Two of the detoxification program requires that sulphur-rich foods be consumed to help convert toxins into water-soluble substances. These include Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, lentils, beans, peas, onions and egg yolks.

Chlorophyll's protection from carcinogens is unmatchable by any other food or medication. It bolsters the cells, detoxifies the liver and blood, and counteracts the pollutants present. Additionally, chlorophyll brings oxygen into the bloodstream that is essential for keeping the liver healthy and young. Chlorella is an excellent source of this all-important molecule.

Foods that Support the Liver

• Dark, leafy greens and fruits and vegetables of orange, yellow, purple, and red hues are filled with living enzymes, fibre, vitamin C, natural antibiotics, and cancer-fighting phytonutrients.
• Certain vegetables that have a bitter taste, such as dandelion leaves, mustard greens, bitter melon, Romaine lettuce and broccoli, can be very effective in detoxifying the liver.
• Cooking with herbs like dill, caraway seeds, garlic, onions, turmeric and cayenne can be beneficial for the liver. These ingredients are simple to use.
• The liver can be cleansed with juices from various fruits and vegetables, such as fresh green apple, grapefruit, cabbage, carrot, and dark leafy vegetables. Wheat grass juice is also beneficial.
• Types of sea vegetables, including wakame, kombu and hijiki, as well as things like spirulina and chlorella, are known for their alginates which can help guard cells from toxins in the environment and radiation.
• Supporting the liver, nutritional yeast is a great source of protein, B vitamins, and folic acid.
• Granules of lecithin can be beneficial for fat metabolism and conditions of the liver, for example, a fatty liver due to alcohol.
• Starting each day with a glass of warm water with lemon can help to detoxify the liver and support the kidneys in disposing of the byproducts that the liver has processed.

Helpful Supplements

• Vitamins A (Beta-carotene), C, and E are antioxidants, which are known to protect the body from oxidative damage.
• B-complex vitamins help to support the liver in its detoxification processes.
• Methionine has been found to boost the process of eliminating fat from the liver.
• Cell membranes rely on zinc in their structure.
• Magnesium plays an integral role in the process of detoxification as well as energy production.
• One significant contribution of Selenium to our bodies is that it plays a role in the production of glutathione and also acts as an effective antioxidant.
• Glutathione – a primary antioxidant and free-radical eradicator – is something that can be found in a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• R+ Alpha Lipoic Acid has been found to be helpful in the restoration of the liver, providing protection, and facilitating cellular regeneration.
• N-Acetyl-Cysteine has been found to assist the liver in processing toxic compounds, and it can be converted into glutathione, which in turn helps to counteract the negative effects of toxic overload.

Helpful Herbs

The list of herbs and roots for natural remedies includes dandelion (both leaves and roots), garlic, bupleurum, oregon grape root, burdock root, turmeric, astragalus, milk thistle (silymarin), liquorice root, yellow dock, chlorella, nettles, black radish, artichoke leaf, and reishi.

Caring for the liver is of great importance and the rewards are plentiful. Cholesterol and sugar levels will be regulated, hormones will be in balance, skin clarity will improve, and energy levels will be increased.

Paying attention to the liver is not a task to be overlooked.