The liver is one of the most important organs in the body, playing a role no other organ can take over. To maintain overall health, it’s crucial to care for and strengthen the liver so it can do its job properly.
One of its key roles is detoxification — it filters out harmful substances from everything we consume. When the liver isn’t functioning as it should, toxins build up in the body, making us more vulnerable to illness.
Signs Your Liver Might Be Struggling
If the liver is overloaded with toxins, you might notice symptoms like:
- Gaining weight despite no major lifestyle changes
- Persistent bad breath
- Hormonal imbalances
- Changes in bowel habits, like diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal bloating
- Excessive sweating
- Muscle and joint pain
- Digestive issues
- Frequent headaches
- Mood fluctuations
- Constant fatigue
If you’re experiencing several of these, your liver may be overwhelmed — which could explain why it’s hard to lose weight even with healthy habits.
How to Support Liver Detox
Once the liver is free from excess toxins, it can function more efficiently and better absorb the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals it needs.
Here are some ways to help your liver work at its best:
- Cut back on processed foods. Though tasty and appealing, they’re full of artificial additives that burden the liver.
- Focus on whole foods, quality animal proteins, fiber-rich veggies, nuts, and dried fruits.
- Avoid inflammatory cooking oils like canola, corn, soybean, and sunflower oil. Try to avoid frying food altogether.
- Drink at least 2 liters of water daily.
- Eat liver-friendly foods regularly, such as avocado, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, artichokes, carrots, and chia seeds.
- Eliminate refined sugar. Opt for natural alternatives like honey or coconut sugar.
- Add leafy greens to your meals.
- Make sure you’re getting enough protein and sulfur. Organic meats, wild fish, and cruciferous vegetables like cabbage are excellent sources.
- Include eggs in your diet — their amino acids are vital for liver health.
- Stay away from alcohol.
- Add turmeric to your food — it’s anti-inflammatory and full of antioxidants that support liver and overall health.
- Consider using milk thistle, a plant that helps protect liver cells from damage caused by alcohol, toxins, and viruses.
