The best foods for detoxing your liver

The liver is a resilient organ and constantly in a state of regeneration, but excessive alcohol consumption, toxin substances, viral infections such as hepatitis, and diets high in fat can damage your liver and reduce its ability to regenerate. Here expert nutritionist Shona Wilkinson explains the best foods that help clean and detox your liver. You may also enjoy 'How to beat bloating: the survey'.

What does the liver do?

Your liver is involved in around 500 reactions in your body, from filtering and cleaning your blood to fighting infections, producing bile to help digest fats, and getting rid of waste from your body. 

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Your liver breaks down carbohydrates and protein into forms that are stored in your body for later use, and synthesises fats like cholesterol. Here we share the best foods to naturally detox your liver through your diet and how to look after your gut health. You may also enjoy reading the latest gut health survey and the causes and symptoms of IBS.

8 Best Foods For Detoxing Your Liver

1. Onions and garlic

Onions and garlic both contain the nutrient 'sulphur'. This is a substance needed for every cell and is particularly required for liver detoxification. There are many detoxification pathways in the liver and each one detoxifies a different category of toxins.

Sulphur is needed for the 'sulphation pathway', which is where toxins are joined to sulphur, before being excreted from the body. Learn more about what your poo says about your health.

Toxins that are bound to sulphur include toxins from bacteria, BPA and other oestrogen mimickers. Raw foods are always better but in the case of onions and garlic your friends might prefer that you cook them first!

2. Artichoke and Milk Thistle

Artichokes and milk thistle are related. They contain the substances 'cynarin' and 'silymarin'. Cynarin is a compound which supports the liver in producing bile. Bile is essential to the detoxification process as it is used to carry toxins out of the liver and into the gut for elimination. Silymarin is the active ingredient in Milk Thistle and is a substance that provides protection to the liver cells and encourages detoxification. Learn more in 'Why is everyone talking about Milk Thistle?'.

Both cynarin and silymarin help to regenerate liver cells. Silymarin helps to protect the liver from the effects of alcohol, and increases the rate of alcohol detoxification, making it a popular hangover cure. The best supplements for your liver will contain 80mg of Silymarin as well as Milk Thistle root powder, alongside other herbs and nutrients.

3. Brazil nuts, brown rice, chickpeas and lentils

These foods are rich in an amino acid called 'methionine', particularly Brazil nuts. Methionine is essential for a process called 'methylation', which removes toxic metals from the body. Toxic metals can be found in a wide range of products, and if not excreted by the liver, they can build up and cause health problems. Brazil nuts are also one of the 5 best foods to improve your mood.

'Glutathione' is another substance which is made from the methylation process. Glutathione is a major detoxification compound which rids the body of solvents, herbicides, fungicides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Try to incorporate Brazil nuts, brown rice, chickpeas and lentils into your diet as much as possible to help your liver do its job.

4. Broccoli and cauliflower

These two vegetables contain a very important vitamin-like substance called 'choline'. Choline is responsible for keeping the liver clear of fats which can build up and cause harm. Choline also regulates the gene expression of pathways in the body needed for liver detoxification. Read more in 'The benefits of choline and where to find it'.

Broccoli and sprouts are exceptionally high in sulphur and can be added to most meals. Broccoli is also a powerhouse food for brain health - learn more in 'What foods and supplements to take for brain health'.

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5. Grapefruit

Grapefruits contain a substance called 'naringin' which helps to protect the liver from damage from toxins – useful when doing a detox. Grapefruit helps to protect the liver from the damaging effects of alcohol and can be used as a hangover remedy. Learn more about grapefruit in our article 'Best foods for thyroid health'. 

There are a lot of medicines that don’t mix well with grapefruit however, so beware if you are taking any prescribed medication before adding too much grapefruit to your diet. 

6. Beetroot

Beetroot contains a substance called 'betalains' which reduce inflammation in the liver and promote detoxification. Betalains is particularly useful for the detoxification of 'xenobiotics', which are environmental toxins and include drugs, pesticides, cosmetics, flavourings, fragrances, food additives, industrial chemicals and environmental pollutants. Roasted beetroot is a delicious accompaniment to meals and can be served hot or cold.

Discover our Avocado, Beetroot and Pea Shoot Salad recipe.

7. Lemon peels

Lemon peel contains a substance called 'limonine' which promotes detoxification of carcinogens. Lemon peel can be added to drinks and chopped up small in foods - add the zest to foods to add flavour as well as health benefits - and don't forget to buy organic lemons, as pesticide residue may be hard to remove.

8. Pickle Juice

When it comes to a hangover, pickle juice for some people is the best remedy for supporting detoxification! While Debloat & Detox can be an effective remedy for helping prevent a hangover, pickle juice can be effective for many people for treating a hangover because it contains electrolytes which promote proper hydration, allowing the body to excrete toxins effectively. Give pickle juice a go!

What should vegans take for liver support?

A good liver supplement will contain Silymarin from Milk Thistle. Milk Thistle isn’t really a food that is eaten widely and may be easier to take in supplemental form.

Choline is another nutrient to look for in a liver support supplement. Plant-based diets can be low in Choline because it is mainly found in eggs, even if plenty of broccoli and cauliflower are consumed. Learn more in our blog 'The benefits of Choline and where to find it'.

During a detox, higher levels of choline are desirable, so a supplement can accompany a good detox diet. Dandelion and peppermint are two other great nutrients to look for in a liver support supplement. Try to incorporate as many of the above foods into your daily diet as possible for maximum liver support and consider taking a good quality detox supplement.

Discover our range of vegan probiotics and supplements.

By Shona Wilkinson, RN, mBANT, CNHC

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