Our liver works overtime when we overindulge during the holidays. The liver’s job is to metabolize the toxins and transform them into water-soluble derivatives for subsequent elimination from the body. Below are 10 signs that your liver may be stressed from overwork and is not functioning at optimal levels.
1. Digestive discomfort or bloating
2. Food cravings and/or blood sugar issues
3. Brain fog or memory problems
4. Congested sinuses or fluid retention
5. Difficulty losing weight
6. Skin flare-ups and/or itchy skin
7. Fatigue unrelieved by more sleep
8. Overheating or excessive sweating
9. Mood swings or irritability
10. Suboptimal immune function
When the liver is working double-duty to protect you from an onslaught of bad diet and bad judgment, it could benefit from a little extra help. Antioxidant vitamins such as C, E, and beta-carotene; minerals such as zinc and selenium; B-vitamins that aid alcohol metabolism; and herbs said to “cleanse” the liver such as milk thistle, dandelion root, and schizandra, might help protect liver cells while ridding our body of poisons. Below are 14 foods that could help to detoxify the liver.
1. Garlic
2. Grapefruit
3. Beets
4. Carrots
5. Green Tea
6. Leeafy Green Vegetables
7. Avocados
8. Apples
9. Olive Oil
10. Cruciferous Vegetables
11. Lemons & Limes
12. Cabbage
13. Walnuts
14. Turmeric
15. Alternative Grains like quinoa, millet and buckwheat
