Unfortunately, we often discover that an organ in our body needs protection only when it's very difficult to remedy the situation. As the saying goes, “It's too late, my friend, to drink Borjomi…” Sometimes, long-term and serious treatment is unavoidable. But is it worth passively awaiting the doctor's harsh verdict before engaging in a brutal battle with the disease, when there are simple and accessible ways to prevent it?
To help your one and only beloved liver, it is enough to avoid excesses and regularly follow simple tips.
1. Drink lots of lemon water
Try to drink 8-10 glasses of clean, filtered water daily. This is an effective and simple way to facilitate the elimination of waste products from the body. Even better, start the day with a glass of water with the juice of half a fresh lemon squeezed into it. Lemon stimulates liver function. Its acidity encourages the production of bile, which can be considered the transport system that removes waste products from the body.
2. Eat cruciferous vegetables
A plant-based diet restores the liver. Eat more green salads, beets, carrots, and all types of cabbage, from the familiar white cabbage to curly cabbage and arugula. Include these vegetables in your diet at least twice a day. Don't avoid the “hated,” “smelly” garlic and onions; they, like broccoli, contain sulfur, which is essential for stimulating liver function. To reduce the negative effects of garlic, eat it in the evening with your spouse.
3. Do a simple massage
Occasionally massage the area below your right hypochondrium, where your liver and gallbladder are located. This will help improve circulation. Your liver will be happy.
4. Don't overload your liver
Unlike employees, the liver never goes on vacation or requires time off. It works constantly, especially intensely when its owners “relieve stress” with alcohol or overuse painkillers. It's not just the single dose that matters, but also the frequency of alcohol, drug, and painkiller use. Even small doses can cause significant harm if taken regularly.
5. Take active supplements that support your liver
The liver requires a number of nutrients to function properly. Don't forget to take quality mineral supplements and multivitamins regularly. A deficiency of even one essential nutrient can interfere with the body's natural detoxification processes.
Don't forget about your “green pharmacy.” Milk thistle, turmeric, and dandelion are excellent liver protectors. Try taking 45 mg of turmeric daily, 400 mg each of dandelion and milk thistle extract. You can buy herbs at a pharmacy, or you can gather them yourself (in clean, pesticide-free areas) to brew and drink as a tea substitute.
6. Take care of minerals
Minerals are essential for normal liver detoxification. Taking over-the-counter medications is certainly necessary, but you shouldn't deplete your daily diet. Magnesium, calcium, potassium, copper, sodium, iron, zinc, selenium, and manganese are especially important for the liver.
Be healthy!