To the rescue of the liver!

The holiday period is often a big challenge for the liver. Large portions, fatty foods and alcohol and a happy feasting can end with unpleasant pain and health problems. It is true that this is an extremely patient organ and it regenerates relatively quickly. However, we must remember that this is not only the heaviest internal organ, but is also often referred to as the most important organ of our body. That is why it is so important to keep your liver in the best health. The liver plays all the most important metabolic functions, taking part in the production, processing and storage of vital substances, as well as removing harmful compounds from our body. Take a moment to read this article and find out what products should be included in your diet to help the liver survive this difficult holiday period.

Water

The liver plays an extremely important role in removing toxins and harmful metabolic products from our body. Water is the second most important substance after oxygen that our body needs to survive. It is thanks to water that it is possible to clean the body. Proper hydration guarantees effective transport of toxins from the liver to the kidneys. The harmful substances are ultimately excreted in the urine. When the body is poorly hydrated, the liver unnecessarily stores toxic products, reducing its functionality. Proper hydration is therefore extremely important for maintaining a healthy liver! Remember to drink mineral water regularly. Also note that alcohol, which often appears on Polish holiday tables,does not only strain the liver through the need to break down alcohol, but also dehydrates the body. If you want to take care of your liver, do not reach for highly alcoholic drinks during the feasting.

Dandelion

This plant is known for its strong liver-supporting properties in removing toxins from the body. Dandelion contains a compound (taraxacin) that stimulates the liver and gall bladder to release bile, and the rest of the digestive organs to produce digestive enzymes. Dandelion improves digestion, in particular the decomposition and absorption of fatty acids. Dandelion tea can be beneficial for the liver after a hearty festive meal.

Cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables, including cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower, contain many phytonutrients such as flavonoids, carotenoids, sulforaphans and indoles. All these compounds help the liver to neutralise harmful chemicals, pesticides and carcinogens. The nutrients found in cruciferous vegetables also support the metabolism of drugs, which also takes place in the liver. Savoy cabbage is particularly rich in phosphorus, which improves the efficiency of detoxification processes and the control of reactive oxygen compounds. Think about when you can incorporate, for example, steamed broccoli or cauliflower into your diet during the holiday season.

Artichokes

Of the great variety of phytochemicals, cynarin and silymarin show increased activity supporting the liver. The richness of these nutrients can be found in artichokes. Thanks to the above substances, the production of bile is increased. What’s more, cynarin and silymarin prevent the formation of gallstones. Artichokes should therefore be included on your shopping list for the Christmas and New Year period.

Seaweed

Marine plants have an extremely useful properties preventing the accumulation of heavy metals. By eating seaweed, we are helping the liver to remove cadmium, mercury, lead and arsenic from our body. The effects of heavy metal poisoning are very dangerous, additionally they are not noticeable at once, and only reveal themselves after many years. However, even with relatively small poisoning we can observe weakness of the body, abdominal pain, pale-yellow complexion, anemia and many other ailments depending on the metal, which the body is supersaturated with. Although we do not find seaweed in traditional Polish cuisine, you may be able to eat a portion of it one day between Christmas and New Year.

Sprouts and seeds

Seeds store the energy, thanks to which a plant begins to sprout and grow. Both seeds and sprouts contain huge amounts of enzymes and proteins that serve as catalysts for all metabolic reactions in our body. Broccoli sprouts are additionally rich in sulforaphans, providing excellent protection against cancer development. You can easily garnish your sandwiches eaten during a festive breakfast with sprouts. Both sprouts and seeds are also a great addition to salads, which I hope will not be lacking on your Christmas or New Year’s table.

Garlic and onion

Garlic is one of the oldest plants with healing effects. It is rich in an active compound containing phosphorus called allicin. Allicin can certainly be described as a natural antibiotic, because it has a strong bactericidal, antifungal and fungicidal effect. In addition, it supports liver functions by stimulating bile production. In particular, allicin improves the effectiveness of the liver in removing mercury and many adjuvants added to foods. Onions contain both allicin and other phosphate compounds that support the liver in the production of glutathione. Glutathione is one of the key substances in the neutralisation of reactive oxygen compounds. Remember, however, that fried onion will not improve the well-being of your liver!