Top 12 Foods and Top 6 Herbs to Improve and Support Liver Function

You might notice that this list contains some of the same foods that are beneficial to our kidneys...makes it easy to keep adding in the good foods we need.  Half the work has already been done.  Let’s keep up the good support of a gradual and gentle detox for both our liver and our kidneys. 

Remember, we are trying to remove toxins so it’s really important that all these foods are organic or wild-crafted, free from pesticides, herbicides, chemicals and are toxin-free.

Top 12 foods to improve and support liver function:

1.      Lemon water – strengthens the liver because it’s high in Vitamin C, stimulates digestion and increases bile flow.

2.      Cruciferous vegetables – broccoli, kale, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, cabbage and turnip greens all contain strong detoxifying agents that neutralize toxins.

3.      Beets + Beet greens – protects the liver against the harmful effects of toxins.

4.      Apples – a great source of fiber, both soluble and insoluble, needed to support the detox process

5.      Bitter Greens – dandelion greens, arugula, parsley, chicory, endive, and radicchio all increase bile production and improve overall digestion.

6.      Garlic – contains sulfur compounds needed for good liver function.

7.      Fermented foods – sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha are all loaded with good bacteria and may help in the removal of toxins including heavy metals.

8.      Berries – blackberries, blueberries or raspberries are all high in antioxidants that support detoxification.

9.      Avocado – boost production of glutathione, a master antioxidant necessary for good liver detox function.

10.  Coffee – high in antioxidants and is liver-protective however, coffee has to be organically grown and you must drink it black with no added sugars or dairy/non-dairy milk or creamers in order to reap the benefits.

More about coffee – one of the most sprayed crops in the world

11. Spirulina and Chlorella– superpowers in the detoxification process.

12.  Olives & Olive oil  – natural detoxifiers and powerful antioxidant.

 Top 6 Herbs to boost liver function and detox:

1.      Turmeric - an antioxidant-rich spice that can improve detoxification by increasing glutathione production, a master antioxidant.

2.      Milk Thistle - Contains the active ingredient silymarin that helps strengthen the liver can support regeneration, may assist the elimination of heavy metals, prescription medications, environmental pollutants.

3.      Dandelion Root - a gentle but effective herb that stimulates liver detoxification, boosts digestion and improves gallbladder function.

4.      Burdock Root - helps boost the liver’s ability to remove toxins, acts as a blood purifier, a diuretic and protects the liver from damage by environmental toxins by increasing glutathione production. 

Glutathione is an antioxidant that helps protect the liver by neutralizing toxins and making them water-soluble so the body can eliminate them more easily.

5.      Peppermint - supports good digestion and good liver function increases bile flow and protects against certain toxins.

Bile is produced in the liver but stored and concentrated in the gallbladder

6.      Green Tea – A powerful antioxidant, increases glutathione levels required to detoxify the body from harmful toxins.