The liver is the largest of our organs, weighing almost two kilograms. It resembles a modern chemical plant, whose task is to absorb and neutralize various poisons in the body. During the day, the liver produces about a litre of bile, thanks to which we digest fats.
Functions of liver
The liver is an organ compared to a large factory. Its functions include, among others:
- participation in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats
- detoxification (neutralization) of toxic compounds inside the body
- participation in thermoregulation
- storage of vitamins, minerals
- production of clotting agents
- production of blood proteins
All of this makes the liver an extremely important organ, so you need to take special care of it. It is important to be aware of how much influence our diet has on the condition of the liver.
Liver diet - what is the best diet for the liver?
The most beneficial diet for the functioning of the liver assumes:
- eating regular meals - often (about 5-6 times a day) but in small portions
- avoiding the supply of more calories to the body than the energy requirements of age, gender and lifestyle
- having a balanced diet – containing proteins, carbohydrates and fats in appropriate proportions
- reduce the consumption of fats of animal origin, replacing them with vegetable fats and fats contained in fish
- avoid eating hard to digest food, fried food, fast-food, sweets
- supplying the body with products containing antioxidants (so-called free radical scavengers) contained in e.g. vegetables
- use of herbs (e.g. mint, marjoram, cumin)
- avoidance of hot spices
- limiting the consumption of alcohol, coffee, strong tea, carbonated drinks
- replacing black tea with green tea and yerba mate
- drinking the optimal amount of liquids
- consumption of freshly prepared food
The use of a rational, well-balanced weight loss diet, especially when combined with physical effort, has a good impact on the liver. Reducing the amount of food consumed, avoiding greasy and hardly digestible products relieves the liver and promotes its regeneration. In addition, it is beneficial for the liver to undergo detoxification treatments that detoxify the body from toxins.
Products for a healthy liver
Food products and dietary supplements often contain substances that have a beneficial effect on liver function. Among the well-known products that are particularly liver-friendly, we mention:
- artichokes - they contain cynarin, which has a cholagogic and biliary effect, as well as numerous antioxidants. Artichoke extract supports the liver in the digestive and detoxification processes, as well as helps to eliminate the inflammation and supports the regeneration of the organ
- chicory - the ingredients contained in it have cholagogic and antioxidant effects
- turmeric - contains compounds that stimulate bile production and substances that have a diastolic effect and facilitate bile flow in the biliary tract
- yerba mate - supports bile production, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which is important for example in viral hepatitis
- mint, marjoram, cumin, juniper - these spices support fat metabolism and thus improve the digestive function of the liver
Is every diet good for the liver?
Not every slimming diet is beneficial for liver function. Some of the commonly known and used diets are associated with a high risk for this organ. These are diets that aim to selectively provide the body with one type of nutrients, e.g. only proteins or only fats. Such a diet can negatively impact the liver functioning and health state of this organ.
