Liver Cleanse Diet Supplements
The liver is a complex and vital organ that serves many valuable functions. Weighing around three or four pounds, the liver is the largest organ in the human body and if healthy is a dark red color due to all the blood constantly flowing through it. Because the liver filters and neutralizes harmful toxins, it is constantly at risk of contamination. Using a liver detoxification regimen on a regular basis can help maintain liver health.
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Why Cleanse the Liver?
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The liver performs over 500 vital functions. Some of the most important of these include filtering the blood, eliminating toxins and waste products, storing vital nutrients, and producing cholesterol and proteins for fat transportation. You may need a liver cleanse if you are noticing symptoms such as constipation, allergies, fatigue, insomnia, hot flashes, bloating, high blood pressure or low metabolism. If you cleanse your liver you may notice improved digestion and absorption of vitamins and minerals, reduction in allergy symptoms, more restful sleep, lower blood pressure and improved blood sugar levels. There are a number of supplements you can use to cleanse the liver.
Milk Thistle
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Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been tried and trusted for centuries as a medicinal herb. It contains a flavonoid called silymarin which protects the liver from toxins and is also a significant antioxidant. Silymarin has been shown to be 10 times more potent than vitamin E and is also able to increase the liver's own antioxidant, glutathione. It may also encourage the liver to repair itself by growing new cells. Milk thistle extract has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of several types of liver disease including hepatitis and cirrhosis. It may also help prevent gallstones. Milk thistle is available in tablets, dried seeds and fluid extract.
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Dandelion Root
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Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), though considered by many as a weed, has been used by herbalists for a long time. One of its widest uses is as a liver remedy. Most commonly, the root is used and the active ingredient is known as choline. In relation to the liver, it has been shown to stimulate the flow of bile which carries the stored fat-soluble toxins from the liver. Dandelion root is available in tablet, powder or fluid extract forms.
Spirulina
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Spirulina is made up of single-cell blue-green algae that are packed with 10 vitamins, eight minerals, eighteen essential and non-essential amino acids, a complete protein and a host of valuable minerals including iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and copper. It promotes the body's natural detoxification processes leaving you feeling more energetic, happier and fitter. It also restores the natural balance of the nutrients your body needs and boosts your immune system. Spirulina may also help to cleanse the liver of heavy metals.
Other Ways to Cleanse the Liver
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• Maintain a healthy diet. Reduce saturated fats and trans-fats, and eat plenty of fresh fruit and raw or steamed vegetables. Don't skip meals. Don't over-eat.
• Drink plenty of fluids. For optimum liver function you should be drinking between eight to 12 glasses of filtered water each day.
• Maintain healthy sugar levels. Avoid eating large amounts of refined sugar, as the liver will convert this to cholesterol and fat.
• Avoid food allergens. Keep anything that upsets your stomach away from your plate.
• Maintain healthy protein levels. Obtain protein in from different sources including chicken, legumes, fish and eggs.
• Eat plenty of fiber. This will keep your digestive system healthy and prevent constipation.
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