Looking after your body is more than just about food, it’s a lifestyle. But it’s easy to underestimate the healing power of foods when we know we can pop a pill for most things these days.

The liver is one of our five vital organs so it’s important to take care of it and nourish it so it can carry out its job!

Kris Carr – who started Crazy Sexy Cancer – is a cancer thriver and knows the benefits of changing your life around with food. You can read more about her story here.

Why is the liver so important?

The liver is one of the largest organs in our body and it converts the nutrients we eat so that the body can use them. It’s most commonly known for helping to eliminate toxins, along with the kidneys.

The liver also cleans the blood of toxins, regulates blood clotting, helps fight infections by making immune factors and removing bacteria from the bloodstream, and so much more.

Put it this way. It’s pretty important!

What foods can damage your liver?

It’s not just food that can damage the liver. Too much alcohol is bad for the liver and medication can also put a strain on it.

When it comes to food anything high in sugar, fried foods, white bread and pasta and too much salt over time can be damaging to the liver.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can be a risk factor if you’ve got type 2 diabetes and has been associated with high sugar intake. According to the British Liver Trust, NAFLD is likely to overtake alcohol as the leading cause of liver disease over the next few years.

What kind of food helps your liver?

Introducing foods that are liver-friendly can be a great way to help your liver. Also, it’s been recommended that cutting back on sugary foods and alcohol can be really beneficial.

If you currently have any problems with your liver, you will need to speak to your doctor as certain foods may or may not be recommended with specific conditions.

Remember there’s never just one thing that can help, it’s always a combination. Here are some of the foods known to promote liver health;

• Grapefruit – It contains antioxidants that naturally protect the liver.
• Blueberries and Cranberries – berries are high in antioxidants.
• Beetroot and Beetroot juice – a source of nitrates and antioxidants. If you’re buying beetroot juice, check the ingredients and opt for one with no added sugar or that shows it contains 100% beetroot juice.
• Cruciferous Vegetables – you’ll never get away from these veggies. They’re a powerhouse of nutrients. Brussel sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower are high in fibre. Helping your digestive system and keeping you feeling full.
• Nuts – high in fats, phytonutrients, and Vitamin E

It’s easy to neglect our bodies when we feel like everything is ticking along. It’s only when illness hits us or our loved ones that we really stop and take a look at what we’re doing to ourselves.

Creating lifestyle changes at any time in your life can be beneficial to living a long, healthy, and happy life.

What are your favourites from the liver-friendly foods above?

** This is for information purposes only. If you are suffering from any medical condition or are on any form of medication always speak to your doctor or a functional medicine doctor first.