When Hippocrates said “let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” he was onto something, which we are missing. We’ve become too dependent on synthetic medicine which in the long run do more harm than good… If you were to add juice with petrol into your Aston; I’m not a mechanic and I don’t know much about cars but I imagine something could go wrong… Is that not what we humans are doing?
We live in toxic environments, ingest countless chemicals and synthetic medicine and “food” and then we wonder how we get diseases. A creator always ensures that their creation is provided with everything necessary to function and survive, even to thrive. The same can be said for us humans; everything we need to live healthy lives has been provided in nature in the form of food. Food is a great way to rev up our detox systems and flush out the innumerable toxins we’re exposed to on a regular basis through the air we breath, the water we drink, the food we eat and almost everything else we come in contact with.
But how wonderful it is that a shift is happening? There’s a global awakening and many doctors and scientist are now returning to and advocating for the use of food as a means to cure and prevent disease- food as medicine. One such doctor is Dr William Li, physician and scientist who is also the author of Eat to beat disease: The new science of how the body can heal itself. At last there is hope that there are doctors who are taking time to figure out the root cause of disease and are reversing the effects in a natural way- which is proven to work better than synthetic medicine. Dr William Li says “while medicine can be used to treat disease, food can be used to prevent disease in the first place”.
Our bodies are made to fight disease, and food can be used to amplify this power.
Here’s a list of some of the best foods which aid the liver to detox your body. The best you can do for yourself first and foremost though is to avoid or minimize exposure to toxins as much as possible, and lessen the burden on your body.
- Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, kale, arugula, bok choy, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, watercress, collards, kohlrabi, radish and turnips are great for supporting detoxification and boost the liver’s ability to clear bad chemicals from your body. They contain sulfur compounds which neutralize and eliminate carcinogens (substances capable of causing cancer in living tissue) and prevent estrogen related cancers. Vegetables with high sulfur content also yield naturally high glutathione levels. Broccoli contains enzymes that can eliminate toxins and purify the liver. Sulforaphane is a compound rich in broccoli sprouts which supports phases 1 and 2 of liver detoxification.
- Turmeric The main active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin, which is a very powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin increases glutathione, which helps the liver eliminate poisons and toxins in the lungs, liver, intestines and kidneys. Turmeric ensures smooth flow of the bile duct (a liver cleanser) and prevents toxins from damaging the liver. To experience the maximum benefits of curcumin, it is best to consume turmeric with black pepper (it contains a substance called piperine which enhances the absorption of curcumin in the body).
- Beetroots are a rich source of fiber, vitamin C and betaine; a nutrient made from the B complex vitamin choline, which is anti-inflammatory. The high amount of fiber (fiber is a natural cleanser for the digestive system) in beetroots also improves digestion and the elimination of toxins. They also contain an antioxidant (betalains) which works to decrease oxidative stress and aid in detoxification by breaking down toxic waste so that its easily excreted out of the body. Beetroots are high in flavonoids which can stimulate and improve the overall function of the liver and assist with increasing oxygen by cleansing the blood.
- Leafy Greens like cilantro, beet greens, bok choy, chard, collard greens, endive, escarole, kale, mustard greens, parsley and radicchio have the ability to neutralize heavy metals and suck up environmental toxins from the blood. They get their color from chlorophyll which is able to bind to certain carcinogens
- Allium foods like garlic, leeks, onions, scallions, shallots, chives, daikon, spring onion also contain sulfides, that possess antioxidants properties. They contain flavonoids that stimulate the production of glutathione (the liver’s most potent antioxidant) which enhances elimination of toxins and carcinogens. Alliums help accelerate phase II detoxification in the liver which helps promote the elimination of toxins, including potential carcinogens.
It goes without saying that you need to eat a healthy balanced diet consisting of organic food; lose excess weight from your body; drink plenty of water that is free from fluoride; avoid excessive alcohol and don’t take any unnecessary medication. The liver does not need any detoxing because that is exactly what its function is- to detox the body. But what you can do is lessen the burden and make its job a lot less strenuous by making sure that it’s in tip top shape. If you would take care of your body, it will most definitely take care of you in return.
Remember; good manners and good wine are timeless. Cheers to a life well-lived,
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