How To Heal Your Liver With Whole Foods And Bitter Vegetables

As you already know, if there is an organ in our body that fulfills countless essential functions for our health and well-being, it is the liver.

It is very common that we never pay too much attention to it, that we limit ourselves to eating a diet that we believe is adequate and healthy, until, suddenly, a problem arises.

The most common ailment associated with the liver is hepatomegaly, a process in which this organ grows pathologically in size, reaching a volume that, if left untreated, can become serious. A diet rich in fat, sugar, refined or unnatural foods can be harmful to the liver.

Today, in our space, we want to talk to you about two excellent enhancers of liver health : foods rich in fiber and bitter vegetables.

The importance of fiber for the health of our liver

Doctors and nutritionists tell us that the first step to heal our liver is to maintain a healthy, restrictive diet in terms of fats and, in addition, take good care of the way we cook food.

The most suitable culinary techniques will be grilled, baked, steamed or boiled.

One type of food that you should start to introduce into your day to day is fiber. That’s why we want you to take into account these important data for your health.

Lack of fiber can increase our cholesterol and blood glucose

You may wonder why fiber is so important in our diet. First of all, we must bear in mind that this element is essential when it comes to absorbing nutrients.

• Insoluble fiber, for example , has a laxative effect and takes care of the health of our intestines.

• Soluble fiber, for its part, when fermented, has the ability to  regulate cholesterol, take care of our intestinal flora and reduce the levels of the so-called bad cholesterol.

• Another fact that we must take into account is that, in case of having fatty liver, we are prone to developing hyperglycemia and a certain resistance to insulin. Thus, we need slow-absorbing foods, such as whole foods rich in fiber.

• Remember that it is necessary to consume foods rich in fiber but without sugar.
• The recommended fiber intake per day is 30 grams. Is it your case? If not and you want to promote the health of your liver, mark it as a purpose.

Fiber-rich foods you should eat

• Oatmeal
• Integral rice
• Whole wheat flour
• Rye bread
• Apples
• Pears
• Lentils in salad
• Sugar-free whole grains

The benefits of bitter foods

Endive, broccoli, endive .. . They are not usually the foods most desired by the majority of the population. A hamburger or stew, for example, is always more attractive.

Now, what many people do not know is that this bitter taste is due to a series of compounds that help us in all these processes:

• Promote the secretion of gastric juices.
• Improve digestion thanks to its enzymes.
• Help us absorb nutrients.

Bitter vegetables help us detoxify the liver

• Bitter vegetables such as chicory, for example, are rich in phytonutrients that allow us to purify our liver of toxins and harmful elements.
• They keep cholesterol at an adequate level, metabolize fats and purify the blood.

Natural source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants

We must remember that the liver is an organ that needs a constant supply of antioxidants and minerals. Thanks to them we protect liver cells from attack by bacteria and toxins.

Vitamin C, for example, is also a staple that helps maintain a healthy and strong liver. Do bitter vegetables help us meet all these needs? Of course.

• Bitter vegetables are very rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
• They have a lot of fiber and folic acid.
• They are very low in fat and sodium.

What bitter foods can we include in our diet?

• Arugula
• Broccoli
• Thistles
• Brussels sprouts
• Lettuce
• Bitter melon
• Cucumbers
• Licorice
• Bitter mustard
• Cauliflower
• Watercress
• Artichokes
• Chicory

You will also be interested in knowing what drinks you can consume to take care of your liver. However, remember that you must take them with balance and not commit excesses.

• Coffee
• Tonic water (it is rich in quinine)
• Valerian infusion
• Milk thistle infusion
• White tea
• Lemon juice
• Grapefruit or grapefruit juice

To conclude, we cannot forget that the liver has the ability to regenerate. If we give him the right foods we can heal him. However, always have the prescriptions that the doctors mark for you, according to your particular needs.