Give this incredible organ the treatment it deserves.
I’ll admit it: I am in awe of the liver. As far as I’m concerned, this amazing organ nestled away in the right side of the abdomen has more than earned its name, which is derived from an old English word for “life.” The liver is your key to life, even possessing the unique ability to regenerate itself. Although your liver may need up to two years for this regeneration process, you can rebuild this vital organ with the right diet and detox plan. These liver-loving nutrients will keep it running smoothly and promote its detoxification—for optimum weight loss and health.
Sulfur-Rich Foods – garlic (at least one clove, minced, preferably raw), onion (1/2 cup cooked), eggs (2), daikon radish (1/4 cup sliced, either raw or cooked)
One of the processes by which the liver eliminates toxins is known as sulfation—so called because sulfur is an indispensable part of the procedure. These foods make toxins easier to eliminate.
Daikon radish goes a step further—it also aids in the digestion and metabolism of fats. That’s why in Asian cuisine, you’re always served a bit of daikon with any fatty or hard-to-digest food. This long white radish, with its crisp texture and somewhat pungent taste, also acts as a diuretic and decongestant. I like to use it as a relish by placing ½ cup shredded daikon radish in a bowl and sprinkling it with 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger and 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh parsley—making 4 servings. It’s a fantastic way to dress up fish, lamb, or beef.
Eggs are rich in the amino acids methionine, cysteine, glycine, glutamine, and taurine. Your liver needs these acids to successfully complete phase 2 of its detox process. And eggs offer the lechithin your liver needs to produce that beautiful bile.
Liver Healers – artichoke (1 small or 4 cooked hearts), asparagus (1/2 cup cooked), beets (1/2 cup cooked or 1 cup raw), celery (2 medium stalks), dandelion root tea (1 to 2 cups), whey (1 to 2 scoops)
Artichokes, especially the hearts, contain powerful antioxidants known as flavonoids that protect the liver’s cells and tissues. Artichokes are also good for the secretion of bile, which helps the body better digest and assimilate fats. The artichoke is a close relative of milk thistle, queen of the liver protectors, which offers major defense against free radicals and is especially good for people with compromised immunity or alcohol-related liver problems.
Asparagus contains high amounts of vitamin A and potassium, another mineral on which the liver depends during detox. They make a great side dish to chicken or beef.
Beets are full of betaine, which helps protect the liver against the damaging effects of alcohol. Betaine also thins the bile and helps it move freely within the bile ducts. Though I’m not a beet lover myself, when they’re grated and sprinkled over a salad they can be quite delicious.
Dandelion root stimulates liver function. It also contains inulin, a fiber-like substance that functions as a probiotic—an element that helps nourish the friendly bacteria in the gut. As if that weren’t enough, the humble dandelion root is also good for lowering blood sugar.
Try Dandelion Root Tea—which many Fat Flushers use in place of an organic cup of coffee—or Dandelion Root Capsules.
Whey is a rich source of the amino acid L-cysteine, which, like vitamin C, is the precursor to glutathione. Remember, the liver’s own two-phase detox process uses up huge amounts of glutathione, so it’s up to us to replenish it daily. Whey also contains methionine, glycine, glutamine, and taurine—amino acids that are crucial to the liver’s phase 2 detox process.
I recommend Fat Flush Whey Protein because it’s 100% natural. It’s also lactose, hormone, pesticide and chemical-free, and is derived from disease-free herds. It has no added sugar and is only sweetened with stevia, a natural herb.
Most U.S. cows produce milk with A1 protein, a genetic mutation. Some researchers have linked whey from A1 protein cows to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and digestive problems. Fat Flush Whey Protein contains non-mutant A2 protein that has not been associated with any of the problems that A1 protein has. Easy to digest, A2 protein also contains the amino acid proline—which fights aging by supporting collagen.
If you’re not a fan of any of these foods, you can always opt for Liver-Lovin Formula, a unique blend of the following nutrients:
• Artichoke (300 mg) – a well-known liver healer, loaded with antioxidants to help move toxins through the liver’s detox pathways and boost bile production.
• Chlorophyll (500 mg) – rich in purifying magnesium to further enhance elimination.
• Taurine (250 mg) – boosts the liver’s production of bile to aid in fat digestion and absorption.
Giving your liver special nurturing during spring will nourish your detox pathways, support the purification of your blood, and energize and soothe your nervous system.
Visionary, health guru, diet/detox expert, author, spokesperson, role model, and natural foods icon, Ann Louise Gittleman has always been a trendsetter. 
I;m shocked there was NO mention of milk thistle or sily marin in this article on liver detox.
I’m so glad to hear about other alternatives in addition to milk thistle. I’ve know about that one for years.
Could you please tell me more about the gallbladder, liver and bile production. I have had my gallbladder removed and I’ve been reading that I should be taking bile salts. Is this true and if so could you detail how much and where you get it and any other helpful information. Does the liver produce bile even without the gallbladder? And if so, can you still produce stones, or in my case, sludge (as the Dr. put it) and why and what can be done to prevent it? Thanks!
Lorraine, there’s a products called AF-Beta Food that is extremely helpful for someone without a gallbladder. I know that UNI KEY carries it, and I also use their HCL+2 on a regular basis to aid in the digestion of my dietary fats and proteins. If you use both of those, you should be in tip top shape and not miss your gallbladder at all
Hope this helps you!
Thank you for such a helpful article, without making it overwhelming. I understand the liver is very complex and responsible for so many aspects of my health, but sometimes I just need manageable amounts of information to begin making changes. I loved the recipe for the daikon radish. Just two days earlier I had the thought that I needed to give my liver some TLC!! Thank you for the help and encouragement. Mimi
Is the Liver Lovin’ Formula safe to use with the Gut Flush Protocol as well as Ultra H-3, Adrenal Formula, GLA-90, L-glutamine and Gamma Oryzanol DGL tablets? Thank you.
JoLynn
Hi Jolynn:
All the formulas you detail above are synergistic and work quite well togethr. Liver-Lovin’ is ALG’s version of a healthy green food without any mercury or copper
one fresh lemon with a glass of water a day is a great cleanser for the liver too.
Never forget the power of celery, zucchini, and string beans – the Bieler’s Broth – to clean up the liver, as well!
I have been reading about the benefits of Kombucha and it’s support of the liver. What information does anyone have
I believe that Ann Louise is not a supporter of Kombucha. It cannot be well regulated, and she feels that using a well formulated probiotic is best! Try Flora Key, it’s great!
Question:
Do I need to take extra Vitamin D while taking Osteo-Key?
Thank You
There is sufficient Vit D3 in the Osteo-Key for mineral absorption. You may want to have a Vitamin D test at your doctor’s office to determine your own levels and supplement if you are low.
Hi there,
There are so many of ALG products that I could use! Nearly all of them! However, I hesitate to order because there aren’t any guidelines that state which you can/cannot take with which. For instance, I certainly could use the B vitamin forte as well as the women’s multi. Would that be an overload of Vitamin B? Pregnenlone (sp?) with Ultra-H3, Adrenal Formula, Liver Lovin’ Formula and the above? I’d like to use about 15 products all at once but am concerned I’d be over doing it causing a negative result. Even dangerous. How could I obtain the information I feel I’d need?
beer is important too
JoLynn: Thank you for your post. I’m sure many people have similar questions. Dr. Ann Louise’s blogs are very helpful to educate yourself in recommended supplements and amounts.
The best way to do it, I think, is to get more information on your own requirements. This is done though testing. Tissue Mineral Analysis is a great way to help determine which vitamins and minerals are the best for you. This test is available through unikeyhealth.com or by calling 800 888-8353.
Dr. Ann Louise also does individual telephone consultations. You can contact tami@annlouise.com for more information.
Ann Louise,
I cannot tell you how much I love your blogs. I’m a teen girl that is in love with health and fitness tips. I’m very fascinated with the effects of supplements and inner health for beauty. I want to be an herbalist so these blogs are perfect! I do have one question. What kind of courses, training did you do? I’m a Junior in high school and I just want to know if their is any kind of health class, training of some sort to get a head start on a job ahead. Overall, your blog rocks!
Thanks.