We all know that the liver is the largest detoxification organ in our body. It takes metabolites that are not easily absorbed in the intestines back to the liver for “detoxification.” However, for people with poor liver health and impaired liver function, toxins may be difficult to excrete, leading to the accumulation of toxins in the body, causing skin blemishes, acne, dull and dark complexion, lack of luster, poor elasticity, and dark circles under the eyes. Not only can this harm the body, but it can also accelerate aging and even cause a decline in the body’s immunity, leading to hepatitis infection and other health issues.
To protect the liver, we can eat these foods more often in our daily life. They are known as “natural detox kings” and consuming them daily can repair damaged liver cells, help the liver eliminate toxins, and keep liver diseases and hepatitis away from you.
1. Black Fungus
For people with poor liver health, consuming black fungus can help as it has the function of detoxifying and lowering cholesterol. Black fungus is rich in vitamin B2 and folic acid, which can lower cholesterol, prevent ulcers in the liver, and help in the excretion of liver toxins, thus protecting liver cells.
2. Goji Berries
Goji berries contain polysaccharides, carotene, riboflavin, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and various minerals and amino acids, which have hepatoprotective effects. They can promote the repair of liver damage, prevent liver dysfunction, and are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat liver conditions such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.
3. Dandelion
Dandelion has the effects of heat-clearing, detoxification, anti-swelling, dispersing masses, benefiting the liver, and promoting bile secretion. It is good at clearing liver heat and stagnation. Drinking dandelion root tea can help remove liver heat and toxins, prevent liver damage, and promote the elimination of toxins from the body through diuresis.
In addition to diet, to protect the liver, we also need to pay attention to the following three points:
1. Develop good sleep habits and avoid staying up late.
During deep sleep, the liver gets rest. The liver’s detoxification time is from 1 am to 3 am, which is the golden time for liver self-repair. Staying up late frequently can disrupt the liver’s rest, affecting liver function and weakening the body’s resistance. For patients already infected with hepatitis B virus, repairing damaged liver cells becomes more challenging, potentially exacerbating the condition.
2. Develop a habit of urinating and defecating in the morning.
Urinating in the morning helps detoxify the body. Holding urine or stool for too long can retain toxins in the body. Therefore, when you feel the need to urinate in the morning, get up promptly to eliminate the toxins accumulated overnight. Prolonged constipation can lead to bacterial overgrowth in the intestines, increasing toxins, burdening the liver, and damaging liver cells or tissues. Long-term constipation may lead to abnormal liver function and decreased detoxification capacity.
3. Reduce sugar consumption.
Sugar can damage the liver similar to alcohol because the liver can convert sugar into fat. Consuming excessive refined sugar can increase the metabolic burden on the liver, leading to fat accumulation in the liver and causing fatty liver. Therefore, individuals with liver discomfort should consume fewer foods high in fat content such as egg yolks, animal offal, and fried foods.
Finally, for friends with poor liver health, besides consuming liver-protecting foods, it is important to exercise regularly, adopt good lifestyle habits, and boost immunity. When the liver is healthy, liver function improves, complexion brightens, and overall appearance becomes more youthful!
