When you consume booze, the liver breaks down most of the alcohol to remove it from the body. However, this very process produces substances that are even more harmful than the alcohol itself, damaging liver cells and causing serious liver damage.
Before it’s too late, take a booze break and consume certain foods and drinks that will help flush out toxins from your liver and reduce inflammation. Here are three drinks you can try to detoxify your liver (and how to make them).
1. Liver-cleansing drink
This drink should be the first thing you consume for the day and take it with no other food. Let it digest for two hours before eating. Drink it daily for the first three weeks of cleansing.
For this recipe, you need:
- ½- to 1-inch slice fresh ginger
- 1 grapefruit or orange, peeled and chopped
- 1 lemon, peeled and chopped
- 1 to 2 garlic cloves
- 1 to 2 tablespoon cold-pressed olive oil
- 1 to 2 teaspoon ground flaxseeds
- Small pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- Put all ingredients in a blender, then add about ½ cup of water. Slowly add more water as needed, but be careful not to add too much or the consistency will be too thin.
- Blend on high until the garlic, ginger, and ground flaxseeds are completely blended.
- Drink slowly.
The drink should be thick enough to chew. Make the drink fresh every morning as it does not store well for the next day because of oxidation.
2. Green liver-cleansing drink
If you have problems related to acidity, such as acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or gastric ulcers, or are sensitive to sour and citrus flavors, this is a great alternative to the standard liver-cleansing drink.
For this recipe, you need:
- ½ cucumber
- ½ cup parsley
- 1 green apple
- 2 to 3 celery stalks
Instructions:
- Put all ingredients in a blender with enough water to blend into a thick drink. Again, be careful not to add too much water or it will be too thin.
- Blend on high until all ingredients are fully blended.
- Drink slowly.
Like the standard liver-cleansing drink, it should be thick enough to chew. Make a new drink every day as it does not store well. You may also eat breakfast after this drink.
3. Liver-cleansing tea
This tea serves as a warming drink to the liver-cleansing drink. You may opt to drink this tea throughout the day, warm or at room temperature.
For this recipe, you need:
- 1 teaspoon fennel
- 1 teaspoon fenugreek
- 1 teaspoon flaxseeds
- 1 teaspoon peppermint leaf
- 1-inch piece of licorice root (optional)
- 4 to 5 slices of ginger
Instructions:
- For 10 to 15 minutes, boil the ginger root in 1 quart of water.
- Add the remaining ingredients.
- Turn off heat and cover.
- Steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Using a tea strainer, filter the tea and then drink.
Liver-healthy foods to eat
In addition to liver-cleansing drinks, there are several powerful liver-cleansing foods you can try:
- Broccoli sprouts – This superfood has high antioxidant content, and increases the production of glutathione, a potent antioxidant that supports liver detoxification.
- Garlic – Garlic helps activate the liver detox enzymes, which assist in breaking down toxins and removing them from the body. In addition, garlic contains the compound allicin, which helps kill harmful organisms that produce toxins in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Walnuts – Walnuts help improve circulation and blood flow, so toxins can be easily transported from different points in the body to the liver.
The list of liver-friendly foods and drinks doesn't stop here. Learn more natural ways to detoxify the liver and the body at Detox.news.
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