Restore and Support Liver Health with Food

A healthy liver, whose job it is to process and help eliminate toxins that enter the body, is essential in health and recovery. Unfortunately, substance abuse and addiction can overwhelm this essential organ and interfere with its ability to properly function, contributing to the development of ill health and liver disease. However, there are a few dietary measures we can take in order to restore liver function during the recovery process so that we can halt and potentially reverse the damage caused by addiction. Liver detoxification is a two-step process, aptly named Phase I and Phase II detoxification, that helps convert fat-soluble toxins that are easily stored in our cells and tissue into water-soluble substances that are more easily eliminated by the body. Phase I detoxification is facilitated by special liver enzymes that function to convert toxins into chemical intermediates that are easily accessed by Phase II detox. Phase II detoxification combines these intermediates with other special substances in order to make the water-soluble, less harmful and more easily excreted. If either phase of the detoxification process is altered, the liver’s ability to process toxins can falter, which may allow toxins to spill into the blood and gain access to the of the body’s vital organs. The primary suspects in liver dysfunction are lifestyle toxins, including substances of abuse such as drugs, alcohol, over-the-counter and prescription medications, in addition to food allergens and chemical additives often added to food during the production process. Environmental toxins can also contribute to liver destruction and include things such as pollution, smog, pesticides, industrial cleaning products, and chemicals used in the production of commercial goods and services. To restore physical health and psychological wellbeing during the recovery process, we should emphasize certain foods that promote liver restoration and health while reducing our exposure the aforementioned toxins. Foods high in vitamins A, C, D3, E and the entire B complex, in addition to calcium and citrus bioflavonoids aide Phase I detoxification, which include:

• Dark leafy greens like kale, chard and mustard greens
• Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts
• Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges and clementines
• High quality, organic animal proteins from pastured, free-range, wild, grass-fed, antibiotic- and hormone-free animals.

Related: Super Greens to Revitalize (Liver) Health Phase II detoxification is facilitated by sulfur-containing substances like taurine and cysteine, in addition to nutrients like glycine, glutamine, choline and inositol. High quality sources of sulfur-containing compounds include:

• Eggs
• Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts
• Garlic, Onions and Shallots
• High quality, organic animal proteins from pastured, free-range, wild, grass-fed, antibiotic- and hormone-free animals.

Glutathione, the body’s most powerful antioxidant and first line of defense against the free radicals produced during both phases of detoxification, is found abundantly in fruits and vegetables and, to a lesser degree, high quality animal protein. For an additional liver-healing boost, herbs such as borotutu bark, milk thistle, and dandelion root promote liver health and cleansing. One of my favorite recipes to prepare for clients who are struggling with liver health is my Raw Detox Salad (recipe below), which incorporates Phase I and Phase II helpers such as broccoli, cauliflower, lemon and parsley. When paired with an ethically sourced piece of poultry or fish, you have a nutritionally complete meal specifically aimed at promoting liver health and detoxification. Proper liver function is essential to health, especially for those in recovery from substance abuse and addiction. Fortunately, there are many foods that we can eat to help restore liver health and halt, maybe even reverse, liver disease. Eat well, friends!

Raw Detox Salad

Ingredients

1 large head broccoli 1 medium head cauliflower 2-3 cups shredded carrots ½ cup sunflower seeds or pepitas (pumpkin seeds) 1 cup currants or raisins ½ cup parsley 4-6 tbsp. lemon juice Salt and pepper, to taste Kelp, dulse or other sea veg granules, to taste (optional)

Directions

• In a food processor, process broccoli until fine and transfer to large bowl.
• Repeat step 1 with cauliflower and then shredded carrots.
• Stir sunflower seeds, currants or raisins, parsley and lemon juice into processed veggies.
• Add salt, pepper and sea granules, if using, to taste

Matthew Lovitt is a holistic nutritionist specializing in the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction with food and fitness. He is the staff nutritionist for an all men’s long-term treatment facility in Prescott, Arizona and maintains a private practice where he helps addicts, alcoholics, children, families, and those suffering from specific, often acute, conditions restore health and well being through dietary and lifestyle modification. Matthew is a recovery alcoholic and drug addict with over 6 years of sobriety. You can learn more about him and his diet and lifestyle philosophy at twelvewellness.com, on Facebook and Twitter.