The bloodstream carries life-sustaining oxygen and nutrients to your organs and tissues. But if your liver and kidneys are not functioning properly, it becomes difficult to eliminate waste and toxins from your blood, and this causes your blood to become toxic.
This can result in a weakened immune system that is unable to effectively fight off infections.
Unfortunately, chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity are rampant, and these can take a toll on the liver and kidneys.
In addition, everyday stressors—such as poor nutrition, exposure to environmental toxins, sleep deprivation, and a sedentary lifestyle—can make your blood sluggish and unable to cleanse itself of toxins and waste.
So, how can you ensure that your liver and kidneys are working at optimal levels to keep your blood running clean?
Today, we look at twelve foods that can cleanse the blood, fortify the liver, and nourish the kidneys.
Whether it’s removing harmful fats from the liver, helping the body flush away toxins, regenerating liver cells, or boosting levels of glutathione, these liver and kidney-friendly foods can ease your toxic burden and promote overall health.
Watch this video until the end to learn about the BEST fruit you can eat for your liver.
Let’s start with a refreshing fruit, Number 12 is “Lemons”.
Not only are fresh lemons and lemon juice packed with the antioxidant vitamin C, but they also increase levels of another powerful antioxidant in the body: glutathione.
Glutathione, often called the “master antioxidant,” reduces inflammation and assists the liver in purging harmful toxins from the body.
One recent study published in Phytotherapy Research concluded that hesperidin – one of the active ingredients found in lemons – can help reduce liver fat deposits and inflammatory markers for those suffering from fatty liver disease.
Lemons contain citric acid, a natural diuretic that flushes toxins from the kidneys. Furthermore, citrate, a salt found in citric acid, can prevent kidney stones from forming.
The next time you’re using lemons in juices or recipes, consider washing and grating the peels into your dishes for a detoxifying boost.
Next, promote kidney health and efficient digestion with Number 11, “Ginger”.
Enjoy the many benefits of ginger for your kidney and liver health!
Rich in antioxidant compounds such as gingerols, ginger helps ward off type 2 diabetes and therefore protects your kidneys, while at the same time boosting digestion by stimulating bile and gastric secretions.
Ginger may also support your weight loss goals – recent studies suggest that consuming this root helps reduce body fat levels as well as improve insulin resistance.
Fresh or powdered forms can be used in salads or recipes to add a delicious kick – or why not brew up some creamy ginger tea?
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Next, this trusted herb can help to regenerate your liver. Number 10 is “Milk Thistle”.
For centuries, natural healers have used milk thistle to cleanse the blood and detoxify the liver. Recent scientific research from around the world has confirmed this ancient wisdom.
Milk thistle’s remarkable resilience against toxins comes from silymarin, an antioxidant flavonoid that not only protects liver cells but may also help them regenerate!
In a review published in the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Science, researchers credited silymarin with shielding the liver from damage and reducing inflammation.
Other research shows that silymarin helps to boost levels of glutathione and protect mitochondrial cells from oxidative damage.
Integrative healthcare practitioners recommend taking 420-600 milligrams of silymarin plus vitamin E for the best results.
Next, your kidneys will thank you for this root vegetable. Number 9 is “Carrots”.
This brightly-colored root veggie can offer serious therapeutic effects.
A recent study published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis showed that beta-carotene—the orange pigment found in carrots—can not only reduce inflammation but also help repair damaged kidney tubules.
And pectin, a type of soluble fiber in carrots, can decrease creatinine levels. (A high creatinine level may be a sign that the kidneys are not working properly.)
The researchers reported that pectin may be more effective in treating kidney failure than a prescription diuretic. Adding carrots to your diet is a smart move to support kidney detoxification and blood cleansing.
Next, this root vegetable is “nature’s antibiotic”. Number 8 is “Garlic”.
Garlic is believed to purify the blood through its powerful antibacterial and antifungal effects.
This pungent root vegetable contains allicin, a potent antioxidant, which reduces oxidative stress on the liver and kidneys.
Furthermore, studies show that consuming fresh garlic and aged garlic extract boost nitric oxide levels, improving blood circulation. And improved blood flow means lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of damage to the kidneys.
So, go ahead and use fresh garlic to spice up your salads, soups, sauces, marinades, and dips.
Coming up, cleanse your blood and improve digestion with, Number 7. “Artichokes”.
The artichoke is part of the milk thistle family, and unsurprisingly, a powerhouse protector of your liver.
This veggie is loaded with chlorogenic acid and flavonoids, such as luteolin and cynarin which help the liver flush out toxins by promoting bile flow.
A study published in the Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine suggested that artichoke leaf extract has powerful liver-protecting properties.
Moving on, improve blood flow with this juice. Number 6 is “Beets”.
Beetroot juice can do wonders for your heart, liver, kidneys, and skin by dilating blood vessels, cleansing the blood, and increasing oxygen levels.
Beets are a powerful detoxifying agent for the liver. They contain a group of phytonutrients called betalains that increase enzymes to support the liver in Phase 2 detoxification. They also enhance the liver’s ability to produce glutathione and superoxide dismutase; these two are powerful antioxidants that protect liver cells from damage.
You can roast beets as a delicious side dish, cook them with carrots or kale, drink beetroot juice, or add beets to salads or smoothies.
Coming up next, detoxify heavy metals with, Number 5. “Cilantro”.
Cilantro or coriander has a reputation as a powerful detoxifying agent for the kidneys.
Many researchers believe that its effectiveness is due to its rich chlorophyll content, which helps to neutralize toxins and reduce kidney damage caused by exposure to heavy metals.
In a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, researchers found that supplementing with cilantro for one month helped to reduce kidney damage after exposure to lead.
To chelate or bind to heavy metals, such as mercury, aluminum, and cadmium, which have bio-accumulated in the central nervous system and bones for years, it is best to use cilantro in combination with chlorella to completely remove them from the body.
Next, this golden spice is a natural health superstar. Number 4 is “Turmeric”.
Turmeric is well-known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and detoxifying effects. Scientists believe that the orange pigment curcumin is the primary source of its healing power.
Studies show that consuming curcumin helps protect the kidneys and liver from the damaging effects of pollutants, especially heavy metals such as mercury.
When using turmeric in recipes, make sure you pair it with plenty of black pepper to greatly increase curcumin’s bioavailability.
Additionally, do not take turmeric with certain medications; to see the list of these medications, click the link below.
Coming into the top 3, scrub your system clean with Number 3. “Apples”.
Apples are rich in polyphenols, or beneficial plant compounds, which activate a process called autophagy: the cleaning out of damaged cells in order to regenerate newer, healthier cells.
In other words, apple polyphenols “scrub away” the unwanted waste in the tissues and blood.
Additionally, apples are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can help to lower fat and cholesterol levels in the blood.
Also, the highest concentrations of antioxidants are found in the skin, so you will want to enjoy apples without peeling them.
Next, normalize your blood pressure with Number 2 “Cruciferous Vegetables”.
Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, and mustard greens are perfect for nourishing the kidneys and liver due to their high content of sulfur-containing compounds called glucosinolates.
Glucosinolates help protect the liver and kidneys from damage caused by free radicals and toxins.
Additionally, cruciferous vegetables contain indole, a natural compound that has been found to combat fatty liver disease.
Arugula or rocket deserves special mention, as both a leafy green and a cruciferous vegetable.
Arugula is not only rich in toxin-cleansing chlorophyll but also in natural nitrates that, when consumed, are converted into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide dilates the blood vessels, easing blood pressure and protecting the kidneys.
You can use arugula in salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, sauces, and more.
And at Number 1, we have a blood-purifying superfruit, “Blueberries”.
When it comes to reducing liver and kidney inflammation, blueberries are arguably the best fruit you can eat.
This is because wild blueberries have the highest concentration of anthocyanins, antioxidants that counteract oxidative stress and reduce liver inflammation.
Studies have shown that blueberries can help to reduce liver fat and improve blood sugar and blood pressure.
Furthermore, their high levels of fiber confer cleansing and cholesterol-lowering effects, while their high water content helps with hydration.
For maximum benefit, eat fresh or frozen organic blueberries.
Other than blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cranberries, currants, and strawberries are all excellent sources of anthocyanins—the deeper and richer the color the better!
Other important ways to ease the toxic burden on your liver and kidneys are drinking lots of water, getting regular exercise and adequate sleep, and eating an anti-inflammatory diet that includes detoxifying foods.