20 Foods That Cleanse the Liver

This article is devoted to exploring the best foods that cleanse the liver. Below you’ll find a comprehensive list of liver detox foods backed by solid research. I’ll also provide some (admittedly subjective) tips for preparing these foods.

The liver is an indispensable organ that filters toxins out of the blood. There are a few key compounds, which we will discuss, that the liver can derive from food in order to function at maximum potential.

A few weeks ago, I found myself in the produce aisle using Google to figure out which foods I should buy to help my liver detox. Right then and there, I decided to do the research myself and create a list that anyone can use.

Whether your goal is simply to start a temporary detox or quit poisoning your body with toxins and change your life, the liver-friendly foods below make for a stellar grocery shopping list.

Why alcoholics need to cleanse their livers

Not only is the liver responsible for filtering toxins from the blood, it can also be considered a gland as it creates necessary chemicals for the body.

Alcohol, even in small amounts, kills off liver cells.  And although your liver can generate new cells, drinking too much over the years can impact its ability to regenerate these new cells and can result in permanent damage.

The excessive use of alcohol can contribute to the following liver diseases:

• Fatty liver (or hepatic steatosis)
• Alcoholic hepatitis
• Alcohol-related cirrhosis

What foods are good for liver repair?

1) Beets

Beets contain betaine and polyphenols that help the liver produce its own natural detoxification compounds.

A recent study showed that consuming beets significantly boosted the liver’s production of glutathione and superoxide dismutase, both of which are required for liver detoxification. (source)

C’s Tip: Fresh beet juice is a potent natural pre-workout supplement. Every weekend I juice 2-3 beets before heading to the gym for a hard lift and sparring session. It’s powerful stuff, so don’t drink more than half a cup at a time to avoid an upset stomach.

2) Coffee

Coffee had a bad reputation in health circles for many years, and for some reason it was lumped in with cigarettes as a common vice. Newer research has found that coffee is very rich in antioxidants that can repair liver damage caused by excessive drinking.

Studies have shown that coffee can aid the liver in three ways:

• Reduce the amount of fat and collagen deposited in the liver
• Increase production of glutathione
• Modulate the gene and protein expression of several inflammatory mediators.

(source)

C’s Tip: Too much caffeine can cause anxiety and even panic attacks in some people. I stopped getting the jitters when I started limiting myself to 2-3 cups and then switching to yerba mate or herbal teas, both of which have a multitude of detox-promoting compounds.

3) Artichoke

Artichoke has been used for centuries as liver medicine, and recent research has found that the fleshy leaves of this plant can protect the liver through several mechanisms:

• Increase bile secretion and circulation
• Protect liver cells and help them regenerate
• Reduce the amount of fat in the blood

(source)

Many ancient cultures viewed the liver as the seat of life. It’s no surprise that many of them identified artichoke as one of the most potent foods that cleanse the liver.

C’s Tip: Next time you see a globe artichoke in the store, know that taking the time to steam it yourself will be totally worth the effort. Add a little sea salt, Kerrygold butter and lemon juice and you’ve got one of the healthiest appetizers you can make.

4) Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable that contains a natural compound called syringic acid, which shields liver cells from toxins and helps them regenerate. It also packs a solid dose of Vitamin K, which reduces cytokines that produce inflammation. (source)

In fact, any of the chard varieties (rainbow, red, etc.) and other leafy vegetables like mustard greens, kale, and bok choy can support liver health by reducing inflammation in the body.

C’s Tip: Sautéing swiss chard (and other leafy green vegetables) in olive oil with some garlic and sea salt is the tastiest and healthiest way to prepare them. Doing so will increase the bioavailability of their nutrients and approximately halve the total volume of the greens, making them easier to eat.

5) Blueberries

Blueberries have more antioxidant power than any other berries studied, and the wild Alaskan blueberry contains 3 to 5 times more antioxidants than berries from the continental U.S. (source)

Research has shown that blueberries reduce levels of ALT and hyaluronic acid – two blood serum indicators of liver problems – while increasing the amount of superoxide dismutase, a liver detoxifying compound. (source)

C’s Tip: Due to their relatively low sugar content, I try to keep blueberries in my fridge and eat a few handfuls throughout each day.

6) Turmeric

Turmeric has been used in Asia for 4,000 years as a liver tonic and inflammation-fighter. It contains curcumin, which is a natural compound that neutralizes cytokines that cause inflammation and fibrotic liver scarring. (source)

Along with vitamin supplementation and coconut oil, turmeric is a natural remedy that has recently been attacked by organizations that seem to have an agenda in favor of pharmaceuticals.

C’s Tip: Because I don’t usually have time to cook intricate Indian meals, I simply consume 1/4 teaspoon of organic turmeric powder each morning in water to reduce inflammation in my body.

It’s a good idea to use organic turmeric supplements if you’re not consuming the whole root, so as to avoid contamination with heavy metals – a minor yet real risk with imported spices.

7) Almonds

Almonds contain phenolic antioxidants, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that keep the body nourished and reduce inflammation.

Other tree nuts (peanuts, cashews, filberts) contain similar nutrients, and it turns out that it’s a toss-up between almonds and peanuts for the highest amounts of protein and beneficial fats.

Almonds are often recommended for people with liver problems because they cause favorable changes in cholesterol that benefit liver health. (source)

C’s Tip: Here’s the best PBJ-style sandwich of all time: Organic almond butter and no-sugar-added fruit jelly spread on organic, sprouted, multigrain Food For Life bread (find it in the freezer section in your grocery store), lightly browned on each side in a pan with Kerrygold butter.

8) Garlic

The pungent smell of garlic is caused by sulfur-containing compounds that assist in liver detoxification. Moreover, garlic is a great source of selenium, arginine, vitamin B6 and vitamin C – all of which have powerful protective properties for the liver.

Garlic and beets probably have the best reputations as foods that cleanse the liver.

As it turns out, garlic is such a powerful liver detoxifier that it has been used successfully to treat alcoholic fatty liver as well as acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity. (source)

C’s Tip: Since raw crushed garlic offers the most health benefits, I usually smash a few garlic cloves out of their pods with the side of a knife, and then throw them into a pan with leafy greens and olive oil at about mid-sauté.

9) Avocado

Avocados are a great source of fiber, vitamins C and E, and monounsaturated fats that help to balance cholesterol levels. Like tree nuts, avocados improve blood lipid profile and thereby reduce the amount of stress on the liver.

Researchers have recently found that avocados contain five different compounds that can protect the liver and even reverse liver damage. (source)

C’s Tip: I eat fresh avocados as often as I can, but they tend to go bad quickly. Solution: many stores have packs of small vacuum-sealed containers of guacamole (with few added ingredients) that keep for much longer in the fridge.

10) Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts are cruciferous vegetables that contain compounds called glucosinolates, which have been found to protect the liver through several mechanisms:

• Anti-fibrotic activity (i.e., prevention of liver scar tissue)
• Reduction of fat deposits in the liver
• Activation of the liver’s own detoxification enzymes

(source)

Other cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, all of which contain glucosinolates and antioxidants that aid in liver detoxification.

C’s Tip: Try chopping Brussels sprouts into halves and sautéing with sea salt, a drizzle of olive oil, and high quality balsamic vinegar until caramelized.

11) Green tea

Offering many antioxidants including EGCG, green tea has been shown to prevent fatty liver disease and improve liver function. (source)

Some studies have found that highly concentrated green tea supplements contain too much EGCG and can actually damage the liver. It’s best to stick with real green tea instead of capsules.

C’s Tip: I like to pour boiling water over half a teaspoon of Japanese culinary grade matcha powder, which contains the pulverized leaf and gives a more balanced range of nutrients than processed green tea extracts.

The energy boost and sense of well-being from this stuff is incredible!

12) Salmon

Salmon is often touted for its protein and “good fat” content. Salmon is one of the best foods that cleanse the liver because it is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which consist of EPA and DHA.

Studies have found that DHA can reduce inflammation in the liver and even help to prevent fatty liver disease and fibrosis. (source)

C’s Tip: I try to eat grilled salmon or salmon sashimi as often as possible. I also consume the most potent omega-3’s available from wild Alaskan sockeye salmon oil each day.

13) Cilantro

Cilantro contains antioxidants and polyphenols that offer protective effects for damaged livers. (source)

There is also evidence that compounds in cilantro may bind to toxic metals (e.g., lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury) and escort them out of the body.

C’s Tip: When I lived in New York City, I developed an obsession with Indian street food (especially The Kati Roll Company) that marinates meat with cilantro and other spices. These days, I often throw a bunch of cilantro into a food processor with lime juice, fresh garlic, and fresh ginger. It’s a delicious sauce or marinade for any kind of meat.

14) Sprouted quinoa

Grains like quinoa can improve liver function because they provide steady energy, are low glycemic index, and contain a range of beneficial nutrients and enzymes.

Sprouting grains reduces starch, which further lowers their glycemic index. The sprouting process also increases the amount of protein, vitamins and natural enzymes.

C’s Tip: Sprouted quinoa is tastier than regular quinoa, easy to make, and available on Amazon. Since I have no gluten sensitivity, I toast sprouted multigrain Food For Life bread each morning and highly recommend substituting this sprouted brand for regular toast!

15) Olive oil

Cold-extracted, extra virgin olive oil can help the liver mend in several ways:

• Source of multiple polyphenols with proven anti-inflammatory properties
• High in oleic acid, which positively impacts gene expression in the liver
• Improves cholesterol levels and insulin response

(source)

C’s Tip: I use olive oil to cook leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables at low heat. At higher heat, olive oil will turn rancid, and so cold-pressed avocado oil may be a better option.

16) Aloe Vera Juice

Juice from the aloe vera plant is high in vitamins and unique antioxidants that promote detoxification and healing. In my opinion, aloe vera is one of the most underrated foods that cleanse the liver.

One study even found that aloe vera juice could help reverse severe liver injury. (source)

C’s Tip: I’ve only come across aloe vera juice at Whole Foods and on Amazon. It is an acquired taste on its own, but it definitely mixes well in smoothies.

17) Lemons and limes

Lemons and limes are high in vitamin C, perhaps the most important vitamin for detoxification, as well as flavonoids that stimulate bile and prevent fat accumulation in the liver.

Lemons and other low-sugar citrus fruits like lemons and grapefruits have been shown to reduce the severity of liver lesions and bile duct damage caused by toxins. (source)

C’s Tip: Squeeze half of a fresh lemon or lime into a glass of cold water to get your day started. Or marinate chicken in copious amounts of lime juice and greek yogurt for 24 hours; it will be the most tender BBQ you’ve ever had.

18) Organic sauerkraut

In addition to all of the benefits of cruciferous vegetables, fermented cabbage contains probiotics, which are “healthy” bacteria that restore balance to the gut.

Most nutritionists don’t mention yogurt and sauerkraut in the context of foods that cleanse the liver. However, probiotics have been shown to improve liver function immensely by supporting gut health.

Studies have found that probiotics have beneficial effects for people with liver disease, and many scientists consider the relation between gut health and liver function as an exciting new research frontier. (source)

C’s Tip: Unrefrigerated sauerkraut is heated to an extent that kills the beneficial probiotics. Look for sauerkraut or kimchi (Korean pickled cabbage) in the refrigerated aisle at Whole Foods or other grocery stores.

19) Chili peppers

While many people associate chili peppers with detoxification, not many know that they’re some of the top foods that cleanse the liver!

Research has shown that the compound capsaicin, which gives chili peppers their heat, can prevent liver damage and reverse the progression of liver disease. (source)

C’s Tip: Tolerance to chili pepper heat has to be earned. My experiences with super-hot Indian food years ago gave me a capsaicin tolerance that allows me to enjoy many dishes that might have made my head spin long ago.

20) Onions

Onions are high in folic acid and quercetin, both of which are required for proper liver function and the scavenging of free radicals.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of onions for cholesterol-induced oxidative liver stress, cadmium liver accumulation, liver fibrosis, liver fluke, and alcoholic fatty liver disease. (source)

C’s Tip: If you like Mexican or Indian food, or if you’re a fan of omelets, then onions shouldn’t be difficult to incorporate into your diet!

Does lemon water detox your liver?

Lemons and other low-sugar citrus fruits, like limes and grapefruits, were included in the list above because they’re great for liver repair! I have a routine of buying organic fresh-squeezed lemon juice from Whole Foods, and mixing it with my favorite mineral water, Gerolsteiner.

I typically take a few ounces of the lemon juice, which is unsweetened, and top it off with sparkling mineral water to taste. This easy drink seems to get my digestion flowing, and I feel more clear-minded when I’m drinking it consistently.

Even better, grow or purchase some fresh lemons to make your own lemon juice.

What are signs your liver is bad?

Symptoms of liver issues brought on by alcohol use can include:

• Sluggishness
• Skin rashes
• Confusion
• Headaches
• Frequent illness
• Pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)

Actually, the last point above is a symptom of an inflamed pancreas. But if this situation is caused by alcohol consumption, then you can bet that your liver is not functioning at 100% either.

Except for jaundice, I suffered from all of the above symptoms during my drinking years. But I often had outbreaks of eczema that have disappeared since I quit drinking.

Alcohol is not the only compound that can jeopardize liver health. Pollution, infections, lack of sleep, antidepressants, OTC painkillers, and a poor diet can all contribute to liver dysfunction.

How long does it take to detox the liver?

The time it takes to cleanse your liver depends on many factors such as:

• How long you’ve been drinking.
• How much you drink.
• Whether or not you’ve detoxed before.
• The degree of liver damage already occurring.

How can I detox my liver naturally?

In addition to the foods listed above, there are supplements that can help with liver detox. One of my favorites is an herb called milk thistle.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is an herb native to southern Europe that typically grows over 10 feet tall and has red and purple flowers.

Despite the scarcity of properly devised scientific research on milk thistle, it has been used for well over 2,000 years to treat liver and gallbladder problems.

Silymarin is the natural compound in milk thistle that accounts for its liver-healing abilities. Milk thistle works by reducing liver inflammation and supercharging the liver’s ability to produce its own detoxification compounds.

Read this article to learn more about how milk thistle can help you repair your liver naturally.

Conclusion

I hope this article has provided you with useful information about natural detox foods that cleanse the liver.

If you happen to have an issue with heavy drinking, as I once did, then perhaps you’ve entertained the idea of quitting drinking for good.

If you have any questions about foods that cleanse the liver, please post them in the comment box below.