When you get your liver healthy and operating at peak performance, a lot of other problems just seem to solve themselves…
1. It’s much easier to lose extra pounds: A fatty liver prevents your body from properly releasing all the toxins that get built-up over time.
What that happens, it’s becomes difficult for you to digest certain foods, especially sugars and carbs.
These quickly turn to belly fat, and extra weight on your hips and thighs, which is extremely hard to get rid of.
After I got my liver cleaned up, I was able to drop 31 lbs in about 3 months, and have kept it off for over a year now. Don’t be surprised if the same thing happens to you.
2. Your skin may clear up: Rashes, eczema, and psoriasis are all symptoms that your liver is not functioning properly. Even pimples, blackheads, and red patches often go away when liver function returns to normal.
Some people see skin issues they’ve had for years (like warts, eczema, or athletes foot) begin to heal themselves.
That’s because a healthy liver is better able to clean your blood and body more effectively, and once you are healthy again, keep you in what’s known as homeostasis, or the healthy harmonic balance you were born with.
3. You may become more alert: When the fog that accompanies liver problems lifts. you become sharper mentally, able to think, speak, and act with greater clarity and decisiveness.
Your productivity will improve, and you’ll probably get more done throughout the day. And another interesting thing might happen to you, like it did me…
4. You’ll probably sleep better: Because your days are filled with more activity, your nights become dedicated to rest and relaxation, and you are able to go to sleep much easier.
I started getting up earlier (without an alarm clock) and now wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start my day. I even started having different dreams (good ones) since I got my liver functioning again.
Which leads to something else..
5. Overall, you will probably be happier: Situations that previously upset you will just make you chuckle. You’ll be less affected by the normal stress of day-to-day life.
That’s the kind of stuff we cover in the Reverse Your Fatty Liver program, including how there’s a direct connection between your thoughts and your health.
The mind/body link is quite real, and if you feel yourself getting angry, or snapping at people more frequently since your liver issues came to light, that’s actually normal.
Solve your liver trouble, and not only will you be happier, but…
So will all your friends, family, and co-workers. 😉
I hope I did a good job selling the idea that a healthy liver is a positive thing. Of course, if you have symptoms, and are currently suffering or in pain, you already know how this affects your life. There really are no downsides to taking care of this, only benefits.
So exactly how do we do it? First we stop the poisoning, and then, we start the rebuilding.
Below are some things you can add to your diet or daily regimen that will make your liver very happy and begin the process of regeneration.
By the way, we are only covering food in this article, not alternative treatments or healing tricks. Those are super important, and are covered elsewhere in this site and in our program.
But today’s topic is centered on food because eating is something most people do 4 – 5 times a day, and these will have the biggest impact on your health quickly.
Here’s my list…
1. Lemon water: By far, one of the best things you can do for your liver (and your kidneys, heart, and blood) is stay fully hydrated. Most people do not drink enough liquids, and when they do, they’re the wrong kind (dairy, soda, sugary juice).
About 60% of your body is made of water, which is the primary way toxins are flushed out of your system. Plain water is excellent, and so is tea. But one of my favorites is warm water with half a lemon or lime squeezed into it.
There’s something almost magical about lemons and limes. Not only do they contain minerals the liver needs, but they actually help alkalize your digestive system in spite of the fact that they contain citric acid. The alkalized state makes it hard for disease and sickness to take hold since most harmful conditions prefer an acidic environment.
2. Cruciferous vegetables: These are amazing for your liver because they contain a compound called sulforaphane, which helps it rebuild itself on a cellular level. Shoot for a minimum of two servings a day of broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, radishes, kale, collard greens, or watercress.
Cruciferous vegetables contain also contain fiber, minerals, and other vitamins the liver needs to function, including chlorophyll, flavonoids, phenols, and antioxidants, that make the liver’s job easier. Try steaming or sauteing with a little olive oil and sea salt.
3. Oatmeal: A quick, natural, and inexpensive detoxifier, oatmeal has almost supernatural qualities for people with fatty liver. It’s a great way to start your day because it breaks down slowly, and provides energy all morning, eliminating the crash you get from processed food or sugary cereals.
Choose organic unsweetened variety in bulk for the best deal. Steel cut oats are also excellent, though they take a little longer to cook. Add some almond milk, fruit, and a little squirt of honey to make it a meal.
4. Raw carrots: Carrots (and celery) are both full of flavonoids, beta-carotene, vitamins and especially fiber that can help clean your colon and digestive tract. If you eat them raw, you also get the benefit of specific enzymes that support your liver and digestive system.
Keep a bowl of cut-up carrots and celery in the fridge, and when you are hungry grab a handful of those instead of an unhealthy snack like chips or crackers. Use hummus as a dip if you want to add some extra protein.
5. Beets: In addition to being high in flavonoids and beta-carotene, beets are powerful anti-inflammatory and help the body detox and cleanse the blood of heavy metals, chemicals, and other waste.
They contain betaine, pectin, and betalains, which keep toxins from re-entering the body after digestion.
6. Avocados: Avocados help your body produce an antioxidant called glutathione, which helps your liver filter out harmful compounds.
A cool bonus is that because they contain fat (the good kind), your body feels full faster, and you are less likely to snack on things that are bad for you.
7. Garlic and onions: These both contain sulfur, specifically a compound known as MSM, which increases enzyme activity and helps you pre-digest your food.
Eating them raw gives you the biggest benefits, but many people have trouble with that, so feel free to cook with them instead. You won’t get all the enzymes, but you will get the anti-inflammatory benefits, which are good for sore joints and achy muscles.
8. Artichokes: Artichokes contain potassium, and and an age-old remedy for liver issues. They help clean your blood, in addition to boosting bile production, which ensures food is digesting properly. Not to mention they are fun to eat!
Instead of using Mayo, add some curry spice to vegan mayo or plain yogurt for a fun and healthy dip.
9. Grapefruit: High in vitamin C and antioxidants, grapefruit is excellent for people with fatty liver because it has a very low glycemic index (it doesn’t spike blood-sugar).
There’s a definite connection between blood-sugar and liver function, which is why most diabetics also have fatty liver (and vice-versa).
10. Green tea: Full of antioxidants called catechins and polyphenols, steeped green tea is better than coffee. It’s lower in caffeine content, but still has enough to give you a little morning boost.
Be aware I’m talking real tea here, not green tea extract. Some studies suggest the extract may in fact hurt your liver, so be sure you are drinking a quality organic green tea you brew yourself and not taking a pill.
11. Ground flaxseed: This amazing food (in grain or oil format) prevents excess hormones (including those added to food and packaging) from forming in your blood,
These hormones can really stress your liver, and prevent it from doing it’s main job, cleaning the blood and producing bile.
12. Whole grains and beans: Whole grains and beans like brown rice and garbanzos have quite a bit of fiber, which not only fills you up, but it helps your body flush fat from both your liver and your bloodstream.
Plus it has the added benefit of helping to regulate your blood sugar and reducing insulin resistance, which is important if you are diabetic (or pre-diabetic).
13. Turmeric: Contains anti-inflammatory compounds known as polyphenols, which support liver function.Turmeric is actually an amazing spice with many reported health benefits, like combating UV damage and helping neurological disorders.
You can eat it cooked in your food, or raw in juices or smoothies. My favorite Turmeric supplement is Daily Turmeric which has high bioaviliability, and works best for people with soreness or joint pain.
There are a lot more foods in my Reverse Your Fatty Liver program, which is available online and through Amazon.
I have been following your recommended diet for six weeks &am enjoying making up new dishes with the good food choices. However many times it is stated that weight loss is an added bonus. What about those who need to gain weight? I need to gain approx. 15 lbs & it does not appear that will happen on this diet. Any suggestions?
Hey Mary, that is such a great question. I know that most people with fatty liver are trying to lose weight, but a good friend of mine is in the same situation as you, he’s also about 15 pounds under where he should be and recently asked for some advice.
The key is to increase caloric intake without eating the kind of foods that harm your liver or cause inflammation. That’s going to mean more carbs, specifically grains like oatmeal, rice, quinoa, buckwheat, and if you are OK with gluten, more whole-grain bread. Plus, sweet potatoes, yams, and other tubers. I would also try to increase your fruit consumption, with smoothies and fruit-bowls.
Visit some of the healthy food shops in your area and see what they carry as far as raw, sugar-free deserts. We have a great place here on Maui that makes amazing non-sugar sweets that are liver-friendly, bet there’s something near you too:
https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=juicebars&find_loc=Gainesville%2C%2BFL
You can try adding a bit of meat back into your diet. I’m healthy enough to have a small portion of grass-fed steak once a week, which I honestly love. The protein is filling, and if you don’t overdo it, it isn’t inflammatory.
Not sure if you are exercising, but weight and resistance training are going to be better than cardio as far as building muscle, which also weighs more than fat.
Finally, being slightly underweight is probably healthier than being slightly overweight. Of course, make sure to check with your doctor if you either gain or lose weight quickly, since it could be something more serious.
My stomach is so bloated and hard. I’ve been told I have a fatty liver. I am diabetic and overweight. Will this help me get my weight down and help my bloated/hard stomach?
Hi Cindy,
I’m not a doctor, and don’t know your medical history, but there is literally no downside to cleaning up your diet and eating healthy food. Many people lose weight and see their symptoms get better, and a few have even reversed their condition. Make sure to read all the articles on their site, and pick up our program. We just released a Kindle version on Amazon for $10, the lowest price we have ever offered…
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1719236631
Jonathan
There is no mention of poultry? Is grilled skinless chicken or bakes skinless chicken ok?
what about Turkey ?
Neither of those are specifically good for the liver, animal protein doesn’t encourage cellular regeneration or help it heal. If you are going to eat poultry, make sure it’s organic, eat it with a lot of high-fiber vegetables, have a small portion (less than 5 oz), and limit consumption to once or twice a week.
But the more vegetarian you are, the faster you will heal and see a reduction in your symptoms.
I was told no poultry, period