3030 Bridgeway, Ste. 120
Sausalito, CA 94965
415-331-1823
616 University Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-327-2053
Improving
Liver Function Through Nutrition
Goals:To improve liver function by supporting regeneration of the
liver cells, by means of dietary choices.To allow the client to enjoy good health.
Method:Learn why certain foods are suggested in the effort to help
your liver regain its normal functions of digestion and
elimination.
·Carbohydrates:These
supply your body with easily available energy.The liver and thus your body can extract their energy
easily and then concentrate on using dietary protein to build your
organs and muscles.
·Fiber:This is
the indigestible part of foods; especially found in plants.It aids in the elimination of bile which is made by the
liver when you eat fatty foods/oils.The gall bladder stores and concentrates bile.
·Essential fatty acids:They are unsaturated fatty acids derived from seeds and
nuts.They increase
the ability of bile to breakdown cholesterol.Therefore, they help to maintain normal growth,your blood’s health, as well as that of your arteries,
nerves, skin, and of your liver.
·Fats:These
are the most concentrated source of energy in your diet.They are sources of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.They are found in oils (the vegetable type that is cold
pressed), nuts and seeds.Avocado
is one of the few vegetables/fruits that is high in fats.While fats are abundant in dairy products and meats, these
sources are not as desirable because of their polyunsaturated
nature.Therefore it
is recommended to minimize their use to only three times per week.
·Items to avoid:These
put unwanted stress on the liver and slow the healing process.They include:alcohol,
coffee, chocolate, cigarettes, cigars, and drugs.
·Protein:This
is one of the most important foods for maintaining growth and
development of all your body tissues.It is the major source of building materials for your
muscles, blood, skin, hair and internal organs.Your liver will need to use extra protein whenever there is
an increased metabolites, i.e., after surgery, hemorrhage, for
wound healing, prolonged illness or fevers, liver disease or
dysfunction.
How
to select foods to help your liver regain its natural healthy
functioning state:
Snacks
and meals are very important in order to ingest enough calories to
attain this goal.The
following selections are to be made from the attached food list.
Select
three to five fruits per day --good for snacks.
Select
a protein for each of your three meals per day.Grains should be mixed with another protein, such as tofu, to
improve their protein availability to your body.Limit meats to three per week, and use vegetable proteins,
such as grains and beans (in combination).
Select
at least two different vegetables for each meal.Concentrate on the orange/yellow vegetables which are rich in
beta-carotene, which will be very liver-friendly.Consider eating beets daily.
Select
a fat or oil or seed or nut with at least two of your meals.One teaspoon of oil or more.Nuts and seeds make excellent snacks and are easy to
package and carry in plastic bags.
To
prime the digestive organs every morning, take one
tablespoonful of lemon juice, a pinch of ginger powder and put
it in one cup of hot water.Drink this one hour before breakfast.You may add honey, molasses or maple syrup to ta
The
foods that support the liver especially well are starred (*).
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