The liver is the largest internal organ in the body and the liver is the only organ in the body that has the ability to regrow. And when you understand the liver, when you understand what it does and it's the role that it plays, you'll understand why God made it so. You see, cancer cannot get a hold on the body if the liver's working in optimum performance. Hello and welcome back. I'm Barbara O'Neill and today we're talking about one of the most hard-working organs in your body, the liver.
Your liver plays a key role in detoxifying your system, breaking down toxins and supporting digestion. But did you know that as we age the liver can become overburdened leading to fatigue, weight gain and even serious health issues? Studies show that nearly 25% of adults over 50 may have fatty liver disease without even realising it. The good news is that the right foods can help cleanse and rejuvenate your liver, improving its function and boosting your overall health. In this video, we'll explore the best foods to support liver detoxification, backed by science, and share practical tips on how to incorporate them into your daily meals.
As a thank you for joining me today, we're giving away 100 free copies of my best-selling book to subscribers. So if you haven't yet, hit subscribe, like this video and comment why you want to win. So what does phase 2 need? What does the body need to support the liver to cope with this toxic metabolite?
It needs antioxidants. And antioxidants... Antioxidants, they basically mop up the free radicals, these free radicals. So what are the most potent antioxidants? Beta carotene.
Beta carotene is found in all your orange and your green coloured vegetables. Have you noticed that every juice we give you is either green or orange or red? So we're supplying high beta carotene to you.
Now let's get started. Number one, beta carotene. Beta-carotene, a type of antioxidant, is often praised for its potential benefits to liver health.
Antioxidants are compounds that help neutralise harmful molecules known as free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress and damage to cells, including those in the liver. The liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying the body, processing nutrients and eliminating toxins. When the liver is overwhelmed by harmful substances or oxidative stress, its ability to function optimally can be compromised.
Antioxidants like beta-carotene are believed to support liver health by protecting liver cells from oxidative damage, reducing inflammation and potentially assisting in the detoxification process. Beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, is found in various fruits and vegetables, especially those that are red, orange or yellow in colour. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A as needed, which plays a vital role in maintaining healthy skin, vision and immune function.
However, its antioxidant properties are most notable for their ability to fight free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to various diseases, including liver conditions such as fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and the body's ability to neutralise them with antioxidants. In the liver, oxidative stress can damage liver cells, impair liver function and lead to inflammation, which can promote liver disease over time.
Beta-carotene, along with other antioxidants, helps to reduce this stress by scavenging free radicals and preventing cellular damage. This protective action can enhance the liver's ability to detoxify and regenerate, contributing to overall liver health. In addition to its antioxidant properties, beta-carotene may also support the liver by reducing inflammation.
Chronic inflammation is a key factor in the development of liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD, and alcoholic liver disease. By reducing inflammation, beta-carotene can help alleviate the strain on the liver and promote its healing and regeneration. There are numerous dietary sources of beta-carotene, most of which come from colourful fruits and vegetables. Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale and butternut squash are some of the best sources. Other fruits such as apricots and cantaloupes also provide significant amounts of beta-carotene.
Consuming a diet rich in these foods ensures an adequate intake of beta-carotene, which can contribute to liver protection. Additionally, beta-carotene can be found in some green leafy vegetables, although the orange pigment is masked by the chlorophyll in the leaves. Also probably the most famous antioxidant is vitamin C.
Vitamin C is not ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid, I think it's Dr. Robert Thompson in his book, The Calcium Lie, he explains this. Ascorbic acid is just the envelope. Have you ever got an envelope in the mouth with nothing in it? In other words, useless.
But when you buy vitamin C, make sure it has bioflavonoids with it. That's how you find it in nature. Number two, vitamin C.
Vitamin C is often considered one of the best nutrients for liver health due to its powerful antioxidant properties and its ability to support various detoxification processes in the body. The liver is the body's primary organ responsible for detoxifying harmful substances, processing nutrients and breaking down toxins. As a result, maintaining liver health is crucial for overall well-being. Vitamin C plays a significant role in supporting the liver by neutralising free radicals and aiding in the liver's detoxifying functions. One of the main ways vitamin C benefits the liver is through its role as an antioxidant.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and tissues, leading to oxidative stress. This can contribute to inflammation and damage to the liver cells, impairing its ability to function properly. Vitamin C, being a potent antioxidant, neutralises these free radicals, thereby protecting liver cells from oxidative damage and reducing the risk of chronic liver diseases such as fatty liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Moreover, vitamin C helps to regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamin E in the liver, which further enhances its protective effect against oxidative stress. It also supports the liver's detoxification processes by aiding in the conversion of toxins into water-soluble forms, which can then be eliminated from the body more easily through urine. Vitamin C is involved in the synthesis of bile, a substance produced by the liver to aid in digestion and the breakdown of fats.
Adequate vitamin C levels can help ensure that the liver functions efficiently in detoxifying the body. Another important function of vitamin C in liver health is its ability to support collagen production. Collagen is a protein that is vital for maintaining the structure and function of tissues, including the liver. Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, which helps maintain the structural integrity of the liver and supports the healing of liver tissue in cases of injury or disease. This is particularly important for individuals who may be dealing with liver damage or liver fibrosis, as vitamin C can help improve tissue repair and regeneration.
Vitamin C also plays a role in reducing inflammation within the liver. Chronic inflammation is a common factor in many liver diseases, including alcoholic liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Vitamin C's anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce this inflammation supporting the liver's ability to heal and function properly.
There are several excellent dietary sources of vitamin C that can support liver health. Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and grapefruits are among the most well-known sources of vitamin C. These fruits provide a high concentration of the vitamin and are easy to incorporate into daily meals. Other fruits like strawberries, kiwi and papaya are also rich in vitamin C. Vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli and spinach are good plant-based sources of vitamin C, offering additional nutrients that support liver function.
For individuals who may not consume enough vitamin C-rich foods through their diet, supplementation is another option. However, it is always best to aim for obtaining vitamin C from natural food sources, as they provide additional nutrients that work synergistically with vitamin C to promote overall health. Also vitamin E. Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin.
So you're getting your vitamin E in your protein drinks. So in your protein drinks, I think we either make it with either organic soy or almond milk and put a little bit of coconut milk in there with your pea protein powder. So you're getting your vitamin E there. Number three, vitamin E.
Vitamin E is often regarded as one of the best nutrients for liver health due to its powerful antioxidant properties. The liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying the body, filtering toxins from the blood and metabolizing fats. However, these functions can sometimes lead to liver stress, especially when the liver is overloaded with toxins, fats or alcohol.
In such cases, antioxidant-rich nutrients like vitamin E are particularly beneficial as they help protect the liver cells from oxidative damage and inflammation, which can otherwise lead to liver disease. The liver is highly vulnerable to oxidative stress because of its role in detoxification. As the liver processes various substances, free radicals are generated.
These free radicals can damage liver cells, potentially leading to conditions like fatty liver disease, cirrhosis and even liver cancer. This is where vitamin E plays a significant role. As a potent antioxidant, it neutralises free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and thereby protecting the liver from damage.
By scavenging these harmful molecules, vitamin E prevents liver cells from becoming inflamed and damaged, which is crucial for maintaining liver function and overall health. Vitamin E's ability to reduce inflammation also supports its role in liver health. Chronic inflammation in the liver, often caused by fatty liver disease or alcohol consumption, can further accelerate liver damage. Vitamin E helps calm this inflammation, promoting a healthier liver environment.
This is why some research has highlighted vitamin E as a potential therapeutic option for those suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD, or alcoholic liver disease. It has been shown to reduce liver enzymes, a marker of liver injury, and may help improve liver function in individuals with fatty liver conditions. Another reason vitamin E is considered beneficial for the liver is its role in supporting the body's overall immune function. The liver is a critical player in immune regulation and vitamin E helps enhance the liver's ability to fight infections and disease. This is especially important in maintaining liver health as infections like hepatitis or viral liver infections can lead to long-term liver damage.
Now regarding sources of vitamin E for the liver, it's important to consume it through a balanced diet that includes both natural and fortified sources. Some of the best dietary sources of vitamin E include nuts and seeds such as almonds, sunflower seeds and hazelnuts. These are not only rich in vitamin E but also provide healthy fats that support liver function.
Vegetable oils like sunflower, wheat germ and safflower oil are also high in vitamin E and can be used in cooking. Green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale are excellent sources as well as certain fruits such as avocados. Additionally fortified foods like cereals and some plant-based milks are often enriched with vitamin E. I'm going to put this sideways because they are are not antioxidants but your liver needs them at this stage and that is your minerals and your minerals are in everything especially that broth at night. Also your juices with your organic fruits and vegetables and that little bit of Celtic salt that you're having before every glass of water.
And vitamin B. Now, Deborah, I think it was you asked me last night, why is my urine bright yellow? I said, it's the B vitamins.
You're not losing your B vitamins. It's just the reaction that it has in the body. Number four, minerals and vitamin B. Vitamin B and minerals like Celtic salt are considered essential for liver health because they play a crucial role in supporting the liver's detoxification processes, helping to cleanse the body of toxins and maintaining overall metabolic function.
The liver is the body's primary organ for detoxification, responsible for filtering harmful substances from the bloodstream, metabolising nutrients and processing medications. For the liver to function at its best, it needs proper nutrients to aid these complex processes. One such nutrient is vitamin B, which comes in various forms such as B1, thiamine, B2, riboflavin, B3, niacin, B6, pyridoxine, B9, folate, and B12, cobalamin. Each of these plays a specific role in liver detoxification. energy production and the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
Vitamin B complex in particular is instrumental in liver health because it helps with the liver's ability to convert food into energy. B vitamins assist in the breakdown of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, ensuring that the liver can efficiently process and eliminate waste products. Moreover, vitamin B12 and folate are vital for the synthesis of new liver cells.
promoting regeneration and repair. A deficiency in these vitamins can slow down detoxification processes, causing an accumulation of toxins in the liver, which can lead to liver damage over time. Celtic salt, a mineral-rich salt, is another valuable component for liver health. It contains an abundance of trace minerals, including magnesium, calcium, potassium and iodine, which are important for maintaining the liver's ability to detoxify.
These minerals help regulate fluid balance and support cellular function, ensuring that the liver's detoxifying enzymes work efficiently. Celtic salt also assists in maintaining a proper pH balance in the body, which is crucial for optimal liver function. By replenishing essential electrolytes and minerals, Celtic salt helps support the liver's natural detoxification pathways. When it comes to food sources, vitamin B can be found in a variety of whole foods. Animal-based products like eggs, liver, meat and dairy are rich sources of B vitamins.
particularly B12, which is vital for liver function. For vegetarians and vegans, sources of vitamin B include leafy greens, beans, lentils, fortified cereals and nutritional yeast. These foods help ensure the body gets a steady supply of vitamin B to support liver health.
A balanced diet rich in B vitamins and minerals like Celtic salt, combined with proper hydration, can significantly aid in the liver's detoxification process, keeping it functioning at its best. So within 36 hours, phase two kicks in. What does phase two need?
So phase two needs protein. Now this explains why yesterday on Monday we gave you a Two protein drinks. So you had five juices yesterday. So Monday, five juices. Your eight o'clock one was green barley.
Ten was the protein. Twelve was the protein. was green barley, two was protein and your four was green barley because yesterday your requirements for antioxidants exceeded your liver's requirements for protein.
But notice today well today's only just started, you'll be having your five juices again but the eight, twelve and four you'll be given protein whereas the ten and the two that's where you'll get your green barley. You still need those antioxidants and we certainly are still supplying them but because you've gone into phase two your protein or amino acid requirement is greater. So the protein that we use is a pea protein.
It's been pre-digested. One lady said, who digested it? It's an enzyme action like taking milk to yoga, that initial break. breakdown has begun. We wanted to bypass digestion because we want your body to remain in the detox.
So today is probably, if you're going to have any reactions, it will be today. But what we have found, that since we've been implementing the protein, we don't get many adverse reactions happen at all. Now if someone comes to our program, and it has happened in past times. who is a painter or a hairdresser or a cleaner, they've had big exposure to chemicals, we give them protein every single juice.
Number five, protein. Protein and protein-based juices, such as those from green barley, are often considered beneficial for cleansing the liver because they provide essential amino acids and nutrients that support the liver's detoxification processes. The liver plays a central role in filtering toxins from the bloodstream metabolizing substances and producing essential proteins.
It requires a consistent supply of high quality protein to function optimally. Green barley in particular is rich in chlorophyll, which is known to assist in detoxification by helping to neutralize harmful substances. Additionally, barley is high in fiber, which aids in the elimination of toxins through the digestive system.
By incorporating protein-rich foods like green barley into the diet, we help provide the liver with the tools it needs to break down and eliminate these substances more efficiently. Pre-digested protein, such as that found in some protein shakes or supplements, is especially beneficial when supporting liver health. The reason pre-digested protein is important is because it is already broken down into its amino acid components. making it easier for the body to absorb and utilize. This is crucial for the liver because when the digestive system is overloaded with complex proteins that require extra digestion, it can divert resources and energy away from the liver's detoxification duties.
Predigested protein alleviates this burden by offering a readily available source of amino acids. which are the building blocks for various proteins the body needs to repair cells, tissues and perform other vital functions. For someone looking to support their liver health, especially during a detox or cleanse, pre-digested protein ensures that the body gets the necessary nutrients without putting strain on the digestive and detox systems. The liver needs a regular supply of high-quality protein to help produce the enzymes involved in detoxification. These enzymes work to break down and neutralise harmful substances, including toxins, drugs and waste products.
When you provide the body with easy-to-digest, nutrient-dense protein, you support the liver's ability to do its job more effectively. Furthermore, having a source of protein like green barley or pre-digested protein in the diet can help to maintain healthy liver function over time, as these proteins are involved in the regeneration and repair of liver cells, allowing the liver to stay resilient and perform its functions without becoming overwhelmed. This makes protein, particularly in easily absorbed forms, a vital component of any liver cleanse regimen.
Thanks for watching. I hope this video helps you take the first steps toward a healthier liver and a healthier you. Don't forget to like, subscribe and share this video if you found it helpful.
Take care and I'll see you in the next one.