How to know a sluggish liver and how to improve it with a plant based diet

In addition to the toxins in our environment, we also unknowingly harm our livers through our diet and lifestyle choices. From medications (which are of course necessary at times) to diets high in protein, saturated fats and alcohol, so many people are left with a sluggish liver, children included.

A sluggish liver is the root cause of many conditions such as weight gain, skin conditions like eczema, diabetes, food allergies, bloating, digestive issues, depression and so much more.

Revisiting your diet and lifestyle can be a great way to maximize the health of your liver. Keep reading for more!

First of all, this is not really a diagnosis because you have to go to a doctor for proper examination but these tips will help you narrow your thoughts and deduce the possibilities of a struggling liver.

Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

NAFLD has become one of the leading causes of persistent liver disease. It is very rampant due to the rising number of obesity and diabetes in our population. This shows that exercising among the population is low and the consumption of unhealthy foods high in fats and sugar are very high as these are the leading causes of diabetes and obesity.

NAFLD in the United States is estimated to be at 24% with Hispanic Americans being at a higher risk and African Americans being at a lower risk.

What Are Other Causes Of Liver Problems?

1. Lots of medications

2. Loads of fats, salts and sugary foods in your diet. Animal products are high in saturated fats and cause a lot of burden on the liver. Not good for your liver, lovely.

3. Lack of vegetables. If you find yourself doing the regular ice cream, Mac Donald's, pizza and other junk foods ALL THE TIME then your body is probably very low in antioxidants and drowned with lots of free radicals.

Learn to include loads of vegetables, berries and fruit varieties in all of your meals and choose water over processed fruit juices.

4. Excessive intake of alcohol.

5. Excessive protein. More protein equals more nitrogen waste which overloads liver and kidney overtime. If your liver or kidney is struggling, you can try lowering your protein intake and increasing your vegetables.

How To Improve Your Liver Health

1. Adopt a whole foods plant-based diet

Eliminating animal products and following a plant-based diet that is low in fat will be a great support for your liver health. A plant-based diet is a powerful tool for preventing, managing, and even reversing type 2 diabetes.

2. Intermittent Fasting

Fasting helps in the reduction of liver inflammation by giving it time to de-congest and get rid of toxins. Inflammation of the liver can cause insulin resistance leading to type 2 diabetes.

3. Reduce fat & protein intake

You really don't need as much as you think! Excess fat and protein slow down the liver functions and prevent it from effectively filtering out toxins. Even healthy fats such as nuts, avocado,seeds and oils should be taken in moderation as they are also high in fats.

4. Celery Juice

Drinking celery juice on an empty stomach every morning is the best thing you can do for your liver and overall health.

5. Increase vegetables and fruits in your diet

Fruits and vegetables contain lots of natural phytonutrients which the body uses to prevent damage to cells throughout the body. It is also very crucial to always stay hydrated.

A number of phytonutrients have also been shown to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

6. Take Probiotics

When you eat proteins, the body breaks them down into amino acids. Ammonia is produced from leftover amino acids, and it must be removed from the body. Pro biotics have been shown to help in the reduction of the amount of ammonia in the body.

7. Lemon water

Drinking lemon water every morning on an empty stomach helps remove toxins of the previous day. Asides from this, lemon water is very helpful with digestion of food and absorption of iron due to the vitamins present in it.

Did you know? The liver produces all the blood in our body. In fact, before we were born, our liver started producing blood so the liver is a big part of our life, you CANNOT survive without it so take good care of it.

For more health tips and a guide on how to care for yourself and cleanse your liver especially strengthening your diet or switching to a whole foods plant based diet, book a healthy coaching session with me HERE

Suzanne Saleh

Hi! My name is Suzanne Saleh and I am a certified Plant based Health Coach based in Dubai, UAE. I live with my family of 3 teenagers, my hubby, 2 dogs and a cat.

I am passionate about teaching people the healthy lifestyle and how to use their diet to prevent and reverse the impact of health problems like diabetes, inflammation, obesity, underweight, low energy, high BP and arthritis.

If you are interested in a consultation call with me, book a Free session here.