Liver Detoxing Foods

Even if you do not intend to do a liver flush of any sort, you may still want to eat foods that are healthy for your liver. The liver's job as waste filter for your entire body means that it can become overloaded with toxins from excess alcohol, drugs, tobacco, caffeine and fatty foods. A sluggish liver can lead to fatigue, irritability and insomnia. Thankfully, there are many foods that can help restore your liver's vital function.

Vegetables

All vegetables are great for the liver, particularly if you focus on those that are unprocessed, uncooked and organic. Eat dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach and collard greens. Beets are an excellent all around food for the liver as the roots contain liver friendly enzymes and both the roots and the tops are rich in vitamins. Eat carrots, yams and broccoli for their vitamins.

Fruits

Eating apples is particularly good for the liver--according to Dr. Jennifer Brett this fruit contains an insoluble fiber that helps bind up cholesterol in the liver. Apples are among the most pesticide laden fruits, however, so you may consider buying organic varieties. Avocados (classified as a fruit and not a vegetable) have been found to slow liver damage, according to a 2000 study by Hirokazu Kawagishi. Other fruits that are beneficial to the liver include pomegranates, papayas, watermelon, cherries, figs and bananas.

Fats

Avoid cholesterol building fats such as butter, shortening and hydrogenated oils. Trans fats found in margarine, popcorn and many processed baked goods are especially bad for your liver--they are one molecule away from plastic and cannot be processed. As such your liver stores them in deposits, contributing to fatty liver.

There are several fats that are necessary for your liver's function, called essential fatty acids. Eat nuts and seeds such as flax and hemp. Cook with organic cold pressed olive oil that has been stored in your refrigerator after opening, or use coconut oil which does not break down easily in heat. Avocados are a good source of monounsaturated fat, and fish such as salmon are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Proteins

Eat proteins from lean cuts of meat to minimize animal fats. Organic cuts of chicken breast are especially good. To limit damage to the liver, many proteins should be consumed in the form of non-animal products such as legumes, soy and nuts. Eat smaller fatty fish such as salmon, perch and tilapia--these tend to contain more essential omega-3 fatty acids and also contain less mercury.

Grains

Whole grains contain a host of B vitamins and folic acid and are important for liver function. Eat brown rice, which contains selenium, fiber and B vitamins, and whole wheat flour bread. Brewer's yeast is loaded with nutritious vitamins and can be added as a supplement to your food. Other liver healthy grains include whole oats and barley, which may help your liver bind unhealthy cholesterol.