The liver is one of the most vital organs in our bodies.
It is extremely important to always be eating healthy, natural foods to keep our liver in good health.
For healthy liver function, many specialists recommend cutting out processed foods, reducing intake of simple sugars, and ridding your body of toxins that may be harmful to the liver.
To decrease the accumulation of fat in your liver, be sure to check out our 7-Day Meal Plan to Detox Your Liver for tons of easy-to-prepare recipes for people with fatty liver.
But, can you reverse liver damage with a liver cleanse recipe?
Here is some liver detoxification information and recipes that support liver function.
What Can Harm Our Liver?
Diet has a lot to do with your liver health.
If you find yourself with poor liver health, manage your liver health by being watchful of unhealthy eating practices.
If your doctor recommends it, a liver cleanse diet might be in order.
One of the most damaging acts is to consistently eat processed foods, fast food, foods high in sugar, and foods high in trans fat.
These unhealthy foods can lead to unhealthy weight gain, and experts believe that extra pounds can also contribute to poor liver function.
Other potential elements that may cause liver damage are environmental toxins, blood sugar levels, acetaminophen misuse, and alcoholism.
Summary: Many factors can impact the liver, but diet is one of the most important elements in keeping your liver healthy.
What Foods are Good for the Liver?
Instead of processed food, you want to fuel your body with whole, healthy foods that are minimally processed and hold high nutritional value.
Healthy, nutritious foods not only aid in a healthy liver, but also promote a healthy digestive tract, boost your immune system, and increase your overall health.
Some of the healthiest foods to eat during a liver cleanse are:
- Apples
- Beets
- Fresh lemon juice
- Fresh fruit
- Sweet potatoes
- Brussels sprouts
- Leafy greens (a great source of folic acid; a deficiency in folic acid favors liver disease)
- Anti-inflammatory foods
- Whole grains (gluten-free if possible)
- Foods with beta carotene (tomato puree, carrots, etc.)
- Foods with vitamin C (citrus fruits, peppers, broccoli, etc.)
If the food grew in the ground and was minimally processed without refined sugar, it is likely safe to eat on a liver detox.
Drink Raw Vegetable Juice!
For that matter, drink all of your juices raw.
Instead of buying a carton of sugary juice at the store, which can spike your blood sugar, drink raw vegetable juice or fresh grapefruit juice instead.
Even the “sugar-free” juices are not as healthy as fresh juices; they undergo chemical processes during production and are devoid of any antioxidants.
If you drink apple juice, and it is not fresh-pressed, you may be drinking loads of access refined sugar.
Using a juicer and drinking raw juice will always be healthier than store-bought juices with chemicals or preservatives inside.
Once you purchase your juicer of choice, you will forever have freshly-squeezed juices at your will.
Summary: Whole, natural foods with high nutritional value are the best foods for the liver. Drinking raw pressed juices can add even more vitamins to your daily routine.
Having an Active Lifestyle
Regular exercise can help to detox your liver.
When you burn fat through exercise, you can burn triglycerides for fuel while decreasing fat in the liver.
If you do not have an active lifestyle, fat can accumulate in your liver.
This chance is raised if you are also eating mostly junk foods without vitamins, nutrients, and protein.
Summary: Along with diet, exercise and having an active lifestyle aids in liver function.
Avoiding Toxins
If you are in need of a liver detox, you also may need to think about the toxins in your environment.
Household cleaners, insecticides, chemicals, and aerosol sprays all have toxins that can impede your liver from functioning properly.
These toxins damage liver cells with repeated exposure.
To keep yourself safe while using cleaning products, make sure you have plenty of ventilation and wear a mask if need be.
Another toxin you should avoid in your liver cleanse is tobacco.
Smoking enhances any liver damage, as well as damage to other vital organs.
Summary: Toxins from household items can cause a few health issues, so use chemicals in a well-ventilated area or wear a protective mask and gloves when cleaning.
Liver Detox and Alcohol
Excessive alcohol use can be detrimental to your health.
During a liver cleanse, it is recommended that you abstain from alcohol during that time.
Alcoholic beverages over time can destroy or scar healthy liver cells, leading to some nasty illnesses.
Liver detox recipes can help add back health benefits in your diet, even after liver damage from alcohol.
However, liver damage is not fully reversible.
Changing your diet and limiting alcohol will only prevent further damage.
Summary: Alcohol abuse and the liver are directly related. If you are on a liver cleanse, avoid alcohol throughout the process.
Processed Foods and Detoxing the Liver
To fully detox your liver, you will need to let go of foods that cause toxins in your body.
Unfortunately, heavily processed foods, sugary foods, fried food, fast food, and baked goods all fall within this category.
Keep your liver healthy by avoiding the drive-thru at all costs.
Foods that are high in saturated fat, salt, and sugar are not only detrimental to the liver, but many other organs.
Also, foods that are devoid of fiber negatively impact liver health.
Processed, fast foods are high in fat, and our stomachs do not digest fat as well as whole, natural foods.
Unhealthy processed foods also lack essential fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Many of these junk foods are filled with hydrogenated oils and trans fats, which are unhealthy fats that cause inflammation and other health risks.
Instead, your body craves healthy fats, such as monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids which come from salmon, flax, avocado, and other healthy foods.
To enjoy the full benefits of a liver cleanse, stay away from chips, french fries, soda, cakes, cookies, burgers, fried food, and all other processed food for the duration of your cleanse.
Summary: Processed and fast food should be avoided on any health journey, and are especially damaging to the liver.
DIY Tips to Cleanse the Liver
Here are a few small steps in taking control of your liver health that you can make at home.
- Include plenty of fresh produce in your diet
- Drink lots of water
- Limit salt and sodium intake
- Engage in physical exercise 3-4 hours per week
- Enjoy fiber-rich foods
- Limit sugar intake
If you are looking for a healthy diet plan to stick to, the Mediterranean Diet is a popular meal plan that many love for its high nutrient intake and a wide variety of foods.
Summary: There are quite a few steps you can take to cleanse your liver on a daily basis. Sticking to a healthy meal plan is half the battle.
Can a Liver Cleanse Reverse Liver Damage?
While a liver cleanse can help release toxins and get you feeling better, there is no evidence to support that cleanses can reverse existing liver damage.
Different liver diseases have their severities, so your doctor will be the best person to recommend treatment and liver support.
Liver cleanses cannot replace medical treatment, although they can help prevent further damage.
Fueling your body with natural foods that your body can digest easily can improve some symptoms of liver disease.
Summary: Most liver damage is non-reversible, however, you can prevent further damage through diet and lifestyle change.
A Liver Cleanse Recipe for Everyone
Our liver cleanse recipes have been evaluated by our registered nutritionist to ensure they use ingredients that support healthy liver function.
Each recipe has also been tested by me to make sure they are 100% delicious.
Enjoy!
Detox Green Machine Soup
A veggie and herb-based soup is sure to make you feel great. This blender soup only utilizes the healthiest ingredients for the liver, and you can make it ahead of time to save yourself some energy later on.
If your liver cleanse is happening during the warmer months, you may want a nice cool salad that is light and refreshing.
Detox Cleanse Salad
This vegan salad is packed with ingredients that have high nutritional content. Seeds, veggies, fruits, and a dressing with raw honey and lemon juice make this the best crunchy salad ever!
When I want a light lunch or dinner, I love to throw some veggies on the grill. This next recipe is simple yet scrumptious.
Lemon Parsley Grilled Zucchini
This perfect grilled zucchini dish is vegan but eats like a steak! A zucchini “steak” that is perfectly seasoned with lemon and parsley is sure to satisfy your hunger.
Perhaps you already have your favorite salad ingredients that you rarely shy away from. No worries! Try this salad dressing along with your favorite greens for a fabulous citrusy salad.
Citrus Vinaigrette
Ever wanted to combine every citrus juice together? This salad dressing does just that! With grapefruit, lemon, lime, and orange juices, this vinaigrette will pucker your lips and dress your greens beautifully.
Start your morning off with a fruity smoothie filled with antioxidants and nutrients for your liver flush.
Tutti Frutti Smoothie
If you love fruit, you will love this smoothie! Berries, pineapple, and orange juice combine with fresh mint for a refreshing vitamin boost.
Even on a liver flush, you will still need to have snacks. Try this next recipe with fresh veggies for a filling and fibrous snack.
Gluten-Free Tomato Salsa
This slow-cooked salsa is totally gluten free and tastes just like your favorite Mexican restaurant! Serve with jicama chips or veggies for a perfect vegetarian snack.
Avocado is not only a superfood, but it makes for smooth and creamy smoothies. Feel free to use avocado in any smoothie!
Blueberry Avocado Smoothie
Green smoothies look and taste amazing! This smoothie has tons of omega-3 fatty acids from the avocado and antioxidants from blueberries.
On the evenings you’re craving a decadent meal, look no further for the ultimate comfort food, even on a liver cleanse.
Gluten-Free and Vegan Eggplant Lasagne
Instead of noodles, this amazing lasagne recipe uses thinly sliced eggplant along with a rich tomato sauce and herbs.
There is no such thing as too many vegetables, as displayed in our next liver cleanse recipe.
Veggie Platter with Tzatziki
Fresh crisp veggies are served on a platter with homemade tzatziki, a traditional Greek cucumber sauce commonly found on gyros.
There is nothing like a warm vinaigrette to make the perfect dinner salad. Try this one with healthy apple cider vinegar!
Butternut Squash with Warm Cider Vinaigrette
The best dinner salad ever! Sweet and savory, crunchy and smooth, this salad is perfect for anytime of year and is the perfect dish for a liver detox.
Want a quick detox recipe for your liver cleanse and after? Keep this soup in your recipe box!
Detox Vegetable Soup
Detox Vegetable Soup is a flavorful addition to your liver detox meal plan. It has so many different vegetables for a high nutritional content and a boost of vitamins after the holidays or a night of fun.
Earthy beets are one of the most nutritional superfoods. Enjoy this intensely colored smoothie any time of day.
Heart Beet Smoothie
Good for your heart and soul, this smoothie leverages beets and apples to contribute to heart health and to detox your liver.
Just because you’re on a cleanse doesn’t mean you can’t have some comfort food. This next dish proves it!
Spaghetti Squash and Marinara
Comforting spaghetti squash is seasoned and topped with a homemade fresh marinara sauce for a warm and savory supper that your liver will love.
Who doesn’t love hot soup? This soup is one of the healthiest lentil soup recipes we have ever developed!
Vegan Red Lentil Mediterranean Soup
This recipe leverages red lentils into a soup that is truly filling and fantastic. You can prep this soup ahead of time to make your daily routine seamless.
Salmon provides so many healthy fats that the liver needs. Season it up with a flavorful glaze and you have a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Salmon with Honey Ginger Garlic Glaze
Sweet, savory, and slightly spicy, this salmon glaze caramelizes on top of the salmon creating a flavorful crust on the outside.
Pho normally takes 12 hours to make, but this healthy liver cleanse recipe uses the Instant Pot to cook in just 1 hour!
Healthy Instant Pot Pho Recipe
This Asian-inspired chicken soup is highly flavorful from charred ginger and uses the Instant Pot for a seamless and easy dinner recipe.
Even though the craze surrounding kale is over, it still remains one of the healthiest superfoods to include in your liver detox.
Kale and Quinoa Bowl
Gluten-free quinoa and antioxidant-rich quinoa combines with a yummy garlic dressing to make a family-friendly detox recipe perfect for any day of the week.
With salmon being one of my favorite proteins, I tend to use it a lot. Here it is with a fabulous salad on the side.
Mediterranean Salmon and Vegetable Quinoa Salad
Salmon, veggies, and quinoa are all healthy on their own, but combined they create a delicious well-rounded meal!
Beets are one of the healthiest foods ever, so we are ending on a nutritious note. Don’t exclude beets from your liver detox!
Beet Smoothie Bowl
This beautifully colored smoothie bowl has varied textures and flavors. Start your day off right with nutrition in a bowl!
Helpful Related Information
A liver detox can be difficult to adhere to if you are not used to eating healthy.
There are quite a few additional tools that make all of these recipes easier and more attainable.
A pressure cooker might be one of the best kitchen tools due to its ease and convenience.
Check out our three favorite pressure cookers to make tons of the recipes above!
For your best smoothie recipes ever, you will want a blender known for making amazing smoothies, which you can read about here.
If you are new to cooking for yourself, we get it.
Some folks do not have stocked kitchen appliances since they simply do not cook.
If you are cooking for the first time on your liver detox and need tools, read about all of the kitchen essentials you’ll need for under $500 total!
If you have been diagnosed with fatty liver, this diet plan may help positively influence your health and put you on the right track to healthier days.
Cleanse Your Body, Cleanse Your Soul
In the end, transforming your health for the sake of your liver health is attainable with a liver cleanse.
By integrating healthy foods and cutting out the unhealthy stuff, you will not only take control of your liver health but also your overall well-being.
We hope that these liver cleanse recipes help you to feel better, have more energy, and allow you to continue your everlasting health journey.
Reducing refined sugar, cutting out processed foods, and cleansing the body of toxins is a great place to start.
Keep us updated on your health journey by leaving a comment down below!
