Nowadays, our diets are full of processed and fatty foods which unfortunately lead to surplus toxins in the kidneys and liver and as a result, we feel more tired and our energy levels drop down. When it comes to the liver, this is the organ in charge of filtering toxins and metabolizing fat and when it fails to function optimally, the risk of blood toxicity in the kidneys is higher.
How to Better the Health of the Liver
Did you know that consumption of bitter veggies and herbs is one of the most effective ways to improve the liver’s functioning and aid the detoxification of the kidneys? Though we are not always attracted by these foods due to the bitterness, we should not miss out on the amazing health benefits they offer.
The Advantages of Bitter Fruits and Vegetables
The bitterness has the power to stimulate several crucial physiological responses. Namely, they will enhance the digestion and absorption of nutrients by increasing the secretion of digestive acids. What’s more, people who suffer from acid reflux should opt for a bitter veggie or a fruit prior to their meals in order to avert improper digestion.
Without doubt, foods that have a bitter taste can help you:
- Alleviate leaky gut
- Strengthen the health of the gut
- Decrease the sensitivity to foods
- Regulate bowel movements
- Better the appetite and prolong the satiety
- Prevent overeating
- Heal ulcers by encouraging the secretion of mucus that prevents them
- Balance the body’s pH
- Keep the blood sugar levels under control
- Regulate the hormones
- Improve the functioning of the endocrine glands (good for diabetics)
- Cleanse the body and better the functioning of the gallbladder and liver
Suggestions for Bitter Foods
Bitter veggies consumed raw, cooked, or juiced; some of them are: chicory, bitter gourd, beet greens, purslane, endive, dandelion greens, watercress, kale, and radicchio.
Make sure you also include bitter herbs like dandelion root, gentian root, chicory root, milk thistle, dill, and burdock leaf as well.
Recipe for Bitter Gourd Juice
This homemade remedy is one of the best ways to break down kidney stones and thus, ease their removal through urination. Make sure you consume 6 oz. daily for a period of 30 days. Here’s the recipe:
6 pieces of bitter gourd, smaller pieces
¼ lemon, with the rind
A tbsp of olive or coconut oil
A tsp of honey (optional)
Preparation: First, wash the bitter gourd and slice the melon length-wise and scoop out the seeds. Then, cut the lemon into chunks and add it to juice, as well as the oil. Juice them for several more minutes and transfer the content into a glass. Drink it right away. If the taste is too bitter for you, you can add a tsp of raw honey.
During the 30 days, make sure you drink plenty of water for optimal results.
Important to note:
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking specific medications, you should avoid bitter gourd due to the strong cleansing properties that may trigger unwanted reactions in your body.
