Beet, Beet Juice, Liver Detoxification And Heart Health

The liver filters most of the toxins you are exposed to and according to British Liver Trust, it is not doing so well. British Liver Trust reports a rise in liver disease.  Part of the problem is increased in environmental pollutants that find themselves in the air we breathe and the foods we eat.

Since the assault on the filtration systems of the body is daily, the including detoxifying foods in the diet also needs to be don on a daily basis.

Beets is one of these detoxifying foods.

Minerals in beets such as iron, and calcium as well as compounds like betaine that helps digestion and B vitamins plus antioxidants raise beets high on the detoxifying foods.

Beets also thin the bile that allows it to move easier through the liver.

American Liver Foundation believes that beets can help heal the liver.

With over 500 liver functions in the body, keeping a strong liver is essential to increase energy level, improve the immune system and regulate the metabolic process.

There are many way to include beets and beet juice into the diet. Before you start going overboard on beet juice, remember to consult with your physician since certain diseases such as diabetes do not do well with large volumes of beet juice.

That is not necessarily the case with whole beets. One reason is that the fiber in beets slows down the absorption of sugar into the blood streams and reduces sugar surges.

Keeping the skin intact during preparation like steaming and roasting helps preserve some of the nutrients.

In sports, beet juice has been reported to help stamina by improving blood flow.

Those with high blood pressure may benefit from the nitrates in beets that convert to nitric oxide.  Research shows that nitric oxide from natural foods as well as commercial forms like extreme no nitric oxide muscle builder could benefit the ability to exercise longer, increase vascular dilation and lower blood pressure.

I prepare whole foods to supplements. However, sometimes time crunches prevent me from preparing food.

Cleansing Herbs

Before you use herbs as part of a natural detox plan, remember that herbs could act as potent drugs with some serious side-effects especially if you are taking medications. You need to consult with a health care professional to ensure that you don’t harm yourself.

Below are a list of herbs that has been traditionally used for their specific effect on your organs including  your colon, liver, and kidneys.

Prune juice 

I know, prunes are not herbs. That does not take away from their gentle and some times not so gentle stimulation of your colon that pushes the undigested and harmful food out of your system.

Flax seeds

Flax seed physical cleansing property comes from Mucilage.  This is a soluble thick viscous fiber you see around seeds as they absorb water. Many health benefits are attributed to mucilaginous foods including colon cleanse. Remember that it is through water absorption this process works and you need to have plenty of water for it to work. Ground flax seeds pass through your digestive track without releasing its nutrients and could cause irritation. Ground flaxseed releases the nutrients and still retain its mucilaginous property.

Psyllium

Psyllium is another form of fiber that helps you cleanse the colon by absorbing water and creating bulk. A healthy digestive track is designed to respond to fiber bulk by moving it through your system.

Senna

Senna plant is indigenous to Asia and India. It contains anthroquinone glycosides which stimulate the intestinal contractions and acts as laxative. This is a powerful herb which could create side effects including strong abdominal cramps and pains, diarrhea and, electrolyte imbalance.

Rhubarb

Another colon cleans is Rhubarb with anthraquinones including rhein and emodin  with laxative properties.

For liver cleanse Milk thistle is an option.  According to WebMd some studies show milk thistle having possible benefits for those individutals with damaged liver due to industrial toxins like toluene and xylene. More research is needed to confirm the beneficial claims of milk thistle on liver.

For kidney cleanse Dandelion root and Cranberry flush the kidneys.