5 Spring Cleaning Tips for Liver Support

by Jenniferlyn Kryvicky, MS, LN

Coach Jenniferlyn here with 5 tools for liver detoxification support.

Springtime is the time for us to let go of the old and embrace the new - and spring cleaning does not need to stop at just your home.  This is the perfect time to cleanse our bodies inside and out!  Our bodies do an amazing job at getting rid of all the toxins that are in bodies, so buying into any "detox" pills or extreme programs is just a waste of money. 

What we believe in here at Mind Body Shine is supporting our body's own natural bio-elimination and detoxification processes through nutritional support.   

In order to know how best to support it, we need to understand what detoxification is to our bodies.  There are two phases of detoxification in the liver – phase I (metabolism) and phase II (conjugation).

In order to support these pathways - you need to support BOTH so that you are not leaving your body with excess metabolized toxins and no way of getting rid of them.  For this balance, we recommend eating a diet rich in foods that we refer to as “bifunctional modulators of detoxification,” meaning they have the ability to address both phases of detoxification. 

Below are some of the top hitters of bifunctional modulation..  


Citrus Fruits including Lemon Zest
Lemons are anti-inflammatory and their zest has a phytonutrient called d-limonene that supports our liver's detox enzymes.  Adding zest it to dressings, in your smoothies and salads, even topping a bowl of fresh fruit especially blueberries are all great ways to increase your  d-limonene. 


Fiber

If you are a client of mine, or in our Mind Body Shine you've heard me say this a million times but fiber is very important to our overall health.  That's why I don't look at carbohydrates as much as I do fiber content of meals.   Not only does fiber help keep our digestive system running along, because fiber binds to toxins along the way, it helps to move them out!    So when thinking about healthful and balanced meals - consider Protein, Fat and FIber as the make up, as a bonus the fiber also helps feed your gut biome keeping balance and improving your resiliency. 


Cruciferous veggies

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, watercress and bok choy support the sulfation pathway which is especially important for removing excess estrogens.  High levels of estrogen can lead to weight gain, particularly around the hips and waist and can also cause menstrual problems, such as: irregular periods. light spotting.  So dig into some broccoli and know that you are doing your body extra good! 


Protein 

You have head BK and I PREACH the need for protein. Protein is the building block of muscle, yes, but it also is necessary for mitochondrial health - hello energy! -  it is also an essential nutritional cornerstone of detoxification. One cannot effectively detoxify without having the amino acids (building blocks of protein) to bind the transformed toxins in the liver so they can be carried out of the body (phase II of detox). Additionally, regular protein helps stabilize blood sugar, which in turn minimizes hunger and cravings.   

When possible, it is ideal to include some protein in every meal for ongoing support of liver detox. There are different sources of animal and vegetable protein to choose from.  Vegetarians can choose miso, natto, tofu, tempeh, rice/hemp/pea protein powders, and plant-based burger alternatives, while omnivores may add animal proteins such as eggs, fish, meat, poultry, and a vast array of protein powders. If you follow your recommendations for protein daily, you'll be helping your liver out in a big way. 


Chlorophyll 

BK shared a great detox drink in the closed Facebook group the other day of hot lemon water with ACV pills,  today were going to add to your healthy drink arsenal with an instant green juice.

Add to 1 glass of water 1-2 tsp of liquid Chlorophyll and enjoy!  You can get mint flavored chlorophyll as well if you prefer a light flavor to your water.   This drink is great not only for cleaning heavy metals out of your body, but also for altitude and heat acclimation!   If you are travelling to someplace with higher altitude or increased heat than where you are starting from, then drinking this daily in the week leading up to your travel can make your adjustment period more enjoyable. 

Do not want to drink chlorophyll?  Get your green on, girl, with spirulina, leafy greens, seaweed,  and Matcha green tea. 


Share below how you support your liver, and if you'd be interested in a MBShine seasonal cleanse , visit here for more information!

​In health, 

Coach Jenniferlyn, Functional Nutritionist and Lifestyle Practitioner