Citrus Fruits Grapefruit, lemons and limes are great for boosting the liver's cleansing abilities. Citrus has been found to help in the production of important detoxification enzymes, particularly the enzymes aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (alanine aminotransferase or ALT) in the blood.
Citrus Fruits: Fruits like grapefruit, oranges, limes and lemons all boost the liver's cleansing ability. Even consumed in small amounts (we know some of these can be tart!), citrus fruits help the liver to produce the detoxifying enzymes that flush out pollutants.
The high levels of vitamin C in the lemon and lime juice help your liver to make glutathione, which in turn helps the liver detox your body. One simple dietary change — adding lemons or limes to your water — can make a huge impact on your daily life and the way you feel.
Fill your fruit basket with apples, grapes and citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, which are proven to be liver-friendly fruits. Consume grapes as it is, in the form of a grape juice or supplement your diet with grape seed extracts to increase antioxidant levels in your body and protect your liver from toxins.
The bottom line is that both citrus fruits are good for you.
Lemons are slightly higher in Vitamin C which helps the liver to produce glutathione, a regenerative antioxidant that helps the liver process and eliminate toxins. They're only a slightly better choice for those looking for a true detox.
In addition to extra flavor, lime water also offers additional nutrients that may have a variety of health benefits. However, it is important to note that these health benefits may be more likely in people who make it a habit to drink lime water daily.
Limes are high in vitamin C and antioxidants — both of which may offer health benefits. Eating limes or drinking the juice may improve immunity, reduce heart disease risk factors, prevent kidney stones, aid iron absorption, and promote healthy skin.
Foods that support liver health include berries, cruciferous vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and fatty fish. Coffee and green tea contain antioxidants that are helpful for liver health.
Many citrus fruits, including lemon, can be added to water to help stimulate and flush out the liver. To help improve liver function, enjoy 4-6 tablespoons of lemon juice mixed with water each day.
The high vitamin C content of limes can boost the immune system and also help the body to break down fat during exercise, thus promoting weight loss. The vitamin C will promote the absorption of calcium from the fat cells and will also help in weight loss.
It is difficult to conclusively prove cause and effect, but the evidence does strongly suggest that the antioxidant properties of lemon juice are responsible for protecting and even helping to heal the liver.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Eat a well-balanced diet every day. That's five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables, along with fiber from vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Be sure to include protein for the enzymes that help your body detox naturally.
Eggs are rich in all the eight essential amino acids and choline, which is also a vital nutrient. The amino acids and choline help the liver in the detoxification process and improve the metabolism rate.
Healing can begin as early as a few days to weeks after you stop drinking, but if the damage is severe, healing can take several months. In some cases, “if the damage to the liver has been long-term, it may not be reversible,” warns Dr. Stein.
The liver has a unique capacity among organs to regenerate itself after damage. A liver can regrow to a normal size even after up to 90% of it has been removed. But the liver isn't invincible. Many diseases and exposures can harm it beyond the point of repair.
You will experience physical signs your liver is healing, such as healthier-looking skin and eyes, increased energy levels, and reduced stomach pain and swelling. Other signs your liver is healing include: Improved amino-acid regulation – Your liver processes proteins and amino acids that your body cannot store.
One lime a day is certainly good for you—the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day while adding lime (or lemon) to each glass of water.
Boost Your Brain
Lemons and limes have special chemicals that may keep brain cells safe from toxic substances in your body. And because they also protect against general cell breakdown and inflammation, they may help reduce some of the risk of brain diseases like Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's.
Lime juice contains high amounts of citric acid which can dissolve enamel. Excessive intake of lime juice can damage the enamel lining of your teeth and increase the risk of tooth decay and plaque. If you start experiencing sensitivity and pain, you should consider limiting your lime juice intake.