Our liver works hard every single day cleaning out toxins, processing fats, and helping with digestion. We don’t always notice it doing its job, but when it struggles, everything feels off. That’s why a well-known gastroenterologist, Dr. Joseph Salhab, popularly known as @thestomachdoc, recently shared something simple but powerful: Three everyday foods he eats to keep his liver in good shape. No fancy powders or detox teas. Just real food that helps the body do what it’s meant to do. Here’s what he recommends and why it makes a difference.
Broccoli
The first thing he eats regularly? Broccoli. You’ve probably heard before that it’s good for you, but there’s a specific reason it supports the liver. Broccoli is rich in something called sulforaphane, a compound that helps activate enzymes involved in detoxification. In plain terms, it helps your liver break down harmful substances so they can be flushed out.
The doctor also explains that broccoli plays a role in what’s known as phase II detoxification. That’s a stage where toxins get changed into a form that’s easier for your body to remove. It sounds complex, but it just means the liver gets extra support to do its daily cleanup work.Adding broccoli to your meals, even just a few times a week, can help take pressure off your liver. It doesn’t have to be raw or boring either. Steam it, roast it, stir-fry it. Just get it in.
Beets
The second food on his list is beets. They’re not everyone’s favorite, but the doctor swears by them. He says beets help improve blood flow and support detox pathways in the liver. This is largely because they contain a compound called betalain, which fights inflammation and protects liver cells from damage.
Beets also help increase bile production. Bile is the greenish fluid your liver makes to help digest fats and carry waste out of the body. When your bile flow is healthy, your liver works more efficiently.You can eat beets raw in salads, roast them with a bit of olive oil, or even blend them into smoothies. Just try not to drown them in sugar or heavy dressings.
Artichokes
Last on his list is something many of us don’t think to eat often: Artichokes. According to the doctor, they’re a secret weapon for liver support. They’re rich in silymarin, the same compound found in milk thistle, which is known to help regenerate liver cells and reduce damage.
In fact, the reel briefly shows a study that suggests artichokes may be useful in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. That’s a big deal, considering how common liver fat buildup is due to poor diet and lifestyle.Artichokes don’t get the spotlight often, but they should. Steam them and dip in olive oil, toss them into pasta, or try grilled artichoke hearts. They’re also available as supplements, though whole food is always better when possible. simple food, serious support. Here’s how to eat them properlyIt’s easy to think you need to do a full detox or follow a strict cleanse to take care of your liver, but that’s not what the doctor recommends. He sticks to basics: Broccoli, beets, and artichokes. Three foods that help the liver naturally do what it’s designed to do: Filter, heal, and protect.You don’t have to overhaul your entire diet. Just start by adding one of these a few times a week. Your liver might not send you a thank-you note, but you’ll feel the difference over time in your digestion, your energy, and even your skin.Watch the video hereSometimes, real health starts with real food. Nothing more.
