l o v e y o u r l i v e r   11 Chapter Four Habits for a Healthy Liver A s you’ve read, the liver is the body’s major weapon against environmental toxins. Often called the body’s filter, your liver breaks down air and water pollutants as well as hazardous chemicals, turning them into less-harmful ­ compound that can be escorted out of your body. But, as noted earlier, a constant barrage of toxins in the foods you eat, the medications you take, and the prod- ucts you use can overwhelm and even damage the liver. But the following lifestyle changes can help keep your liver healthy and functioning optimally. Liver-Friendly Foods Your diet, while a source of contaminants, can also support liver health if you choose foods that are naturally detoxifying. Topping the list are fresh fruits and vegetables—specifically sulfur- rich foods such as onions, garlic, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cab- bage, cauliflower, and kale. One recent study at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, found that the organosulfur compounds in garlic have a protective effect on the mitochondria in liver cells. And new findings in the journal Mutation Research focused on cabbage sprout’s ability to support both Phase I and Phase II detoxification.