Here Is How Much Money Top Professionals Earn Per Hour In America (20 pics)

Anesthesiologists
Average hourly pay: $124.09
Number of people in the US with this job: 29,220

Surgeons
Average hourly pay: $119
Number of people in the US with this job: 41,600

Obstetricians and gynecologists
Average hourly pay: $106.92
Number of people in the US with this job: 20,090

Psychiatrists
Average hourly pay: $93.12
Number of people in the US with this job: 24,060

Chief executives
Average hourly pay: $89.35
Number of people in the US with this job: 238,940

Pediatricians
Average hourly pay: $88.07
Number of people in the US with this job: 28,660

Dentists
Average hourly pay: $82.86
Number of people in the US with this job: 100,080

Nurse anesthetists
Average hourly pay: $77.04
Number of people in the US with this job: 39,410

Petroleum engineers
Average hourly pay: $71.92
Number of people in the US with this job: 34,600

Computer and information systems managers
Average hourly pay: $67.79
Number of people in the US with this job: 341,250

Marketing managers
Average hourly pay: $67.63
Number of people in the US with this job: 192,890

Lawyers
Average hourly pay: $65.51
Number of people in the US with this job: 609,930

Podiatrists
Average hourly pay: $65.47
Number of people in the US with this job: 9,500

Financial managers
Average hourly pay: $64.58
Number of people in the US with this job: 531,120

Sales managers
Average hourly pay: $62.69
Number of people in the US with this job: 364,750

Public relations and fundraising managers
Average hourly pay: $57.40
Number of people in the US with this job: 60,380

Pharmacists
Average hourly pay: $57.34
Number of people in the US with this job: 295,620

Air traffic controllers
Average hourly pay: $57.09
Number of people in the US with this job: 23,130

Physicists
Average hourly pay: $56.97
Number of people in the US with this job: 15,650

Human resources managers
Average hourly pay: $56.29
Number of people in the US with this job: 122,780

11 Secrets of People Who've Lived to 100

Science says that your diet, how much you exercise, and your genes all play a role in determining how long you’ll live. Those who have lived to blow out 100 candles, however, say they’ve used other strategies for achieving their old age. Here, longevity tips from 11 centenarians around the world — some legit, some hilarious, and some downright bizarre.

Agnes Fenton, 110 
Agnes Fenton of New Jersey credits her 110 years to downing three bottles of Miller High Life and a glass of whiskey every day. She told ABC News in August 2015 that her booze-filled diet began 70 years ago, when a doctor advised her to drink the “Champagne of Beers” daily after finding that her only health problem was a benign tumor. Fenton followed her doctor’s orders for years, even adding some Johnnie Walker Blue Label into the mix, until her caretakers nixed the alcohol when she began to eat less.

Gertrude Weaver, lived to 116 
Gertrude Weaver, one of the last surviving people born in the 1800s when she passed in April 2015, credited her 116 years to simply being kind. Her advice for a long life: “Treat people right and be nice to other people the way you want them to be nice to you,” she told TIME in 2014. Weaver also credited her lack of chronic health problems to not drinking or smoking and getting plenty of sleep.

Jessie Gallan, lived to 109 
Jessie Gallan spent her life eating lots of porridge, but you never would have found her spending her time with a man. In her 109 years, this independent lady never married. In January 2015, shortly before her 109th birthday and just three months before she passed away, Gallan linked the lack of men in her life to her longevity. “They’re more trouble than they’re worth,” she told The Daily Mail. Instead she spent her life getting plenty of exercise, surrounding herself with nice people, and working hard starting at age 13.

Alexander Imich, lived to 111 
Alexander Imich of New York City was born the same year that the Yankees played their first season and more than a year before the New York Subways opened for business. In May 2014, a month before his death, the 111-year-old told NBC New York that he stayed in tip-top shape with a lifetime of healthy eating and abstinence from alcohol. His diet included chicken and fish, and he spent his younger years swimming and participating in gymnastics.

Duranord Veillard, 108  New York resident Duranord Veillard, 108, starts each day with oatmeal, fruit, and a cup of tea and ends with fish and vegetables. According to USA Today, Veillard has always done five to seven pushups every morning, even now. He celebrated his latest birthday in February with his wife of 82 years, Jeanne, who turned 105 in May.

Adelina Domingues, lived to 114 
Adelina Domingues, who passed away at age 114, never fractured a bone, didn’t take any medications, and never needed to go to the hospital. The secret to her longevity? Never wearing makeup. “I’ve never been to a beauty shop and I’ve never been vain,” she told the San Diego Union Tribune. Her Union-Tribune obituary also claimed that she never smoked or drank and considered religion to be her best medicine.

Susannah Mushatt Jones, 116 
Susannah Mushatt Jones turned 116 in July 2015, making her the world’s oldest living person according to a statement from Guinness World Records. She says she has always kept up on her sleep and held a steady diet of bacon, eggs, and grits for breakfast. Her family told USA Today that her longevity comes from her love of family and generosity to others.

Ruth Coben, 103 
Even in her 100s, New York City resident Ruth Coben lifts weights, practices Pilates once a week, and has been known to show off her fashion chops online. She told Advanced Style, a fashion blog that features senior women, that her motto for long life is to celebrate every day and not look at the calendar. She also believes that as long as you are able to move, you can do some form of exercise.

George Boggess, 103 
After serving in World War II, marching with Martin Luther King Jr. and serving at the D.C. Superior Court, George Boggess hopes to live to 105. His advice for living a long life: lots of walking. “I attribute my longevity to a great extent to walking, not being in the back of the car strapped down,” he told Washington’s Top News in 2013.

Paul Marcus, 101 
Paul Marcus clocked in time at his local fitness facility, even into his 100s. Despite his dedication to keeping in shape, Marcus said the secret to longevity is luck. “One, you gotta have good genes,” he told the Denver Post in 2013. “Two, you gotta be god damned lucky for 100 years. And three: Try not to eat anything that’s healthy. It’s true. I eat whatever I want. The secret to longevity is ice cream.”

Misao Okawa, lived to 117
Okawa was the word’s oldest person leading up to her death in April 2015. According to the UK’s Mirror, she credits her long life to her diet of sushi, getting eight hours of sleep each night and relaxing.  Japan is believed to have more than 50,000 people who have lived to be over 100 years old. This is often attributed to the country’s low-fat diet, which is rich in sushi and fish.

38 Supernatural Metabolism Boosters You Need to Try

Use these metabolism boosters as a way to get a sluggish metabolism into gear, or to rev up an already healthy metabolism. If you’ve noticed that yours is a bit slow, it’s time to take action and not just write it off as bad luck or unfortunate genetics. Here are several ways to tip the situation to your favor. 

1. Drink lemon water right when you wake up. This is a great morning ritual that will help kickstart the rehydration process and cleanse the digestive tract. The lemon contains Vitamin C, which will not only help your metabolism but will provide strength to your immune system as well.

2. Mind your fiber. Make an effort to get your daily fiber requirement met each day. You’ll notice an improvement in how you feel as well as notice a difference in how much your metabolism improves.

3. Eat more protein. All else being equal, more protein will provide a metabolism boost so it’s important that you’re getting enough. You don’t need to go overboard, but you definitely don’t want to fall short in this department for long periods of time.

4. Keep the meals coming. Rather than skip meals in an attempt to reduce your caloric intake and lose weight, focus on eating more frequently without getting extra full. Keeping your metabolic fires fueled is an effective way to make sure you always have enough energy to keep going.

5. Get better quality sleep. Getting to bed earlier is one step in getting better sleep. You’ll also want to make sure that you’re not getting too much sleep and waking up at the same time each day. Improve your sleep and you’ll boost your metabolism effortlessly.

6. Strengthen your muscles. A stronger, leaner physique is a guaranteed way to have a faster metabolism. You’ll be burning fat in your sleep and during your downtime, which means you’ll really be turning the tables and getting rid of fat stores that have built up over time.

7. Eat metabolism-boosting foods first. When you fill up on foods that boost your metabolism you’ll be crowding out other foods that either slow it down or have no effect. The best part is that these foods are also good for your overall health, so you’ll be getting an amplified benefit from eating them. 

8. Stress less. The more you stress out the slower your metabolic rate, and the higher the likelihood of eating comfort foods which will only mess up your progress. Learn to take time each day to attend to your relaxation and to recharge your batteries, along with your metabolism.

9. Increase omega-3 intake. Omega-3 is an important part to any metabolism-conscious diet plan, and you’ll see better results in less time if you make sure to include foods rich in this fatty acid. One great choice is salmon, which also provides protein and minerals that will improve your overall health.

10. Monitor your blood sugar levels. Even if you’re not diabetic you can keep your blood sugar levels in mind and do your best to keep them stable with the meals you eat. Make sure to combine proteins with smart carbohydrate choices to avoid spikes, keep your energy levels up, and your metabolism humming.

11. Don’t forget breakfast. Often referred to as the most important meal of the day, you don’t want to miss the chance to get your digestive system in gear before you leave the house in the morning. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate affair, and even something snack-sized will do the trick. 

12. Go organic. Keeping your body running like a well-oiled machine is key to having a properly functioning metabolism. You can’t expect it to work at its full potential if it’s trying to make heads or tails of herbicides and pesticides. By keeping your food clean, you help keep your body clean and your metabolism going strong.

13. Use healthier oils. Choosing the right oils can set you up for success, and will save you from the ill effects of using oils that slow you down. Opt for coconut oil and olive oil over vegetable oil or canola oil. Also, avoid any hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils.

14. Increase your NEAT score. NEAT is an acronym for Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis, and it basically refers to all of the activity you get throughout the day doing daily activities. You can keep your metabolism in high gear just by being productive and getting things done like cleaning the house or car, or working on DIY projects around the home.

15. Get needed vitamins and minerals. If you’re running any sort of shortage on important vitamins and minerals, your metabolism is going to suffer for it. Minerals like zinc, iron, chromium are all essential, which is why it’s so important to eat a diet full of fruits and vegetables that keep you topped up.

16. Work out using intervals. Cardio is recommended for a better metabolism, and there’s no better way to go about it than with interval training. Compared to long periods of moderate intensity, shorter sessions of intervals means you’re burning more fat even hours after you’ve finished the workout. 

17. Strike a pose. Yoga pose that is. Even though it doesn’t look like you’re doing much, holding yoga poses helps to increase your metabolism. Stick with it consistently and you’ll see the results of an improved metabolic rate.

18. Drink green tea. The catechins in green tea can help boost your metabolism, and the tea itself is full of antioxidants that help the body in a number of ways. It also contains some caffeine, which acts as an additional bump to the metabolism.

19. Get moving at night. Taking an after dinner walk or otherwise engaging in some form of light exercise in the early evening can help you rev up your metabolism so that it’s working through the night while you sleep. Just make sure you space it out so it’s a few hours before you plan on going to bed.

20. Eat more beans. Beans are digested slowly by the body, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels. They’re also an excellent source of fiber and minerals, and can work wonders on a sluggish metabolism.

21. Expose yourself to sunlight. This will not only increase your Vitamin D levels but will help you fall asleep more easily by releasing the right hormones at the right time. Vitamin D is an important vitamin for metabolism, as well as your overall wellbeing.

22. Snack strategically. Prepare snacks ahead of time to avoid any gaps in your nutrition, and reduce the likelihood of eating something unhealthy because you’re hungry and panicky. 

23. Use apple cider vinegar. Add a bit of apple cider vinegar to your water and you’ll be helping to improve your digestion and metabolize foods better. Be sure to go with organic apple cider vinegar that contains “the mother”.

24. Cleanse the body with gradual detoxing. Out with the bad, in with the good. Detoxing helps your body get rid of toxins that are getting in the way of a healthy metabolism. Release them and your body can do what it’s meant to do.

25. Eat almonds as a snack. Almonds make a great snack because they’re crunchy and satisfying, and provide minerals, protein, and fiber, all of which contribute to a better metabolism.

26. Get spicy. Getting liberal with the spices you use can have a direct effect on your metabolism. Cayenne pepper is a great spice to fall in love with, as the capsaicin it contains has been proven to speed up your metabolism.

27. Exercise in the morning. Getting the body going in the morning can mean the difference between being in fat-burning mode all day, or stuck in fat-storing mode. Work up a sweat before 10am and you’ll be set.

28. Start your day with grapefruit. Eating grapefruit is another morning habit to establish, as it’s a metabolism-boosting food that is often recommended as a weight loss aid. Just be sure not to add sugar to it, and if you want to sweeten it up use a bit of raw, organic honey.

29. Laugh it up! Laughing can actually help keep your metabolism in high gear. The more you laugh and the more heartier that laughter is, the better for your health.

30. Use honey and cinnamon. The combination of honey and cinnamon can have a surprising effect on your metabolism. It simply involves adding the two together in a sort of tea, and drinking at certain times of the day. See more about the benefits of cinnamon and honey to your metabolism.

31. Get into the juicing craze. Blending up organic fruits and vegetables into a tasty juice is a surefire way to get your metabolism going, and flood the body with the nutrients it craves daily.

32. Drink plenty of water. Dehydration is one of the biggest culprits for a compromised metabolism. Drink enough water each day and you’ll be giving your organs and the rest of your body what they need to do their job. 

33. Use more ginger. Ginger has a cleansing effect on the body, and this can lead to an improved metabolism. You can grate fresh ginger onto a meal, or use powdered ginger in a smoothie or soup.

34. Consider a kelp supplement. Kelp supplements contain iodine, which is essential for proper thyroid health. Getting your thyroid in order is a major step toward realizing the full potential of your metabolism.

35. Eat grass-fed beef. Organic grass-fed beef contains far more CLA in it than grain-fed beef, which will help you burn fat. Grain-fed beef, by comparison, is going to contain antibiotics and growth hormones that are designed to fatten up the cows.

36. Get a massage. Releasing blocked energy will help your metabolism, and a massage works at doing just that. The deeper the massage, the more they’re getting to stored up negative energy. Try a deep tissue massage or rolfing for a better metabolism without much in the way of effort on your part.

37. Take an L-arginine supplement. L-arginine may be able to stimulate your metabolism into action. It’s an important amino acid that is required by the body, and will help you build lean muscle that translates to a more efficient metabolism.

38. Get an acupuncture treatment. Ask your acupuncturist to help you out with your metabolism and they’ll work on specific points that are linked to your metabolism.

12 Ways You're Aging Your Skin

You likely know the no-no's: Not wearing sunscreen, smoking, and not getting enough sleep can make you look older. But there are plenty of other culprits. Dermatologists Josh Zeichner, M.D., Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, and California-based derm Susan Stuart, M.D., filled us in on everyday activities that you may not realize are aging your skin.

1. Washing your face too much

Of course, it's important to keep your skin clean, but don't overdo it. Wash no more than twice daily (an extra wash pre- or post-workout is okay), and keep in mind that not all cleansers are created equal. Alkaline bar soaps strip your skin of its natural oils and can cause irritation; a non-soap cleanser is a much gentler option.

2. Drinking through a straw

Sure, it looks more ladylike to sip your beverages, but repeatedly pursing your lips can cause wrinkling around your mouth. While not noticeable when you're young, these lines become more pronounced as you age and your skin weakens.

3. Losing weight

We all want to fit into those skinny jeans, but losing too much weight (or repeated weight gain and loss) causes your skin to lose elasticity, making it look saggy.

4. Skipping your annual eye exam

That yearly visit to the eye doc is one appointment you shouldn't put off. Squinting can start causing crows feet and frown lines between your brows. Make sure to get your vision checked regularly, and if you need glasses, wear them!

5. Wearing contacts

Okay, the problem isn't so much wearing contact lenses as it is incorrectly putting them in and taking them out. When applying lenses, you typically tug at the thin, sensitive skin around your eyes, which can cause inflammation and, overtime, lead to wrinkling and sagging.

6. Driving

Don't think that just because you're in a car you're safe from the sun's rays. UVA light, which causes skin aging, penetrates through glass, meaning you're exposed even in the car. Slather sunscreen all over, focusing especially on your left forearm and hand.

7. Cranking up the heat

It may be tempting to dial up the thermostat on chilly winter days, but dry, indoor heat leads to inflamed skin, which over time has aging effects. Turn down the temperature before bed, or invest in a cool-mist humidifier to use overnight. Alternately, placing a glass of water on your bedside table helps keep the air moist.

8. Forgetting to drink enough water

Skip water and you could be left with dry, rough skin. Water not only hydrates our bodies and our skin, but helps our skin give off a healthy glow.

9. Eating too much sodium

Although you can't avoid salt altogether, foods high in sodium can suck moisture out of skin, leaving it dry and dull. Make sure you drink plenty of water, use a hydrating moisturizer, and cut back on salty foods.

10. Sleeping on your face

Each sleep position has its pros and cons, but sleeping on your back can help minimize facial wrinkles you might get from your pillow. If you must sleep on your side, switch to a silk or satin pillowcase, which creates less compression wrinkles and can help maintain your skin's moisture levels.

11. Drinking coffee

Caffeine can lower your risk for developing Alzheimer's and can help boost your metabolism. However, coffee can also dehydrate skin and magnify wrinkles. Stick to one or two cups a day, and drink plenty of water in between cups of joe.

12. Slouching at work

Do you often slump over your desk and rest your chin on your arm? This regular movement — extending and flexing your neck — can stretch the skin and lead to wrinkles. Prolonged periods of time texting and reading can also contribute to sagging.  

10 Foods That Are Wreaking Havoc on Your Gut

Processed foods

Gut health-and overall health-is dependent on the microbiome, the trillions of tiny cells living within our intestines. "Cutting-edge science has shown that the microbiome is the secret to healthy, dramatic weight loss, as well as significant improvements to your mood, energy, and mental function," says Raphael Kellman, M.D., a specialist in integrative and functional medicine and author of The Microbiome Diet. One of the top culprits of a messed-up gut? Processed and refined foods like cookies, crackers, chips, packaged cold cuts, and microwavable meals. "These 'foods' are packed with sugars, preservatives, additives, coloring, chemicals, and a whole host of calories devoid of any nutritional content," says Kellman. "They can lead to an unbalanced microbiome, causing a cascade of health concerns beginning with inflammation and insulin resistance-a major factor in weight gain and fatigue-and progressing to more serious conditions like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease."


Meat

Bad news for those following the Paleo diet: "Clinical studies show that higher levels of meat intake are consistent with upping the numbers of less desirable species of gut bacteria," says Kellman. In fact, recent research conducted at the Cleveland Clinic found that carnitine, a compound abundant in red meat, can be metabolized during digestion to form the compound trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), which is linked to cardiac events including heart attacks and stroke. Those volunteers who consumed a beefsteak produced more TMAO than those who took a carnitine supplement, but when the participants took antibiotics to suppress gut microbes before eating more meat, they produced less TMAO. That's proof that eating lots of red meat can feed the bad bacteria in our guts. Also, a separate study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition confirms (once again) that decreasing meat consumption may improve weight management.

Sugar
We know, we have a sweet tooth too, but... "Sugar feeds the bad bacteria in our guts, causing an imbalance in the bacterial composition," say Boynton and Brackett. "This imbalance can lead to inflammation, leaky gut, and the diseases associated with that, including autoimmune disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, and asthma." Also, when consumed in large amounts (hello again, processed foods!), sugar can cause insulin resistance, which can contribute to obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS)
It's present in most junk foods, and sports and soft drinks, says Kellman, as well as many juices, syrups, jellies, condiments, and breakfast cereals. Like sugar, HFCS raises insulin levels, and is linked to diabetes, fatty liver disease, and other inflammatory conditions. However, it's not exactly the same as sugar. "It's more of a franken-food invented as a cheap substitute for sweetening," Kellman says. "It's a dangerous sweetener that feeds unhealthy bacteria, disrupts your hormones for hunger and fullness, and blunts your appetite for healthier foods."

Artificial sweeteners
"If I had to pick my top-10 diet and health myths, the idea that artificial sweeteners are a good substitute for sugar would surely make the list," says Kellman. Sucralose-also known as Spenda-can cause blood sugar and insulin levels to spike, increasing your risk for insulin resistance and weight gain, while aspartame-sold as Nutrasweet and Equal-breaks down into the compound formaldehyde, which has been shown to cause cancer. "And in September 2013, a review of the scientific literature published in Obesity Reviews showed that sugar substitutes also have an impact on the microbiome, which might well be why they have those other negative effects."

Gluten
If you suffer from chronic tummy issues, you want to consider limiting foods that contain gluten. Kellman explains that gluten-a form of protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and other grains-can trigger the production of zonulin, a biochemical that opens up the tight junctions of your intestinal wall. "When you eat gluten in moderate amounts-for example, a twice-weekly serving of toast or pasta-your body has a chance to tighten up those junctions and maintain intestinal health," he says. "But when you are continuously exposed to gluten, your tight junctions often remain open, causing you to develop leaky gut." And leaky gut results from inflammation, which usually leads to weight gain. Keep in mind that gluten is also used as a preservative, meaning it's often found in products not labeled as "gluten-free."

Dairy
Milk and cow's milk products, such as cheese, butter, sour cream, and ice cream, can cause immune reactions (like acne, sore throat, and bloating) in many people, says Kellman. If your system is sensitive to dairy, eating it can also promote the pancreas to release excessive amounts of insulin. The end result: The body stores more fat instead of burning it. "Dairy can be responsible for an imbalance in the gut flora, which can lead to more inflammation, difficulties with digestion, and overall problems with immunity," he adds. As an alternative, consider trying almond-, hemp-, or coconut-based milk products.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
The World Health Organization defines GMOs as "organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally." "Our bodies are not designed to digest GMOs, and the very presence of them in the digestive tract can alter the delicate bacterial composition, leading to overgrowth of bad bacteria and fungi," say Boynton and Brackett. GMOs are found in many nonorganic processed foods, dairy, meat, and poultry products, and most corn and soy-based products-the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in 2012 that 88 percent of corn and 94 percent of soy grown within the United States was genetically modified. "Chances are, if nature didn't create it, you shouldn't eat it," add Boynton and Brackett.

Chlorinated water
If you're drinking tap water, you're probably also ingesting chlorine. And unfortunately, we've come to accept this impure form of water as the norm, say The Heal Your Gut Cookbook coauthors Hilary Boynton, certified holistic health counselor, and Mary G. Brackett, a whole-foods advocate. "Chlorine is there to kill bad organisms that may lurk in the water supply. But it can also kill the good bacteria living inside your body." According to the Environmental Protection Agency, studies indicate "an association between bladder and rectal cancer and chlorination byproducts in drinking water." For the sake of your gut, invest in a reverse osmosis filter, which helps remove impurities such as chlorine, bacteria, sulfates, and pesticides from water. They're more expensive than typical filters, but are actually successful in removing all chlorine.

Genetically modified organisims (GMOs)
The World Health Organization defines GMOs as "organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally." "Our bodies are not designed to digest GMOs, and the very presence of them in the digestive tract can alter the delicate bacterial composition, leading to overgrowth of bad bacteria and fungi," say Boynton and Brackett. GMOs are found in many nonorganic processed foods, dairy, meat, and poultry products, and most corn and soy-based products-the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in 2012 that 88 percent of corn and 94 percent of soy grown within the United States was genetically modified. "Chances are, if nature didn't create it, you shouldn't eat it," add Boynton and Brackett.

Soy
Hold off on that soy latte for just a moment. "Soy is not only bad for the human gut because it's a genetically modified crop, it also wreaks havoc because it's extremely difficult to digest," say Boynton and Brackett. Yes, soy is a staple of traditional Asian cultures, but unlike what we eat, it was prepared properly and fermented-by breaking down the phytic acid, which is the plant's natural defense mechanism. "Without proper preparation, soy can cause gas and bloating and alter weight-regulating thyroid levels due to the naturally occurring high levels of toxins," they add. Kellman also notes that large amounts of soy tend to "have unpredictable effects on estrogen." Reading food labels is key, since soy can be found in cereals, chocolates, baked goods, and other packaged foods.

10 Foods to Cleanse and Care For Your Liver

Shaped like a boomerang and coming in at a mere three pounds, your liver works hard for you everyday, possibly more than you could imagine. It’s the second largest organ in your bodyand yet, probably not one you give much thought to until something goes wrong. Your liver keeps things going, and is often referred to as the gatekeeper of your body. Like a silent housekeeper, it’s always working around the clock, cleaning up whatever goes in, and assisting with what goes out. Just like you mop up a mess on your kitchen floor, your liver does somewhat of the same thing with all the toxins from our food supply and the environment. It also performs everyday functions that you might not be aware of, and protects you from a number of nasty health conditions when you care for it properly.

Whatever you put in your body, your liver has to deal with and process, on top of other everyday functions, such as: use carbs, protein, and fats to process into energy, assist in digestion, use 30 percent of the circulating blood in your body every minute to perform chemical reactions that remove harmful toxins, distribute and store essential nutrients, make proteins, and detoxify your blood from carcinogens, or toxic invaders like alcohol, and other harmful food ingredients. And you thought your day job was hard!

HOW FOOD FITS INTO THE EQUATION

As you can see, your liver health is nothing to play around with, so feeding it and your body beneficial foods only makes good sense. One of the best things you can do for your liver is to eat a healthy, plant-based diet. Health experts recommended eliminating or reducing animal foods to care for your liver, just as much as they do eliminating alcohol, refined sugar, excess caffeine, and processed foods. Why? A whole foods, plant-based diet is free of toxins that are found in animals, such antibiotics, natural hormones, along with a host of other ingredients. It’s also rich in antioxidants, naturally cleansing properties like fiber and water, and contains non-acidic proteins that are more friendly to your body than animal sources. Considering 85-90 percent of all blood that leaves your stomach and intestines after digestion goes straight to your liver for the processing of nutrients or the removal of toxins, you can easily see why it’s important to eat a diet that’s friendly to your blood and liver – so your liver can produce nutrients more than it does filter out toxins!

Here are 10 of the top liver-friendly foods to include in your diet, which aid in daily cleansing, rejuvenation, detoxification, and nourishment for the vital organ in your body:

1. BEETS

Beets are bright and beautiful, like an insane shot of wellness for your whole body, including your liver. Their red, purplish hues may seem a bit overwhelming, but nature was smart in the way she created foods to mimic the benefits they have on the body. For example, beets look like the color of blood, and coincidentally, they naturally cleanse and purify the blood, which boosts liver function, and nutrient production in your body. Beets are also high in antioxidants and important nutrients including: folate, fiber (in the form of pectin), iron, betaine, betalains, betacyanin, and betanin. Pectin is a soluble form of fiber that’s well known for its cleansing properties and ability to keep you full. Beets’ fibers and nutrients help the body flush toxins that are often stored in our liver so they can be evacuated out of the body instead of reabsorbed into the bloodstream. So, stop hating on the bloody color of beets- these little red gems are amazing for you! Find out how to use them best with some of our best beet recipes.

2. BROCCOLI

Shaped like mini trees, broccoli gives life to your body and its bright green hues indicate the high level of antioxidants and chlorophyll found in the cruciferous veggie. Broccoli is high in fiber that naturally cleanses the body from carcinogens and other toxins.  Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and other members of the cruciferous veggie family also contain glucosinolates which help the liver produce enzymes to aid in the removal of toxins and aid in digestion. Broccoli is also a good source of fat-soluble Vitamin E, an especially important antioxidant for the liver. If you’re tired of typical broccoli recipes, try these 12 Yummy Ways to Enjoy Broccoli for something new!

3. SWEET POTATOES

Sweet potatoes (along with carrots and winter squash such as butternut and pumpkin) are all rich in beta-carotene, which is a natural anti-inflammatory nutrients your body loves! Beta carotene converts to Vitamin A in the body, directly in the liver. It’s important to get your Vitamin A through beta-carotene rich foods in place of supplements. Supplements with too much Vitamin A can be toxic to the liver since Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin (meaning more gets stored than excreted.) Sweet potatoes and other foods rich in Vitamin A, however,do not cause liver toxicity and can not be stored for long-term use like supplements can. Sweet potatoes are also rich in fiber and Vitamin C, other cleansing and immunity-boosting nutrients that help your liver function at its best. Try using sweet potatoes roasted in a hearty, plant-based dinner, or use them as a simple lunch by stuffing them with salsa and some hummus for an easy mid-day meal.

4. LEMONS

Lemons love your liver and your liver loves them right back! Lemons are a natural cleansing food and essentially one of the best to “get things going” in all areas of your body. Lemons provide a wealth of antioxidants, primarily Vitamin C, and they help your liver produce more enzymes which give you more energy and help with digestion. Lemons are also a natural replacement for salt in the diet since they’re high in electrolytes that support your body but that don’t dehydrate your cells like sodium does. In fact, they’re often recommended as a salt replacement for individuals on a liver disease diet for this reason. Lemons are also alkalizing to the body, despite being acidic on their own. Once they enter the body, they help neutralize toxins, excrete wastes, and jump start the entire digestive process. Use organic lemons since you don’t want any chemicals from conventional lemon peels interfering with their benefits. This Red Lentil Soup with Fresh Cilantro and Lemon is a great recipe to care for your liver and your appetite at the same time!

5. LENTILS

Speaking of lentils, your liver loves them too! Lentils are rich in fiber, which assists with the cleansing process and they’re also a natural source of plant-based protein. Too much protein is not recommended since it can be especially hard on the liver. Lentils provide just enough protein to support your body without causing any harm. They’re also some of the easiest legumes to digest, which will help your body use them better for nutrient distribution.

6. MINIMAL AMOUNTS OF HEALTHY FATS

Healthy fats are important to any diet, plant-based or not, but too much is never a good thing when it comes to fats. Your liver needs fat for proper function, but too much can cause problems with bile production, which will affect the digestion of fats and possibly other issues of digestion. Healthy fats that are beneficial for your liver include: avocados, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and almonds, along with olives, coconut, chia seeds, and flax seeds. Other nuts and seeds are also beneficial, but be sure to avoid most oils, which can be hard on the liver to process and distribute into nutrients. Some exceptions include small amounts of olive, flax, or coconut oil. Avocados and walnuts are especially rich in properties that help your body produce more glutathione, which is used for the detoxification and filtration of harmful substances. This Creamy Pumpkin Acai Bowl is a fantastic way to enjoy avocados in a delicious new way if you need a fresh idea.

7. APPLES

Apples are rich in pectin, the soluble fiber that helps remove toxins and cholesterol from the blood, which helps your liver big time! They’re also rich in malic acid, a naturally cleansing nutrient that removes carcinogens and other toxins from the blood. Granny Smith apples are especially rich in malic acid, along with being one of the most antioxidant-rich apple varieties. All apples are great for your liver, however, but be sure to choose organic apples since they’re one of the worst sources of pesticides in conventional form.

8. GARLIC

Garlic is rich in allicin and selenium, two powerhouse nutrients for your liver. They act in cleansing and in nourishing the entire body, especially the blood. Selenium is a naturally detoxifying mineral and allicin helps ward off immune system invaders, which helps lighten the load on your liver. Garlic also activates enzymes in the liver which help with overall digestion and flushing out toxins. Use whole garlic cloves as the best option, instead of processed minced garlic or powder. Roasted Garlic, Miso and Green Soup would be an excellent liver-friendly recipe to enjoy.

9. ONIONS

Like garlic, onions are also rich in allicin that flush out the liver and the digestive tract. They’re also packed with potassium, fiber, phytonutrients, and flavonoids that help your body do everything from fight a nasty cold to repel toxic chemicals. Onions may stink odor-wise, but they’re are a well-known detoxifying food to enjoy anyhow. To avoid possible indigestion, avoid too many raw onions and give them a gentle cooking. Try them in a recipe such asSoothing Vegan French Onion Soup or Eggplant, Onion and Tomato Stew.

10. LEAFY GREENS

The nutritional all-star ingredients for just about every health issue are leafy greens. Like the rest of your body, your liver loves the leafies! Spinach, kale, chard, romaine, arugula, and collards are all some of the most nutrient dense leafy greens to enjoy. They’re packed with chlorophyll to purify the blood, which assists in liver function and they help neutralize heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and even pesticides that burden the liver. Just be sure to buy organic once again, so you get the benefits. Tired of your usual recipes? Here are 35 Delicious Ways to Eat More Greens!

Now give your liver some plant-based lovin with these foods and remember that sugar, alcohol, lack of exercise, multiple trips to the coffee maker, animal foods, and stuff out of a box and bag with a laundry list of ingredients are not your liver’s friend. Take care of your liver so it can take care of you!