Love Your Liver
Our liver is the powerhouse of our body systems. It works 24 hours a day to detoxify and produce bile to break down fats, toxins like alcohol, medications, and natural byproducts of metabolism including hormone disruptors.
Our Liver supports our body by storing vitamins, minerals, and even carbohydrates, as well as our digestive system. When we increase our intake of fatty foods, alcohol, medications and sugar, this puts increasing pressure on our already hard-working liver, and in return it may become sluggish and overloaded.
Systemic inflammation can be the side effect of an overburdened liver. If you are trying to give some love to your liver, it’s a good idea to avoid processed foods, excess sugar, added hormones and fatty foods.
Meats, in particular ham, pork and bacon may contain inflammation producing nitrate preservatives. Nutrition plays a key role in helping your liver work more efficiently. Restore your liver’s ability to remove impurities by eating organic fresh produce, meats and food products. Drink some organic liver supportive teas or alkaline juices.
Foods that support your liver
1. Organic Greens such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, dandelion, cabbage and kale contain glutathione, which is a potent antioxidant that supports liver enzymes and detoxification. Increased fiber content of leafy greens also help with healthy bowel function and the removal of toxins. Supplementation with a concentrated greens powder can help during times of extra stress or when diet alone is not enough. If you’re travelling or away from your local market, having a greens powder on hand can ensure you are giving your body all the vital nutrients it needs.
2. Grapefruit contains inflammation reducing antioxidants called naringenin and naringin. These have been shown to reduce hepatic fibrosis in the liver.
3. Blueberries & Cranberries powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins have been shown in studies to improve those diagnosed with a fatty liver and inhibit liver cancer. Go with fresh wholefoods or have a powdered or juice form on hand. Mt Wilderberries range offers highly concentrated options to boost your dietary intake.
4. Green Tea a powerful antioxidant containing EGCG. A study has found that people who drank green tea were less likely to develop liver cancer.
5. Coconut water contains five electrolytes needed by the body; magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and sodium that are needed by the body to regain hydration. A hydrated liver is a happy liver!
6. Kombucha full of healthy probiotics, protects the liver and detoxifies the body.
7. Beetroot Juice studies have shown that beet juice may help to reduce oxidative damage and inflammation of the liver. Add freshly shaved beetroot onto your summer salads, get juicing to kick start the day or have a bottle of organic juice on hand.
6 ways to love your liver
1. Personal care products Consider updating your personal care and house cleaning products to chemical free. This can help reduce the toxic burden on your liver. With your skin being your largest organ, it’s not only what you eat but what you put on your body that counts. Any toxic chemicals in your deodorants, skincare, soaps, toothpaste .. to laundry powders – try swapping out your daily items as much as you can.
2. Increase your water intake Drinking 2L + of filtered water a day will help optimize your liver’s ability to flush out toxins and hydrate. Try having water in between any alcoholic beverages this summer to assist with your body’s ability to process.
3. Castor Oil Used topically, castor oil can be very useful to help support your liver. It assists by increasing circulation to your liver, reducing stagnation and thus assisting in removing toxins from your body.
4. Practice mindfulness Our everyday life can be busy and chaotic. We need to slow everything down and be more conscious. Slow down and take digital breaks from electronic devices. Spend time in nature, take a dip in the ocean and walk on the grass with bare feet.
Be mindful and grateful for all that you have, practice daily meditation.
5. Rest, sleep and recover Listen to your body, rest, sleep and recover to help detoxify and rebuild your body systems. Your liver does its best job at night when you are asleep, so ensure that you are getting adequate 8 hrs of sleep a night.
Consider supportive supplements
St Mary’s Thistle ‘(Milk Thistle) is a wonderful plant to help protect and support liver function thanks to its antioxidant properties. Herbs of Gold Liver Care is a great option to give your liver extra love during times of increased stress & overindulgence.
Curcumin the active compound in turmeric can have a protective effect on the liver, helping to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) plays an important role in your body’s antioxidant production, notably glutathione. Glutathione is one of your body’s most important antioxidants which is involved in liver detoxification.
Assunta Hamilton: Naturopath
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