Need to clear your skin, improve digestion or boost your
energy? Keeping your liver healthy could be the key.
Our liver's main
function is to naturally detox the body. It is our internal cleaner, which,
given the right support, has the ability to keep the body clear of the junk
which can cause illness. The liver is our second-largest organ (only the skin is
bigger) and therefore one of the most important. If the body was an automobile,
the liver would be its engine. It does hundreds of things to make sure it runs
smoothly, playing a vital role in regulating fat and balancing our hormones,
digestion and circulation.
The liver's main job is to get rid of foreign substances.
Anything that enters the bloodstream is filtered through the liver to
ensure that quality nutrients go to the organs, while any excess is
removed. From a Chinese medicine perspective, the liver controls the
flow of qi (energy) through the body. "It also 'rules' the tendons and
stores the blood which nourishes the eyes and nails. It also influences our
digestion and menstruation."
Blocked liver
Indulging in alcohol or junk food may be fun at the time,
but it will make your liver work extra hard. All the alcohol, processed foods
and toxic chemical residue we're exposed to get caught in the liver. If we are
exposed to too much junk, our liver starts to resemble a dirty, wet sponge that
needs to be wrung out.
When the liver becomes congested it will not filter blood
optimally. It can become blocked, fatty or bloated. It will then contribute to
high cholesterol and lowered synthesis of nutrients and new cells, compromising
your health. This is why many alcoholics have liver failure: the organ is
never given time to regenerate.
Should you detox?
Many Dieticians don’t encourage detox plans because the liver is
always working to detoxify the body. You're better off improving eating habits
to boost liver function instead of paying for gimmicky plans or following
restrictive diets. We need to get back in touch with real food and ensure we
understand what nutrients we need.
Detoxing is a natural bodily process that occurs every night
when you sleep and each time you are sick. You need nothing to detox properly
except yourself, fresh water, a place to rest peacefully and some silence. It’s better to keep your diet relatively low in fat,
consuming five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit per day and keeping
alcohol to a minimum.
Liver helpers
While the key to a healthy liver is maintaining harmony and
balance, there are some foods and
supplements that will help the liver do its work better.
Ginger, most dark green leafy vegetables, beetroot and mint
will all help the free flow of our qi. The most common traditional Chinese
medicine herbal formula for liver ailments is called xiao yao san, and can be
made by a qualified practitioner or bought in pill form."
Liver cleansers
Carrots: High in beta-carotene, they help regulate
blood-sugar levels, while reducing inflammation in the body and are a good
energy food.
Milk thistle: Contains an antioxidant that acts as a toxin
blocker. Capsules can be taken daily for an extended period to repair the
liver.
Black walnuts: Help to eliminate toxins. Can be taken in
powder or capsule form, for 30 days, after which you should give it a rest.
Lemons: Cleanse not only the liver, but also the
gallbladder, kidneys, digestive tract and lungs.
Garlic: Helps strengthen and cleanse the blood, while giving
the liver and kidneys a spring clean.
Dandelion tea: Dandelion has been used for centuries. It is
a blood purifier and antioxidant and is recommended for those with liver
complaints.
Beetroot juice: Contains a chemical called betaine that
stimulates the liver cells and protects the liver and bile ducts.
