The Liver: What it does, How to Support it & When to do a Liver Detox
A LITTLE ABOUT THIS SPECIAL ORGAN…
The liver is one of the most impressive and beneficial organs in the body. It is located in the upper right area of the abdomen, tucked under the diaphragm and on top of the stomach. The liver produces bile, which plays a role in breaking down fats and carrying away waste during digestion.
The liver is responsible for over 500 different jobs daily. It is the second-largest organ and has the ability "to lose up to 75% of its mass and grow back to full size" (Dr. Payal Bhandari M.D.).
SOME OF ITS ROLES INCLUDE:
Balancing iron in the bloodstream
Regulating and balancing hormone levels
Balancing and making glucose
Clearing the bloodstream of drugs and other toxic substances
Producing cholesterol and special proteins to move fats through the body
Monitoring blood clots
Keeping the immune system functioning properly
In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) anger, depression, anger, resentment, frustration, irritability, and bitterness are associated with the liver and are particularly more present when the liver is out of balance.
Liver disease occurs when damage has been done to the liver, causing damaged healthy tissue. Cirrhosis occurs when the damage becomes scarred liver tissue, which prevents the liver from regenerating healthy tissue ever again.
DEGENERATION AND LIVER DAMAGE CAN HAPPEN FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:
An autoimmune disorder, where your immune system mistakenly attacks the liver
Cancer
Inherited genetically
Contracting Hepatitis A (transmitted through feces-contaminated food or water), B (transmitted through contact with bodily fluids from someone who has Hep. B), or C (transmitted through contact with bodily fluids from someone who has Hep. C)
or by consuming too many toxins, including alcohol, drugs, and fat.
SIGNS OF LIVER DAMAGE CAN INCLUDE:
Abdominal pain (on the upper right side)
Bruise easily
Fatigue
Nausea of vomiting
Swelling in arms or legs (edema)
Consulting with your doctor is the best way to check the health of your liver and, of course, it is advised to consult with your doctor before making any big changes.
BECOME MORE MINDFUL OF THE FOOD, BEVERAGE, MEDICATION, AND SUPPLEMENTS YOU CONSUME.
Below are some lifestyle changes you can start making to take better care of your liver today -
Avoid alcohol consumption. It is recommended to have no more than one drink per day for women and two per day for men.
Increase water intake. Specifically, drink more filtered room-temperature water during certain times of the day so it can be absorbed more easily and gradually. 1) Upon waking up, 2) between meals, 3) early in the evening up until 2 hours before bed. Avoid carbonated water and drinking out of plastic.
Limit fatty, sugary, salty, high-calorie foods. Anything processed is best to be avoided.
Consume Anti-Inflammatory Foods. All organic, non-GMO, foods grown above ground are packed with natural inflammation-reducing properties and are rich in water, oxygen, and nutrients, which our cells need for longevity.
Avoid excessive animal protein - red meats, dairy, corn, soy, tobacco, caffeine, and most nuts.
Increase fiber intake by eating more whole fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
Incorporate probiotics that help balance gut microflora and harmful bacteria in the gut.
Monitor your use of medications. Consult with your doctor about the recommended dosage and use and opt for natural alternatives when available.
Be aware of your supplements. Vitamin A, niacin, performance-enhancing, weight-loss supplements, and green tea extract are all harmful to the liver.
Sweat daily, or aim to! Sweating helps detox the body from the inside out, literally forcing toxins from the pores. Cardio, Heated Yoga, HIIT, and the Sauna are all great ways to sweat it out. Exercise, in general, helps prevent fat buildup in the liver.
Limit contact with environmental toxins. The liver processes toxins that come in contact with your nose and skin. Opt for organic and clean household products, and beauty products, and avoid artificially scented items.
Get rest; aim for 7-8 hours per day. "Sleep shuts off non-essential physical functions so the body can redirect its energy resources towards processing, healing, restoring, and detoxifying." (Dr. Payal Bhandari M.D.)
WHAT TO CONSUME TO SUPPORT YOUR LIVER:
Organic coffee (non-organic coffees can contain pesticides) - 3 cups per day.
Tea - Specifically green tea or matcha high in antioxidants - 4 cups a day.
Grapefruit - contains two antioxidants (naringin and naringenin) which protect the liver from injury and reduce the development of hepatic fibrosis.
Berries - Specifically blueberries and cranberries, increase immune cell response and slows the development of scar tissue.
Beetroot juice - Helps reduce oxidative damage and inflammation in the liver and increases natural detox enzymes.
Cruciferous veggies - Brussel sprouts, broccoli, and mustard greens aim to protect the liver from damage.
Omega-3-rich fatty fish - Salmon, sardines, cod, herring, and Atlantic mackerel, help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.
Extra virgin olive oil (and olives) - A healthy fat that is said to improve liver enzymes and lower accumulated fat levels.
Walnuts - High in antioxidants and fatty acid content, omega-6, and omega-3. These cleanse the liver naturally by detoxifying ammonia.
Oatmeal - High in fiber and helps with weight loss more naturally, which decreases the chance of developing liver disease.
Foods with pungent Tastes help stimulate the liver and increase digestive action - ginger, peppers, onion, garlic, clove, and allspice.
Foods that are more bitter and sour help increase bile flow which aids in cleansing and elimination - lemon, bitter leafy greens, zucchini, pomegranate, guava, green apple, parsley, dill, cumin, coriander, and fennel.
A SIMPLE, GENTLE LIVER FLUSH RECIPE:
A liver flush brings impurities within the blood to the liver to be excreted, stimulates bile production, and has a laxative effect. (Academy Healing Nutrition)
Add up to 1 Tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil to one glass of unfiltered apple juice.
Add a little lemon juice.
Drink once daily.
WHEN IS A GOOD TIME TO DO A LIVER DETOX OR LIVER CLEANSE?
Springtime is associated with the Wood element in Chinese Medicine; it is a time for renewal and growth and is an especially good time to nurture the liver and gallbladder.
If you are feeling stiffness, pain, constipation, have issues with allergies, headaches, see unknown rashes, feel more irritable or angrier, you may also benefit from a simple liver flush over the course of a week or two.
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