Is it time for a liver detox?
The liver plays a crucial role in your body’s health and wellbeing by regulating the metabolism of nutrients, their distribution and appropriate use by the body. Consequently, when the liver is struggling, numerous physiological problems occur.
These can range from
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diminished protein synthesis,
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increased protein loss,
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a hypermetabolic state,
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hormone imbalance,
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insulin resistance,
- poor
immune response,
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foggy brain
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irritability & restlessness
-
bloating around the midriff & joints;
Poor liver function is generally caused by inflammation and a buildup in toxicity from consumption of
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alcohol,
-
medication,
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processed foods,
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sugar,
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sodium
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simple carbs (white rice, bread, pasta)
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saturated fats & trans fatty acids
Almost without exception, I find inflammation of the gut and digestive issues exist in tandem with poor liver function. It is therefore initially vital to address healing the lining of the gut and achieving a good balance of gut flora in tandem with healing the liver so that nutritional health and balance can be achieved.
A simple liver detox program will help to flush out toxins and greatly improve the health of your liver, consequently positively affecting literally every other aspect of your health & wellbeing.
The key elements of the program I have put together are:
Hydration
Your body is 90% water and needs water to function well. Proper hydration will also help to flush toxins from your liver. To this end I recommend drinking pure spring water, filtered by the earth, with a squeeze of fresh lime in it. Pure water is a type of Whole Food!
Food
Beetroot & Carrot
Papaya
Cruciferous Vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower)
Tomatoes
Dragonfruit
Berries
Kale & Spinach, Parsley, Celery
Fresh Ginger & Turmeric
Green Apples
Artichoke
Asparagus
Citrus (particularly lemon & lime)
Dandelion & Peppermint tea
Bone broths to heal the lining of the gut.
Prebiotics
These are foods high in fibre that make your gut happy and are the building blocks for Probiotics.
Leafy greens
(high in Vitamins A, C, K & chlorophyll, which helps clean your blood making it easier for your liver to process): kale, spinach, parsley, seaweed
Berries
(high in Vitamin A & C as well as antioxidants, which are also beneficial in fighting inflammation)
Garlic
(excellent for the liver as it is antibacterial, works to clean the blood & supports the healing microbiome)
Asparagus
(also diuretic so it can help to get rid of toxins by flushing them out of your body)
Onions
(& the rest of the Allium family)
Probiotics
These are fermented foods such as Natural Yoghurt, kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut, kvasse and kefir. They restore a good balance of flora and microbial in the gut.
Good Fats
Unsaturated & high in Omega 3 & 6 to support brain function & provide antioxidant support to the liver fats are the building blocks of all hormones. I love Olive Oil, Avocado, Walnuts, cashews, almonds, Sesame Oil, Coconut Oil & Cream
