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Originally published in the March/April 2007 Fisique newsletter.
Spring brings feelings of renewal. Houses are cleaned from top to bottom and people often adopt new exercise or cleansing regimes in anticipation of warmer weather.
Since the liver is one of the most important factors of overall health, let's examine its importance and some commonly overlooked signs of liver toxicity.
- Acts as a filter to the body by metabolizing toxins. All chemicals, medications, and hormones are broken down for safe excretion.
- Aids digestion by producing bile. This is especially important for the digestion of fats.
- Metabolizes proteins.
- Stores key vitamins such as A, D, K, B12, and folate.
- Synthesizes blood-clotting factors using vitamin K.
- Provides energy by storing and releasing glucose when needed.
The modern lifestyle constantly bombards our bodies with the toxins that are widely present in our food and environment. It's quite rare to find a patient whose liver does not benefit from support and detoxification.
The liver’s ability to filter toxins is greatly reduced when regular overeating, poor-quality or rich food, or environmental and/or emotional stresses overwhelm it. Poor liver function results in waste material passing into the blood stream and eventually producing overt symptoms.
- Poor digestion: bloating, constipation and/or diarrhea. Indigestion or acid reflux.
- Abnormal level of certain fats in the blood stream: elevated LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides, reduced HDL ("good") cholesterol.
- Sluggish metabolism.
- Poor concentration: “brain fog”.
- Allergies, sensitivities to foods or environmental allergens.
- Coated tongue, skin rashes.
- Hormonal imbalances: aggravated PMS or menopausal symptoms.
- Cellulite and other fatty lumps.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and other mind-body philosophies depict the liver as the seat of anger. All organs are affected by emotions, and this relationship goes both ways. Irritability, anger, and depression are more likely to arise if the liver is toxic.
To illuminate this idea, consider how you might feel emotionally after a heavy meal that has left you feeling physically bloated and lethargic, perhaps even nauseous. Probably not calm and patient! Unfortunately, the chronic symptoms of organ dysfunction tend to creep up on us less obviously.
- Water with lemon in the morning.
- Add bitter greens such as dandelion and radicchio to your salads. Burdock and artichoke are also especially beneficial for the liver.
- Chlorophyll and other green drinks may be used regularly for extra support.
- Free-range eggs. Best when prepared with an intact runny or very soft yolk.
- Unprocessed foods including raw nuts and seeds.
- Unrefined cold-pressed oils like olive for salad dressings and coconut for cooking. Trans fats should be avoided.
- Reduce or eliminate alcohol intake.
- Regular exercise at least 2-3 times per week. Start with brisk walks if you do not usually exercise.
- Hydration of 2L (6-8 glasses) per day is sufficient for most people. Remember that other fluids such as juice or tea do not replace drinking plain water.
In addition to regular liver-friendly habits, many people enjoy and benefit from a liver cleanse once or twice per year. While cleanse kits are available without a prescription from many health food stores, the addition of homeopathic remedies will facilitate the process by enabling your body to let go of toxins more easily and gently.
Book an appointment today to obtain your customized liver cleanse plan, specially suited to your needs and body type. Specific symptoms and needs can also be discussed during your appointment.
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