BY Tamra Mercieca
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.
But medical herbalist Dominique Finney says 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."
Acupuncturist Adam Davidson says 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.
Finney says 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.
The liver is behind the ribs in the upper right-hand part of the
abdomen. We can only survive one or two days if it shuts down. That said, the
liver can function even when up to 75 per cent of it is diseased, as it has the
amazing ability to create new liver tissue.
More than 2000 Australians die from liver diseases each year. The first
signs of a struggling liver include headaches; fatigue; depression; poor
concentration; mood swings; allergies; rashes; red, itchy eyes; food
sensitivities; sore and stiff sides or even a bitter taste in the mouth.
Should you detox?
Dietitian Emilie Isles doesn'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."
Isles recommends keeping your diet relatively low in fat, consuming
five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit per day and keeping alcohol
to a minimum.
Davidson agrees. "I'm not a fan of detoxing, unless it's a severe
case, and then only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner."
Finney says: "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."
Liver helpers
While the key to a healthy liver is maintaining harmony and balance,
Davidson says 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. Finney says it 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.
Get plenty of sleep: Also have infrared saunas, indulge in lymphatic
massages and drink lots of filtered water.
http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/health/health+advice/clean+out+your+liver,11353
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