Love your liver

Our liver is the powerhouse of our body systems. It works 24 hours a day to detoxify & produce bile to break down fats & toxins like alcohol, medications & natural by-products of metabolism including hormone disruptors.

When we increase our intake of fatty foods, alcohol, medications & sugar, this puts increasing pressure on our already hard-working liver.

Systemic inflammation can be the side effect of an overburdened liver. Meats, in particular ham, pork & bacon may contain inflammation producing nitrate preservatives. Nutrition plays a key role in helping your liver work more efficiently. Restore your liver’s ability to remove impurities by eating organic fresh produce, meats & food products. Drink some liver supportive teas or alkaline juices.

Foods that support your liver

• Organic greens such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, dandelion, cabbage & kale contain glutathione, which is a potent antioxidant that supports liver enzymes & detoxification. Increased fibre content of leafy greens also help with healthy bowel function & the removal of toxins. Supplementation with a concentrated greens powder can help during times of extra stress, when travelling or when diet alone is not enough.

• Grapefruit contains inflammation reducing antioxidants called naringenin & naringin. These have been shown to reduce hepatic fibrosis in the liver.

• Blueberries & cranberries high in powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins have been shown in studies to improve those diagnosed with a fatty liver & inhibit liver cancer. Go with fresh wholefoods or have a powdered or juice form on hand.

• Green Tea has a powerful antioxidant containing EGCG. Studies have found that people who drank green tea were less likely to develop liver cancer.

• Coconut water contains five electrolytes needed by the body; magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus & sodium. A hydrated liver is a happy liver!

• Kombucha is full of healthy probiotics, that can help protect the liver & detoxify the body.

• Beetroot juice may help to reduce oxidative damage & inflammation of the liver. Add freshly shaved beetroot onto your spring salads or get juicing to kick start the day.

5 ways to love your liver

• Consider updating your personal care & house cleaning products to chemical free. This can help reduce the toxic burden on your liver. With your skin being your largest organ, it’s not only what you eat but what you put on your body that counts. Toxic chemicals in your deodorants, skincare, soaps, toothpaste... to laundry powders – try swapping out your daily items as much as you can.

• Increase your water intake to help optimise your liver’s ability to flush out toxins & hydrate. Increase hydrating fruits & vegetables such as lettuce, cucumber, strawberries & watermelon.

• Used topically, castor oil can be very useful. It assists by increasing circulation to your liver, reducing stagnation & thus assisting in removing toxins from your body.

• Practice mindfulness. We need to slow down & be more conscious, taking digital breaks from electronic devices. Spend time in nature, take a dip in the ocean & walk on the grass with bare feet.

• Listen to your body, rest, sleep & recover to help detoxify & rebuild your body systems. Your liver does its best job at night when you are asleep.

Consider supportive supplements

St Mary’s Thistle ‘(Milk Thistle) is a wonderful plant to help protect & support liver function thanks to its antioxidant properties. Herbs of Gold Liver Care is a great option to give your liver extra love during times of increased stress & overindulgence