Love your liver

 

 

All organs, glands and tissue of the body functions make a harmonious whole, and the liver plays a major role. The Chinese call it “The Father of all organs”.

The liver has many functions, but its main job is to detoxify the body. We live in a toxic world these days. Chemicals used in farming, food additives, pharmaceutical drugs, chlorination and fluoridation of water, car exhaust and indoor pollutants from chemical cleaners, paint and carpets are all some of the major substances contributing to  our general body toxicity.

A bad diet from processed and denatured foods and alcohol put extra stress on the liver. It has to work constantly to get rid of toxins through the lungs, skin, kidneys and bowels so that they don’t get into the bloodstream. So if you are having a number of health issues such as high cholesterol, irritable bowel, high blood sugar, asthma, skin rashes or hormonal problems, to mention a few, the real problem could stem from your liver.

The body also needs more fiber and water to absorb toxins and flush them out.  Whether you eat 3 large or 6 small meals a day, make sure all foods are nutritious, chew well and get at least one to two bowel movements per day.

Vegetables are both cleansing and building to the liver, and they are easiest to digest in the form of fresh juices, preferably organic. Drink at least 8oz. of freshly pressed juice daily. It is beneficial to “chew” your vegetable juice to stimulate the salivary glands and start the digestive process.

Carrot, beet, spinach, celery, kale and cucumber all juice well. Be creative and mix two or more of these vegetables and add lemon juice or ginger for extra flavor. Try to start the day with a glass of water with a teaspoon of lemon juice in it. Your liver loves this!

Whenever you feel sluggish, tired or achy in the morning, or have done some overeating/overdrinking the night before, use some liver-loving herbs as part of your diet. Milk thistle, dandelion, nettle and black radish juices are all good liver tonics. Artichoke, a member of the thistle family, stimulates the production and flow of bile and aids in the process of detoxification.

When you rejuvenate your liver, you eliminate toxins, overcome tiredness and feel more energetic. Remember that it takes at least 21 days to change a habit. Good luck!