How to look after your liver
Your liver is one of the major detoxification organs in your body. But not only does it work in detoxification, it also plays an important role in hormone regulation and blood glucose metabolism.
It’s commonly known that too much alcohol is bad for your liver. But did you know that overeating, too much sugar or white flour products, as well as prescription medications (and recreational drugs) can increase the detoxification load of the liver?
Some common signs of reduced liver function:
- Fatigue (especially after lunch or mid-afternoon)
- Brain fog
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Irritability, frustration, or anger
- Dry skin
The good news is that the liver is an organ that can repair itself (at least at this point), and there are lots of simple things you can do to help your liver with its role of detoxification and help to improve its function.
Fluids
Drink plenty of water, it’s the easiest way to help your body eliminate waste products and toxins, it does this via the liver and digestive system, via the kidneys and urinary system, and also through sweat. Lemon, lime or grapefruit in water is especially helpful. There are some herbal teas that will also be of benefit: chamomile tea, dandelion root, or turmeric.
Foods
Bitter foods are not only good for the liver, but will stimulate your body to make more enzymes to aid in digestion. Mild bitter foods include the brassica family: broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussel sprouts and cabbage. Bitter leafy greens such as roquette or dandelion greens can help, and for a good serve of bitters, you can go past bitter melon.
Fasting
It makes sense that is overeating can cause liver problems, fasting can help with the repair. Often people with poor liver function don’t have a morning appetite. If this is you, fasting breakfast is a great place to start. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and when you do start eating, avoid sugar and white flour products, and include some of the foods that will help your liver.
I see such good results in my clinic with people’s energy levels in a short time after taking liver herbs, and there are some great herbal and nutritional products to improve metabolism and to help you feel great. Find out more about liver health here.
