The liver is one organ in the human body that will regenerate itself. It’s the body’s second largest organ (next to the skin) with many important roles, over 500 important jobs to be exact.
Some of its most important functions are metabolizing hormones and medications, cleansing and filtering the blood, breaking down toxins and fighting infections. Basically if your liver is overloaded you may not effectively loose weight when you are trying or cleanse your blood properly which can lead to feeling sluggish and unwell. A healthy liver is a rich burgundy colour.
The liver becomes sluggish when too many fatty foods are consumed, not enough exercise and stress is not managed.
In a small Swedish study, 18 trim, healthy adult volunteers who restricted their levels of physical activity to no more than 5,000 steps a day and ate at least two fast food meals every day for four weeks showed clear signs of liver damage. They also put on weight. Reduce the Risks: The Canadian Liver Foundation suggests the following for liver maintenance and health. Seeing as we can’t live without our “live”rs it is important to consider the following: Essential Liver Needs: Certain vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in the overall health of the liver. To Cleanse or Not to Cleanse: Whenever cleansing any part of the body its important to know how that organ works and to have an overall idea of the imbalances in own body. An approach that is not drastic or one that requires the assistance of a professional is always suggested to ensure the toxins find a safe pathway out of the body. Cleanses work differently for each person – we are each unique and require different nutrition and vitamins/minerals. For example a major lifestyle and diet overhaul may not be something your body (physical and emotional) can cope with initially however small baby steps may be more achievable which can lead to huge results long term. Unburden the Liver Safely: Of course nothing can beat the simple and natural detoxifying effects of pure water. Add some lemon for an extra boost for your gallbladder! Eating smaller meals that include organic vegetables and fruits without chemicals lessens the burden of an overworked liver. According to Paul Pitchford in his book Healing with Whole Foods, “Sprouted grains, beans, and seeds, fresh vegetables and fruits stimulate liver energy flow. Foods that harmonize the liver also include complex carbohydrates and honey, used sparingly, is especially helpful since it has detoxifying effects, mixed with apple cider vinegar it has an even stronger effect.” [3] ((Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussel sprouts contain various compounds such as indoles, thiols and sulphur compounds which enhance the liver’s detoxification pathways.[4])) The liver is a complex and sturdy organ that withstands alot: from chemicals to hormones to bacteria, don’t you think its time your liver deserves some extra love? Tania Heinemann, Registered Nutritionist (RNCP, RHN), has a passion for educating people about nutritional healing starting from the inside through her Nutrition Practices in Cambridge and Waterloo, ON. www.yellowood.ca References:
http://www.iol.co.za/html/frame_babynet.php?click_id=1668 and http://www.liverfoundation.org/education/news/
http://www.liverinfo.ca/food/
Paul Pitchford. Healing with Whole Foods. Berkeley, California: North Atlantic Books, 2002.
http://www.positivehealth.com/article-view.php?articleid=548
[1] http://www.iol.co.za/html/frame_babynet.php?click_id=1668 and http://www.liverfoundation.org/education/news/
[2] http://www.liverinfo.ca/food/
[3] Healing with Whole Foods, page 327
[4] http://www.positivehealth.com/article-view.php?articleid=548
