The Importance of Looking After Your Liver

The liver probably the most overworked organ in our body. Instead of loving our liver, we often abuse it by overloading it, impairing its function to eliminate toxins from our bodies.

The liver is the primary organ of detoxification and works hand in hand with the digestive system. The liver filters the blood coming from the digestive system before it passes it to the rest of the body. If you are absorbing all the correct nutrients from a healthy diet, this process is fairly straightforward, no problem. If, however, you have a poor diet and are not absorbing essential nutrients, your blood will not be filtered properly, and toxins will remain in the blood. This means your body will be toxic, and you will experience poor circulation, with a lack of oxygen and essential nutrients reaching the cells, leaving you tired.

A toxic body will result in the onset of disease.

Functions of the liver

1. The main role of the liver is detoxification. It clears the blood of toxic substances and drugs, nourishing your cells. Everything you eat and drink goes through the liver.
2. Produces bile, which aids digestion and breaks down fats.
3. Regulates hormones – Hormonal imbalances like too much oestrogen can result in uterine fibroids, and hormonal cancers like breast and ovarian.
4. Stores vitamins and minerals: iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin B12, folic acid.
5. Produces cholesterol and triglycerides.
6. Stores and releases glucose.

Signs of a sluggish liver

1. Waking up tired in the morning, even though you have had a good night’s sleep.
2. Nausea after eating a rich meal or drinking alcohol.
3. Headaches and a foggy head.
4. All skin conditions, like acne, psoriasis and eczema.
5. Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.
6. Bad memory.
7. Problems with vision.
8. Bad breath.
9. Constipation and all digestive problems.
10. High lipid profile.

Causes of a sluggish liver

1. A poor diet consisting of too much sugar and fatty foods.
2. Too much alcohol, which is a major toxin for the liver.
3. Overuse of prescription drugs. Paracetamol is very bad for the liver.
4. Heavy metal toxicity.

Foods that are bad for the liver

1. Alcohol.
2. All fried foods.
3. Too much sugar from cakes, pastries, biscuits, and pies.
4. All ready-made meals. They contain zero nutritional value.

Diseases of the liver

1. Fatty liver
2. Cirrhosis
3. Liver cancer
4. Liver failure
5. Hepatitis A, B and C

How to improve liver health

1. Try to eat organic. Non-organic fruit and vegetables are sprayed with endless amounts of chemicals and pesticides. If you are not able to eat organic, wash all your fruit and vegetables thoroughly.
2. Stay away from full-fat dairy and all unhealthy fats like hydrogenated, saturated and trans-fats.
3. Reduce animal protein and eat protein from foods like quinoa, tofu, lentils, chickpeas, beans, nuts and seeds, which are easier to digest.
4. Avoid eating too many eggs. Reduce to once a week.

Foods to include in your diet

1. Rocket, endive, chicory, dandelion greens, garlic, onions, ginger, artichoke, watercress, brussels sprouts, kale, sweet potatoes, carrots, alfalfa sprouts, celeriac, and asparagus.
2. Beetroots are also fantastic for the liver – probably the best!
3. Vegetable smoothies and soups.
4. Lecithin granules sprinkled over smoothies, salads and cereal help to digest fats.

Food preparation

1. Make your diet 40-50% raw. This is easier to do in the summer when you tend to eat more salads.
2. All food should be baked or steamed.
3. Avoid large meals that put a strain on the digestive system. Eat smaller meals. Make sure half of your plate is always full of vegetables or salad.

Supplements to aid liver health

One of the most effective supplements I have found for the liver is milk thistle by A Vogel. It is truly fantastic for the liver. It regenerates the cells in the liver.

Other vitamins that aid liver health include:

1. A good multivitamin.
2. Vitamin C.
3. A good quality fish oil supplement.

Closing thoughts

The wonderful thing about the liver is that it is the only organ that can regenerate itself. So it is never too late to change your diet and lifestyle.

If you suffer from liver problems and would like a consultation, please email me.

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