The Liver |
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When it is spring, the trend of spring cleaning is catching. From cleaning out closets to going to the gym, we have the sense to do something! Our energy is up and what better time to give your liver a little break. How you do this may be in various ways. The simple reduction of alcohol and drugs is one way. To cut out highly fatty foods is another. Taking supplements or going on a diet limited to liquids from vegetables and fruits are other touted ways.  The liver lies towards the right of your abdomen and it’s connected to a sac called the gallbladder. The gallbladder stores bile (a digestive juice produced by the liver) and has its role in fat digestion. During gall bladder and liver problems we often develop diarrhoea and struggle dealing with fats. If you want to give your liver a break try drinking clean water and fresh organic fruits and vegetables for a few days. The effect may or may not produce nausea and other symptoms, which is why any odd or strange diet should be undertaken with knowledge or by being helped by a health care practitioner. Spring is a great time to help detoxify the liver. This basically means giving the body’s detoxification systems some extra boosting by discarding harmful toxins through our lifestyles and taking in more antioxidants. Antioxidants can enter via food or supplements. Then there are herbal preparations to stimulate the liver. One prime plant is Milk Thistle, the plant with white veins. Silymarin is the part of Milk Thistle that holds the flavonoids. Flavonoids are active antioxidants. Anyone should always be vigilant on just how far they push their liver! Drinking excessive alcohol over a long period is linked to cirrhosis of the liver, which is a chronic stage of liver under-function. The results can be fatal. Numerous poisons are poisonous and deadly because the liver can not out fight them in acts of detoxification. In some cases the liver needs that extra boost and one prime herb to take for such a case is Milk Thistle. This medically scientifically proven herb has been shown to stimulate liver function, even to help clinically with cases of cirrhosis. The hepatoycytes (liver cells) are given a dose of ‘red bull’. The effects are greater when taken with other measures to help the liver. When the liver is swamped by bowel generated toxicity that is when we need to especially address the bowel. The liver is a major organ, and has many functions to keep us healthy. This spring try not to be superficial and just look on the outside. The body should never be starved for appearances or ignored. You can paint a cupboard to look new, while sorting out its contents will give you a more settled mind and sense of refreshment. Anastacia Sampson |