The liver is one of the vital organs in our body, having over 400 functions among which is filtering out waste and toxins from the body. The main function of the liver is to convert toxins into waste that can be safely eliminated from the body and separate out the useful nutrients needed for the daily functioning of the body. Therefore, we really need to thank this organ for all the work it does on a daily basis.
Other functions of the liver include digesting fats with the help of the gallbladder, processing nutrients absorbed in the intestines, storing essential vitamins and minerals, and breaking down alcohol and drugs. As you can see, the liver is a true chemical factory in our body.
However, the liver can become sluggish if we don’t consume the right nutrients.
How Does it Deal with Toxic Substances?
There are 2 liver detoxification pathways:
During the first phase of liver detoxification, toxins are transformed into less harmful substances by certain enzymes, so that the second phase can properly handle them. The toxins are paired with other molecules in the second phase, to raise their water solubility and thus be safely eliminated from the body.
Proactive Liver Support
You should put the effort into proactive liver support, even if you try to lead a healthy life involving regular exercise, pure water, organics, toxin-free cleaning, and personal care products. The reason is that we are all exposed to and affected by toxins from our environment that we can’t control, like soil, air, water, factories, cars, and plastics.
Sluggish Liver Symptoms
The toxins won’t be able to leave your body if your liver becomes sluggish. Since they are lipid-soluble, toxins will be stored in fat tissue and kept there until the function of your liver improves to eliminate them safely. This might explain the reason why you don’t lose weight even if you exercise and have a healthy diet.
There are various warning symptoms that show you have a stressed-out liver. However, you can restore its function and improve your life quality no matter the degree of the symptoms, with the help of preventative steps and holistic approaches.
Here are 16 warning signs that the function of your liver is hampered, and several tips to improve the same.
- Negative emotions;
- Chronic fatigue;
- Dull headaches eased with rest or migraines /headaches behind the eyes;
- Chronic muscle or joint pain;
- Feeling drained/ lethargy/ brain fog;
- Excessive perspiration;
- Removed gall bladder;
- Trouble digesting fats;
- Allergies;
- Bloating, gas, constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea;
- Skin conditions or acne;
- Depression and anxiety;
- Hormonal imbalances;
- Chemical sensitivities;
- Unexplained weight gain;
- Chronic bad breath.
Kitchen Tips
The human body can’t thrive only on supplements. If we want to create a healthy body, we should make healing meals and habits in the kitchen- the place where our health starts. The key is balance, and no diets or complete restrictions. Start by eliminating or reducing processed foods and fake healthy foods like “gluten-free” high starch/sugar products.
Begin choosing healthy alternatives. For instance, instead of a brownie, choose a black bean brownie that includes coconut sugar and cacao. Supply your kitchen with high-quality ingredients, and instead of dining out, make your own tasty meals from scratch. The following steps will help you begin eating healthily:
- Your balanced diet should consist of high-quality plant and animal proteins, whole foods, sprouted ancient grains, healing fats, fermented foods, raw seeds, and nuts;
- Avoid GMOs, buy organic, and use Linked In
- Eliminate the following inflammatory oils: corn, sunflower, canola, soybean, safflower, and cottonseed;
- Increase the intake of healthy healing fats like sustainable red palm oil, coconut oil, grass-fed butter, ghee, hemp, and avocado;
- The amount of water you should drink on a daily basis in ounces is half your weight in pounds (150lbs = 75oz). Besides drinking enough amount, it’s very important to drink water that is pure. Therefore, you need to discover what the best sources of pure accessible water are, whether it’s self-harvested spring water or remineralized one;
- Get at least 35 mg of fiber daily. You can find fiber from whole food sources like artichokes, chia seeds, avocado, golden flax seeds, brussels sprouts, and broccoli;
- Restrict the consumption of fructose to 20-25 grams a day: glucose-fructose (high fructose corn syrup), agave, and high fructose / glycemic fruits;
- Eliminate refined sugars – white/brown sugar, cane juice crystals, cane juice, beet sugar;
- Consume more leafy green veggies as they are rich in folate, magnesium, and vitamins B and C;
- Food sources of sulfur – broccoli, garlic, kale, asparagus, onions, brussels sprouts, and pasture-raised eggs;
- Add plant and animal-based sources of amino acids – collagen, bone broth, pasture-raised eggs and chicken, Best Life, raw parsley, spinach, beets, and cabbage;
- Eliminate or limit alcohol – if you have at least 3 of the listed symptoms, replace alcohol with a healthier version like grape kombucha.
The Three Superfoods for Your Liver
1. Milk Thistle – This is the most recommended food for liver health. The active compound in milk thistle, silymarin, has anti-viral, anti-fibrotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. This herb prevents damage to liver cells that can be caused by toxins, viruses, drugs like acetaminophen, and alcohol. Choose high-quality supplements free from GMOs, unnecessary fillers, and binders. Another option is to take fermented milk thistle in a liquid form as it is or to add it to cold-pressed vegetable juice.
2. Globe Artichoke – a member of the same family as Milk Thistle, which can be included in your diet. Some of its beneficial effects are supporting and protecting the function of the liver, and increasing bile production. As artichokes are rich in fiber, they also help to flush out bile and lower bad cholesterol. They have higher antioxidant potential than raw garlic, broccoli, and asparagus, even when cooked.
To prepare a liver-supporting meal, steam artichokes and combine them with some coconut oil or ghee, Himalayan salt, and raw garlic.
3. Turmeric – The active compound of this anti-inflammatory herb, curcumin, is associated with many health benefits. One of them is assisting the enzymes which flush out well-known dietary carcinogens. This leads to better protection against liver damage, and thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties it regenerates affected liver cells. For optimal absorption, combine turmeric with black pepper and a source of healthy fats. The same two factors apply to supplements. Choose a high-quality curcumin/turmeric supplement and make the beverage known as golden milk (freshly grated turmeric root, coconut oil, plant milk, warming spices, and black pepper).
These are just several things you can do to help the organ which works tirelessly every day to keep you in life. Notice if you have some of the listed symptoms, be aware of how you feel throughout the day, and make sure you take appropriate preventive steps. We recommend cleaning every season since the stimulating component of colon cleansing is very important to not only the liver but also to your other detox systems. Stay aware and take control of your body. Give some love to your liver as you can’t live without it.
Via Best Life | Life Extension | Heal Thee Care
