I talk about the liver all the time because it is such an important organ. Did you know that our liver plays an integral part in our hormonal health? In fact, the liver is and can be the root cause of many health conditions and diseases such as digestive troubles, constipation, low energy, allergies, hay fever, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, obesity and infertility just to name a few. So, if I have a client come to me with wacked out hormones or allergies, I always address the health of the liver.
So what does the liver actually do?
The liver is the largest internal organ in the body, and the most important organ of detoxification. It is your body’s gate keeper: it’s continually filtering out toxins found in our food and environment. We are exposed to environmental toxins all the time. We cannot ignore this fact anymore. Babies are even being born with toxins already in their tiny bodies. These toxins come from pollution, second hand smoke, pesticides, food additives (like artificial colors and flavors), synthetic hormones (found in non-organic milk), too much alcohol and caffeine, chemicals in our household cleaning products and beauty products and so much more.
Yes, our bodies detox naturally, but in modern times they cannot keep up with the increasing toxic load that we face today. When the body’s natural detoxification systems reach their limit, we begin to experience symptoms of over toxicity including:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Fatigue
- Foods allergies or intolerances
- Skin problems
- Weight gain or inability to gain weight
- IBS, constipation, or irregular bowel movements
- Hampered immunity
- Headaches or other pains
- Depression, anxiety, or constant mood swings
- Trouble sleeping
- Low sex drive
- Sugar cravings
So how can we start helping the liver?
I’m a big proponent of liver cleansing and spring is the time for cleansing the liver. You can check out the details of my spring detox here. Here are my top 10 suggestions for loving your liver and reducing its workload.
- Eliminate the toxic load of what you ingest through food and drink. Try to eat organic when possible. Reduce or eliminate your alcohol consumption.
- Reduce toxins in your home by choosing natural beauty products and cleaning products when possible.
- Consume warm water with lemon every morning upon rising.
- Stay hydrated by drinking half your body weight in ounces of water daily. For a boost in cellular regeneration and liver support, add 1 teaspoon of chlorophyll, spirulina, or any green powder to 10 ounces of water from once a day up to 3 times a day for a period of time. You can find these at your local health food store or online.
- Practice food combining during your meals. To learn more about food combining, check out this fantastic article by my teacher Donna Gates: http://bodyecology.com/articles/food_combining_optimal_health_and_weight.php
- Support a healthy colon by drinking flax tea (add 1 Tbsp. of flax seeds to one cup of water), or add extra fiber, such as chia or flax seeds, to meals. Fiber is vital for removing toxic wastes from the colon.
- Eat foods that naturally cleanse the liver, such as apples, lemons, limes, asparagus, broccoli, radish, cucumber, spinach, watercress, parsley, cilantro, and other bitter greens.
- Have a green juice or green smoothie every day. Liquefied nutrients make them easier to digest and assimilate.
- Close the kitchen three hours before bedtime. Sleep is when the liver begins to clean the body of wastes. If you are hungry before bed, hydrate by drinking a natural Gatorade. Take 20 ounces of water and add the juice of one lemon, 1/8 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1 teaspoon of honey or a bit of stevia to sweeten (optional).
- Do at least one of the detox tools (skin brushing, Epsom salt bath, etc.) every day to help support the body’s natural detoxification pathways.
Let me guide you during my Spring Clean Eating Program!
If you haven’t heard, my Spring group program starts on April 21st or you can start on your own anytime. Take the guesswork out of what it takes to look and feel your best – I make it easy for you!
