Your liver is a very important organ with some key functions which include:
1. Metabolizing carbohydrates – Your liver stores glycogen and is a main source of plasma glucose.
2. Fat metabolism – Fats are broken down by an enzyme called lipase. Your liver is central breaking down fat.
3. Protein metabolism – The liver is a major site for protein metabolism and and synthesis and break down of protein.
4. Bile synthesis – The liver secretes bile containing bilirubin, cholesterol, electrolytes, and bile salts. In disease, abnormal bile metabolism is the basis of jaundice.
5. Storage – The liver stores glycogen, iron, copper, and fat soluble vitamins, which can become dangerously excessive in disease.
6. DETOXIFICATION – The liver is responsible for detoxifying many metabolites, toxins, hormones and drugs. Its function is often impaired by what we put into our body. Optimal liver function is key to keep us healthy, vital and energetic. As a Naturopathic Doctor, i find that a lot of health concerns related to the liver are mostly related to inflammation of the liver due to chronic alcoholism, virus and drugs as well, gallstones.
Its very important to care for your liver and here are a few ways of achieving this naturally:
Let Food Be Your Medicine
There are many healing foods for the liver that contain powerful medicinal properties – dandelion, beet, burdock, endive, artichoke, onion, garlic, radish, apples, lemon, rhubarb, apple cider vinegar, ginger, turmeric – all organic of course.
Eat Well and Think Well
Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds – raw food contains enzymes that help with digestion / assimilation, and the fiber is needed for optimal absorption. At least forty percent of the diet should be raw. And stop consuming things that are toxic to the liver such as sugar, saturated, hydrogenated or rancid fats, fried foods, alcohol, caffeine, pesticides, drugs, food additives.
Eliminate Anger, Hostility, and Frustration
Anger, and toxic stress (chemical and / or emotional) have detrimental effects on the liver and gall bladder. The liver reacts to negative emotions the same as it does toxins. Be grateful for what you have, and let go of resentment.
Get Moving and Laugh More Often
The body needs to move to eliminate toxins – find something you like to do that moves you and do it regularly. And find a way to get laughing like you really mean it.
Give Your Stressed Liver What it Needs to Regenerate
From the bitters, to tonics, to single herbs, vitamins, minerals, & amino acids, the liver needs them to function properly.
Eat When Relaxed and Don’t Stuff
The digestive system does not work well when body is stressed, so it is not a good idea to eat in a hurry or when you are upset. Eat only when you are hungry – your body tells you what it needs – and never stuff yourself full.
By: Sushma Shah – Naturopathic Doctor at the Natures Intentions Naturopathic Clinic.