HEALTHY LIVER: KEY TO MAINTAINING HEALTHY YOU!!

The liver is a wonderfully resilient and complex organ that nurtures and protects your body day in and day out. It helps neutralise and dispose of toxins, feeds your body the energy it needs to function, fights off viruses and infections, regulates sex hormones, cholesterol levels and vitamin and mineral supplies in your body. And thats only some of its 500+ functions!!

The liver is a reddish-brown wedge shaped organ

with four lobes of unequal size and shape. A human

liver normally weighs 1kg. It is both the heaviest

internal organ and largest gland in the human body.

Maintaining proper liver function is essential for

staying healthy, improving digestion, supporting

natural immunity against pathogens, preventing 
cancer and keeping your body strong.

Cleanses your body

• a.      Liver is the only organ which can detoxify all poisonous materials entering our body
• b.      It neutralises alcohol

Provides energy

• a.      The liver is responsible for secreting certain hormones and enzymes which regulate the process of energy generation in our body from glucose and fats
• b.      Needless to emphasize its important role in weight reduction

Storehouse of nutrients

• a.      Liver stores nutrients like vitamins A, D, B, minerals copper, iron zinc etc.
• b.      Regulates hormones
• c.       Liver produces enzymes which are responsible for the activation of hormones which control blood pressure, sex hormones etc.
• d.      It helps maintain cholesterol levels in the body
• e.      It is also responsible for destruction of certain sex hormones emphasizing its importance in the prevention of hormone dependent cancers

Boosts immune functioning

• a.      Releases certain factors which are important in destruction of viruses, pathogens entering our body

Foods that nourish our liver –

·         Bitter foods — Bitterness is usually a sign that beneficial enzymes are present, which nourish the liver

·    Leafy greens — Green vegetables of all kinds come loaded with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help nourish the liver, along with potassium, which is tied to liver health. Many also increase levels of glutathione, a vital component in the destruction of free radicals within the body. As people age or experience illnesses, this becomes even more important since antioxidant and glutathione levels in the blood naturally decrease with age.

·         Cruciferous veggies and grasses — increase the liver’s ability to usher out carcinogens and heavy metals from the blood.

      Wheat grass, cauliflower, cabbage, raddish, onion

·         Fresh herbs — Herbs including turmeric, coriander are great to boost glutathione production and also lower inflammation. Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound helpful in restoring healthy blood pressure, improving circulation and fighting toxin buildup. Other herbs balance the body’s pH level and increases digestive enzymes. Raw garlic is another great option since allicin compounds found in garlic have long been regarded as powerful antimicrobial agents that lower inflammation (including in the liver) while increasing circulation and healthy blood flow.

·         High-antioxidant fruits — Fruits like berries and melons provide and balance electrolyte minerals needed by the liver, including magnesium, calcium and potassium. In addition, they’re beneficial for improving healthy circulation by acting similar to hemoglobin.

·         Local raw honey — Raw honey is the kind that’s not heated or refined. It’s a natural antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal product. It helps lower liver inflammation and eliminate bacteria, parasites and viral infections, especially when you source it locally. It also nourishes the digestive tract and improves liver and gut health.

·         Green tea — Green tea, especially concentrated, powdered matcha green tea, is known to contain powerful compounds known as catechins that act as antioxidants in the body, combatting free radicals within the blood, reducing liver inflammation and lowering the effects of oxidative stress on the digestive organs.

·           Beets and beet greens – juiced or eaten raw beets and beet greens are high in betaine which acts to defend the liver and bile ducts, which are important if the liver is to function properly.

·           Onions and garlic – high in sulphur, which helps the liver to wash away heavy metals like mercury, lead and excess estrogen.

·           Coriander – high in chlorophyll which acts as a natural cheating agent to help bind to and remove toxins from the body.

·           Seeds; flax seeds; pumpkin seeds, chia seeds; hemp seeds – these are high in selenium and minerals and are required co-factors for detoxification.