9 Easy Ways to Show Your Liver Some Love

The liver is the largest internal organ in our bodies and is responsible for many vital tasks including filtering blood, disassembling compounds for detoxification, and synthesizing and secreting bile.

Symptoms of impaired liver function can be as broad ranging as:

  • Digestive troubles

  • Constipation

  • Low energy

  • Allergies

  • Hay fever

  • Arthritis

  • Diabetes

  • Hypertension

  • Obesity

  • Infertility

  • Hypothyroidism

  1. BYE, BYE BAD FAT

    Good fat is good, but bad fat is really bad!  If the food is fried, it likely has unhealthy, oxidized oils.  Skip it! Stick to good, clean fats like coconut oil, olive oil, avocados, & salmon.

  2. SKIP THE LATE  NIGHT SNACKS

    The liver’s regenerative cycle is between 11pm & 3 am.  If your body is busy digesting food at this time, it disrupts your sleep and the detoxification process.  Aim for a 10 pm bedtime and 10-12 hours between dinner and breakfast (small bedtime snack allowed to support blood sugar balance).

  3. BE A TOXIN AVENGER

    Make it easier on your liver by reducing the toxins coming into your body.  Buy organic foods, drink filtered water, use glass containers for food storage instead of plastic, and choose less toxic skin care products.

  4. FABULOUS FIBER

    Foods rich in soluble fiber help support your liver by binding toxins and moving them out.   Add in chia, flax, fruits, vegetables, beans, and oats for a fiber- fueled toxic flush every day.

  5. GET ZESTY

    Lemon zest has a phytonutrient called d-limonene that supports the liver detoxification enzymes.  Invest in a microplane grater and make it a breeze to add zest to your morning smoothie or favorite dressing.

  6. PERFECT PROTEIN

    You need protein, but excess amounts can put extra strain on your liver.  Choose high quality protein like wild-caught fish or grass-fed meats and aim for a little bit with each meal instead of making it your entire meal.

  7. GO GREEN

    Your liver really loves greens, especially herbs like cilantro, parsley, and bitter greens such as mustard, dandelion, and arugula.  Add them to salads, soups, or smoothies. Your taste buds will adjust to the bitter bite in no time and your liver will thank you for the support.

  8. BEAUTIFUL BEETS

    Beets have betaine, which helps the liver cells clear toxins and protects the liver and bile ducts from damage.  Raw, roasted, or juiced, you can’t beat beets.

  9.   GET OILY

    A castor oil pack is a traditional remedy, perfect for our modern world.  It helps to open the detoxification pathways and it’s relaxing. Rub castor oil over your upper right portion of your abdomen where your liver is located.  Cover it with a cloth and relax for 20-30 minutes.

FINAL THOUGHTS FOR A HEALTHY LIVER:

Let’s stop harming the liver and start helping it by cleaning up our external environment as much as we can by using fewer toxic- laden substances.  When it comes to supporting the liver, avoidance of toxins is key. And this comes down to the importance of eating organic, avoiding microwaves, plastics, and pesticides.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Copyright © Functional Nutrition Alliance LLC. All rights reserved. fxnutrition.com.


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