Learn to look after your liver with these expert tips from Anthia Koullouros. From teas to fresh organic whole-foods, you’ll be cleaner and feeling better in no time.
Most people equate the liver with detoxification, and although this is true, it is responsible for a myriad of other crucial functions far and beyond helping us metabolise our weekend indulgences.
All broken-down foods & fluids are transported in the blood, from the small intestine, to the liver for metabolism. Only then can vital nutrients be released for circulation to the rest of the body. It is our nutritional gate- keeper!
It also synthesises hormones and nutrients, helps us detoxify, stores glucose & vitamins A, D, B12, K, iron & copper and has an immunological function. As you can see, it is quite the overachieving organ!
As a result, symptoms of poor liver health are diverse and far-reaching. They include weight-gain, sluggish metabolism, cellulite, abdominal fat, indigestion, reflux, gallbladder issues, intolerance to fats and alcohol, abdominal bloating, constipation, IBS, sugar cravings, mood changes (anger and irritability), poor concentration and foggy brain, overheating, headaches, allergies, fatigue, acne and hormonal imbalance.
Once we remove the source of toxins polluting the liver and return to eating according to our design, we offer building blocks for healing, repairing and energizing the liver and body.
Focus on the following for a happy liver:
• Cutting out processed foods and chemicals – caffeine, alcohol, sugar, refined salt, vegetables oils, soy, unfiltered tap water, milk powder, gluten, additives, flour, cereals/ready-to-eat foods, soft drinks, juices & chemically leavened and yeasted bread.
• Sourcing, preparing and creating whole food – modern hunter-gatherers (which is what we are) are meant to eat a diet rich in fresh, organic, whole foods. Fresh & cultured vegetables, whole fats and proteins from healthy pastured animals, non-farmed seafood, some well prepared nuts and seeds, small amounts of seasonal low sugar fruit and unprocessed, cultured and pastured full fat dairy.
• Removing environmental chemicals found in cleaning, beauty & home products & replacing with natural. What you smell & apply topically ends up in the blood stream & back to the liver!
Foods, Herbal tinctures and Teas for your liver!
Herbal tinctures prescribed by your Herbalist or Naturopath might include Dandelion root, Milk Thistle, Rosemary, Schisandra, Globe artichoke, Andrographis, Yellow dock, Turmeric and Goldenseal.
Teas are also a gentle, tasty way to assist liver function.Try:
OVViO Organic Dandelion Chai Spice Tea: dandelion root, aniseed, cardamom, cinnamon chips, it is a digestive and hepatic (liver) tonic, cholagogue (stimulates bile flow) and laxative.
OVViO Organic D-Tox Bitters Tea: a bittersweet, gutsy blend of milk thistle, artichoke leaf, cinnamon & fennel – not for the faint hearted! Organic ingredients: Milk thistle seed, Dandelion root, Globe artichoke, Cinnamon bark & Fennel seed.
Foods to add to a liver-loving diet include:
- Globe artichokes – stimulates the liver and gall bladder. Fresh boiled with salt, lemon juice and olive oil.
- Chicory greens – stimulates digestion and metabolism.
- Watercress – rich in chlorophyll, builds blood & stimulates excretions of wastes.
- Other bitter greens – rocket, endive and radicchio for healthy digestion.
- Celery – diuretic, removes excess toxic fluids, benefits spleen and pancreas and calms an aggravated liver, improves digestion, purifies blood.
- Parsley & coriander – a natural deodorant, diuretic, removes excess toxic fluids, rich in chlorophyll.
- Lemon – juiced or eaten whole cut up in a salad. Cleansing and stimulates digestion.
- Fresh or powdered turmeric root – antioxidant, protects the cells of the liver and stimulates bile flow.
If you suspect liver issues, you can ask your Naturopath to order this kit for liver testing: https://www.healthscopepathology.com.au/index.php/functional-pathology/tests/functional-liver-detoxification-profile-fldp/
Links:
OVViO Organic Dandelion Chai Spice Tea
OVViO Organic D-Tox Bitters Tea
Note:
Herbal tinctures are concentrated herbs in a liquid form and are only available with a prescription from your Naturopath or Herbalist. A qualified practitioner will ensure your medication, supplements or disease state does not interact with the herbs. Always remember to tell you practitioner if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
By Anthia Koullouros
