February is a time of renewal and self-care—a perfect moment to refocus on our health after the festive season. The rich foods and treats enjoyed during the holidays can leave us feeling sluggish, bloated, and out of sorts, with our energy levels taking a temporary dip. As we embrace this fresh start, we have a unique opportunity to recalibrate our routines and make healthier choices.
Have you ever considered which specific organs in our body work tirelessly to manage not only our daily food intake but also the toxins from cleaning products, personal care items, and our environment? In this blog we will take a look at what we can do to help our liver and gallbladder. The liver is a powerhouse organ that detoxifies harmful substances, metabolizes nutrients, and produces bile—a key digestive fluid. The gallbladder, meanwhile, acts as a storage unit for bile, releasing it into the small intestine when fats are being digested. Together, they play essential roles in digestion and overall metabolic health.
Fatty Liver - What Can I do?
Most people don’t think about their liver unless they have had blood results which highlight an issue. The most common liver disease nowadays has nothing to do with alcohol. Non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) involves the accumulation of fat in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol. It is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol which is all on the rise.
The good news is that by making positive lifestyle changes, we can support our liver function and take back control of our health. It’s about changing the risk factors that contribute to this condition such as weight management and controlling blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
The liver is one of the largest organs in the body and has many metabolic functions. It breaks down fats and produces energy as well as converting toxins in to harmless substances.
Milk thistle is one of the most well known liver tonics. It is also excellent for the relief of indigestion, feelings of fullness and flatulence associated with overindulgence of food or drink or both. It boosts liver function and will help with gallbladder disorders also. It is available as a tincture or in a tablet form. You will also find it in herbal tea combinations.
If you want to give your liver an extra boost, there is a combination product called Active Liver which contains milk thistle, turmeric, globe artichoke and choline. All these ingredients have a protective and restorative effect on the liver health. Choline, in particular, helps transport fat out of the liver.
Foods that are beneficial for liver health include beetroot, blueberries, broccoli, flaxseed, leafy greens, turmeric, green tea, garlic and walnuts.
Tips to help a sluggish gallbladder
The gallbladder is a sac located under the liver. It stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver. Bile is released by the gallbladder in to the small intestine when we eat food (especially fats) - it’s main function is to help break down fats in the body.
Many people do not have a gallbladder due to issues resulting in its removal. Obesity is a risk factor for gallstones and other gallbladder problems. A balanced diet focusing on whole rather than processed foods, healthy fats and high fibre foods can help gallbladder health.
Digestive enzymes containing lipase (enzyme to help break down fats) can be very helpful for both liver and gallbladder support.
If you eat your food quickly, the chances are that you may be low in digestive enzymes. Many people also find as they get older, they cannot digest fat as well in their diets. An excellent digestive enzyme to try is Nature’s Plus Ultrazyme which contains a range of digestive supports for liver, gallbladder and pancreas. It has been designed to act quickly and effectively in breaking down fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It also includes soothing herbs like ginger and fennel.
If you have a busy lifestyle, skip meals or eat on the run, taking a digestive enzyme before each meal will make a huge difference to extracting the nutrients out of your food so that you have greater energy.
Your liver and gallbladder will thank you for it too!
Blog written by Davina Dowling Nutritional Therapist
