How to support your liver.
The liver is a major organ in the right side of the body. It has many functions; it removes toxic substances and waste products from the blood. It breaks down insulin and other hormones. It produces Cholesterol which we need a certain amount of to survive. Glycogen is stored in our liver and is broken down into glucose when it’s needed by the body for energy. Bile is produced in the liver and contains bile acids which are important to aid the breakdown of fat.
The liver also plays an important role in carbohydrate, protein, amino acid, and lipid metabolism. A number of vitamins are stored in the liver including: vitamin A, D, E, and K. These are only some of the functions our liver carries out.
Is it time for a Detox?
This time of the year many of you will be thinking about supporting your liver after the recent period of indulgences. Here are some things you can do; eat foods that support the liver including beetroot, carrots, green leafy vegetables, and blueberries. Things that put stress on the liver making it work harder are medication, in particular paracetamol. As well as alcohol, binge drinking, and high fructose foods.
Supplements and herbs can help your liver. Milk Thistle is one of my favourites. Many supplements contain Milk Thistle so how do you choose one?
This is how I decide
If you want to do a bit of a clean-up and support the main organs of detoxification, I would choose Flor Essence, a cleansing herbal tea blend of eight herbs. This contains Milk Thistle, Red Clover, Burdock Root, Turkish Rhubarb, Slippery Elm, Kelp, Sheep Sorrel, and Watercress. All to help support the organs of elimination, the liver, skin, colon, and the lymphatic system. Take 50ml 1-2 times daily, preferably before breakfast and before bedtime. I take this one every year.
Or if you have been on a lot of medication, or have drunk a lot of alcohol, have hormone imbalance, digestive issues, or stubborn constipation, I would take Irish Botanica Milk Thistle. This comes as a liquid and is a potent form of Milk Thistle. It has been taken as a trusted “folk” supplement for generations. Take 20 drops twice per day in water.
