Love your liver in the lead up to Christmas

Detoxification is a natural body process crucial for neutralising and removing toxic substances from the body. The major detoxification organ is the liver, which acts as a complex filter with approximately two litres of blood passing through every minute to be cleared of toxins and waste compounds. The bowel, kidneys, skin, blood and lymphatic circulations also play a part in the removal of unwanted or toxic substances. When this system is compromised, toxins re-circulate and can accumulate in the body acting as a constant drain on health and vitality.

In today’s world we are unwittingly exposed to increasing amounts of toxins from food, water, cosmetics, skincare products, household chemicals and from the very air we breathe. Many of these compounds are increasingly being identified as a threat to health. The liver is largely responsible for the removal of these potentially harmful toxins, in addition to those naturally generated in the body. Given this increased toxic load, the liver is often overstretched and under-resourced.

A sluggish liver underlies many common health complaints, and can interfere with weight management as the liver struggles with its key roles in toxin elimination; hormone detoxification; fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism; regulation of blood sugar levels and digestive function.

Enhancing liver function and stimulating detoxification processes through quality natural supplements, diet and lifestyle modifications is a smart health practice for many to offset the negative effects of modern living and to help maintain a balanced body weight and ongoing health.

If you experience any of the following you may benefit from a detox:

• Headaches
• Mild nausea
• Constipation
• Bloating and flatulence
• Hormonal imbalances
• Reactions to medications
• Allergies
• Problem skin
• Bad breath
• Poor appetite especially in the morning
• Weight problems
• Intolerance to fumes or chemicals
• Fluid retention
• Fatigue and lowered vitality

• Overindulgence in alcohol, drugs, processed, refined and fatty foods

Key herbal extracts and nutrients to enhance detoxification include:

• Milk Thistle - protective and restorative herb for the liver which supports natural liver detoxification
• Green Tea - antioxidant that enhances fat metabolism
• Chlorophyll - high levels of cleansing properties and also aids toxin elimination
• Dandelion - bitter herb that stimulates digestion and encourages bowel function
• Schisandra - protects and restores the liver, enhances liver detoxification
• Globe Artichoke - bitter herb with liver protective and restorative properties. Also, an excellent tonic for indigestion
• Taurine - important for liver function and healthy fat metabolism
• Vitamin C - vital antioxidant required for detoxification

• Fibre - important for the binding and elimination of toxins, as well as maintaining healthy bowel function
  
  

Attention to diet and lifestyle, as always, is important. After all, there is limited benefit in improving toxin removal when you are still introducing the same amount of junk into the body.

Try some of these lifestyle changes to support healthy detoxification:

• Eat a large variety of fresh fruit and vegetables
• If possible, eat organic foods to reduce toxin intake
• Eat quality protein. You’ll find this in foods such as fish, organic eggs and chicken, along with whey protein - to provide
  important amino acids necessary for liver detoxification
• Eat plenty of fibre from fruit and vegetables, legumes, flaxseeds and whole-grains to maintain toxin removal via the bowel
• Use quality fats such as cold pressed flaxseed oil, olive oil, avocado oil, nuts and seeds, rather than animal fats and
  processed vegetable oils or margarines
• Drink 2 litres of pure water daily to encourage elimination via the kidneys and bowel and maintain optimal cellular function
• Avoid (or at least reduce) alcohol, coffee, non-essential drugs, fried foods, sugar, refined and packaged foods, artificial
  sweeteners, additives, preservatives and colourings

Please remember, detoxification should not be undertaken during pregnancy or breastfeeding. People with serious health conditions or on prescription medications should also check with their healthcare professional first.

Enjoy the ‘silly season’ (with a little moderation)! And if you think your liver may need some help, try our Good Health Liver Tonic 17,500, Body Cleanse, Aloe Liv or Chlorophyll products.

Not all products recommended may be available in South Africa at this time.