Herbs For Liver Detox:

COULD A SLUGGISH LIVER BE THE ROOT CAUSE OF YOUR ACNE, ECZEMA, BRAIN FOG, MOOD SWINGS, HORMONE IMBALANCES, BLOOD SUGAR IMBALANCES OR DIZZINESS?

WHAT THE LIVER DOES

There are many toxins that we come in contact with on a daily basis that threaten our health and longevity. Because of this, it’s vital for us to have an understanding on how the liver functions and what we can do to support its natural detoxification process.

The liver is one of the body’s most essential organs; filtering blood, metabolizing nutrients, regulating blood sugar, regulating hormones, storing vitamins and minerals, disarming harmful toxins, and much more. Without it, we would be doomed! 

HOW THE LIVER DETOXES

It detoxes in two main steps called phase 1 detoxification and phase 2 detoxification. Simply put, phase 1 pathway converts harmful toxinsinto less harmful toxins. It neutralizes toxic substances like gas fumes, alcohol, saturated fats, dioxins, etc., so that we don't die. Its very easy for the liver to engage in phase 1 detoxification, however, most people get stuck in phase 2 detoxification. Phase 2, also called the conjugation pathway, is when the liver cells add another substance to the toxin to make it water soluble so it can be excreted out of the body via watery substances like bile or urine. 

When the liver becomes overwhelmed in phase 1 due to an overload of toxins, phase 2 becomes backed up and toxins are recycled back into the bloodstream, creating symptoms of headaches, memory loss, mood swings, acne or dizziness. Supporting phase 2 detoxification is essential to ensure toxins aren't being leaked into the bloodstream.

LIVER TROUBLE MAKERS:

We are bombarded on a daily basis with chemicals that aren’t supposed to get into the body, yet they make their way in and cause an array of health issues. Liver trouble makers include:

• Pesticides

• Paint & paint thinner

• Carpet cleaners

• Teflon pans

• Smoke exposure

• Fluoride and chlorine in tap water

• Gas fumes

• Artificial sweeteners

• Aspartame in sodas

• MSG in restaurant food

• Preservatives in packaged foods

• Alcohol

• Plug in air fresheners

• Perfumes, colognes, aftershave

• Conventional shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, body washes

• Nail polish

• Conventional household cleaners

• Dry cleaning chemicals

• Heavy metals

HERBAL MEDICINE TO CLEANSE THE LIVER

1. Oregon Grape Root: a bitter and detoxifying herb that promotes bile production, kills viruses and bacteria in the liver and improves nutrient absorption from food.

2. Milk Thistle Seed: a powerful liver herb that creates a protective barrier around the liver cells so lessen negative impact of chemicals.

3. Burdock Root: purges the liver of deep seated toxins that may have been stored in the liver for years. Moves old red blood cells out to improve detoxification.

4. Dandelion Root: stimulates bile to increase detoxification process. Bile helps carry toxins out of the body.

5. Fresh Turmeric Root: a highly effective at opening the livers phase II so that the toxins can exit the body via urine or bile. Reduces excess heat or inflammation in the liver caused by poor dietary juices. Moves out old toxins and improves hormone balance.

6. Red Clover: High mineral content that feeds the liver and gives it the strength to purge/cleanse itself. Helps stimulate kidneys to aid the livers process.

7. Nettle: Balances adrenal glands and protects the liver cells from excess adrenaline. Too much adrenaline damages the liver and makes it weak/less effective at detoxing.

    

LIVER CLEANSING SUPPLEMENTS

1. Glutathione: (a combination of glycine, glutamine, and cysteine) Glutathione has been named the king of anti-oxidants when it comes to liver health. It has a very important role of binding to toxins in order for them to be excreted. Our bodies produce this amino acid naturally, but if we aren’t supplying it with the specific nutrients that it needs, glutathione production decreases.

   • To boost your glutathione levels you can start by adding 3 servings of sulfur rich foods into your daily diet. This includes arugula, kale, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, turnip, asparagus, and collard greens. Without these vegetables glutathione will decrease, applying more strain on your liver. If it’s too difficult to get these into your diet you can supplement with Alpha-Lipoic-Acid, a precursor for glutathione or glutathione itself.

2. Magnesium Glycinate: Gently flushes out the liver and at the same time it calms liver spasms. Try mixing magnesium powder into water before bed to support detox and a restful sleep.

3. MSM: Loosens and helps expel fats from liver cells. Helps the liver purge of old, deep-seated toxins that you may have stored from childhood.

    

DIET FOR LIVER SUPPORT

1. Apples: The pectin and fruit acids in apples dissolve fat build up in the liver. Also great for dissolving gallstones. Try eating 2 organic red apples daily as an afternoon snack.

2. Berries: Berries are loaded with anti-oxidants that protect the liver from oxidative stress that occurs in phase 1. Add a cup of organic frozen berries in your morning smoothie.

3. Lemons and limes: These citrus fruits increase bile production and disperse fat cells. Create a habit of drinking 16 oz of water with the juice of half a lemon every morning upon waking. Give your liver 15 minutes to flush itself out before eating anything. If you make this into a routine, your health will improve dramatically over time.

4. Sweet potatoes: Supplies important glycogen stores for the liver to maintain its over 2,000 functions.

5. Spirulina powder: Provides the liver with an abundance of vitamins and minerals that it can store and use as energy. Binds on to toxic heavy metals and pulls them out of the body.

6. Brussel Sprouts: An ultimate liver cleansing food because of its high sulfur content.

7. Essentially, try to follow a highly plant based diet, rich in anti-oxidants, fibre, hydration, and micronutrients.