Your liver is one of the most important organs in your body. It is a filter, responsible for metabolizing and detoxifying everything you breathe, ingest and essentially anything that comes into contact with your skin. That means it is constantly working and working hard. On top of being our major detoxifying organ our liver also has lots of other jobs to do. It plays a role in hormone break down, cholesterol production, blood sugar regulation, bile production (to metabolize fats) and much more. That means that if the liver is not functioning optimally you will often have lots of signs and symptoms that start to arise. Treatment and detoxification of the liver should be the first step in treating high cholesterol, diabetes, hormonal issues, infertility, digestive issues, skin problems, allergies, neurological disorders and several other diseases/illnesses. Often times a sluggish liver can be the root of the issue at hand. The environment, alcohol, medications and stress can all contribute to damaging and overburdening the liver. In order to be preventative, it is a good idea to do a liver detox, with both food and supplements, at least twice a year (usually fall and spring) in order to reboot and support this important organ. Below are some foods and supplements that support a healthy liver.
Foods That Support the Liver:
Lemon water
Green leafy vegetables (arugula, kale, dandelion, spinach, chicory)
Garlic
Beets and carrots
Green tea
Avocados
Olive oil
Turmeric
Cruciferous vegetables (ie. broccoli and cabbage)
Supplements/Herbs That Support the Liver:
L- taurine
Milk thistle
NAC (N-acetyl cysteine)
Curcumin (found in turmeric)
EGCG (found in green tea)
Dandelion
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Signs and Symptoms Your Liver Isn’t Functioning Optimally
If you have recently noticed any of the symptoms listed below, you could be suffering from impaired liver function. It is particularly important to consider these symptoms if you identify with one or more of the risk factors mentioned above.
It is always best to do any detox under the guidance and support of a health care practitioner. Supplements that target liver function can affect how your liver metabolizes (breaks down) other medications so it is important to ensure that nothing you are taking interacts with any of your supplements or herbals. Check in with your naturopathic doctor and start loving your liver today.
Dr. Claudia Truglia B.Sc, N.D
Naturopathic Doctor
Stoney Creek Natural Wellness Center
50 King St. West
Stoney Creek, Ontario
L8G 1H8
(905)906-9097
www.stoneycreekwellness.ca
Foods That Support the Liver:
Lemon water
Green leafy vegetables (arugula, kale, dandelion, spinach, chicory)
Garlic
Beets and carrots
Green tea
Avocados
Olive oil
Turmeric
Cruciferous vegetables (ie. broccoli and cabbage)
Supplements/Herbs That Support the Liver:
L- taurine
Milk thistle
NAC (N-acetyl cysteine)
Curcumin (found in turmeric)
EGCG (found in green tea)
Dandelion
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Signs and Symptoms Your Liver Isn’t Functioning Optimally
If you have recently noticed any of the symptoms listed below, you could be suffering from impaired liver function. It is particularly important to consider these symptoms if you identify with one or more of the risk factors mentioned above.
- Bloating and gas
- Acid reflux and heartburn
- Constipation
- Skin and/or eyes that are yellowish (a symptom of jaundice)
- Inability to lose weight
- High blood pressure
- Moodiness, anxiousness, or depression
- Dark urine
- Rosacea
- Chronic fatigue
- Excessive sweating
- Bruise easily
- Poor appetite
It is always best to do any detox under the guidance and support of a health care practitioner. Supplements that target liver function can affect how your liver metabolizes (breaks down) other medications so it is important to ensure that nothing you are taking interacts with any of your supplements or herbals. Check in with your naturopathic doctor and start loving your liver today.
Dr. Claudia Truglia B.Sc, N.D
Naturopathic Doctor
Stoney Creek Natural Wellness Center
50 King St. West
Stoney Creek, Ontario
L8G 1H8
(905)906-9097
www.stoneycreekwellness.ca
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