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Check nowHow much do you really know about your liver? People are often aware that their liver has an important part to play in processing alcohol, and yes, this is a function of the liver – but only one of over 500 important functions! From manufacturing bile to metabolising sex hormones such as oestrogen – your liver does it all.
Our founder and renowned naturopath Alfred Vogel stated that “The liver is the regulator of your health and you are only as healthy as your liver”. The bottom line is: you wouldn’t last long without your liver and it’s up to you to look after it!
So, how can you tell how healthy it is and how can you support this important organ going forward?
The liver has many important roles in digestion. It manufactures bile which is important for the proper breakdown and utilisation of fats (discomfort after fatty foods or fatty stools is a sign that something may be amiss).
The liver is also important for energy production and regulating the levels of fats, amino acids and glucose in your blood. Carbohydrates, when consumed in excess, are converted into glycogen and stored in your liver. You then have this store available which can be converted back into glucose, providing a quick fix of energy whenever you need it.
To help support the liver it is important to eat a diet rich in fresh ingredients. Fruit and vegetables are rich in essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which help support the functions of your liver. Your liver is also responsible for processing and storing many vitamins and minerals from your diet. Fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E & K) are of particular importance as they are dependent on bile for their absorption.
Too many refined carbohydrates such as white pasta, bread and sweet treats put your liver under pressure as do processed and fatty foods. We need good-quality protein to help balance your blood sugar and provide amino acids in order for your liver to manufacture important antioxidants, enzymes and proteins to be used in various chemical reactions. Ditch the bad carbs and make sure you incorporate some good-quality protein into every meal.
Being overweight puts your liver under strain. Obesity puts you at a greater risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which is now the most common liver disorder in developing countries.
Excessive fat consumption poses a greater risk of fat accumulation in the liver which over time can give rise to inflammation and scarring. We want to avoid this at all costs as the scar tissue can gradually replace the healthy cells of the liver. A BMI within the healthy range means you are less likely to develop NAFLD, although diet and other factors are still hugely important.
Exercise has a host of benefits and most of you can probably admit you could be doing more. Exercise is a positive first step in reducing your body weight which is always a plus for your liver.
Additionally, exercise helps to increase your heart rate and gets your blood pumping quicker around your body, which means all your major muscles and organs too. Oxygenated blood delivers oxygen and essential nutrients to the liver and in return your hepatic veins filter away waste materials. The quicker and more efficient this system is the healthier your liver is likely to be – get that blood pumping!
Alcohol consumption has a big impact on your liver as do other toxins including medication, drugs and chemicals. Many people take medication on a daily basis and your liver has to deal with each and every pill you pop. Toxins are sent to the liver where they can be broken down and utilized. However, in excessive amounts, your liver struggles to cope and the cells of the liver can become damaged.
Reduce the load on your liver by reducing alcohol and medication consumption wherever possible. Overuse of painkillers such as paracetamol can be particularly damaging which many people don’t consider.
So, what about your exposure to toxins? Have you ever considered how ‘toxic’ you might be? From the air around you, to the water you drink, the food you eat, the soil in which your food grows and the beauty, cleaning and gardening products you use – toxins are everywhere. This can put an increasingly toxic load on your body and you guessed it – the liver takes the brunt of it. Visit our page on how to detox your liver for ways in which you can begin to reduce these toxins.
There are some warning signs to be aware of which can help indicate just how healthy your liver is. However, beware, as a vulnerable liver can go relatively undetected for some time so symptoms often don’t appear until the damage has already been done.
Some typical signs which can arise and suggest your liver is struggling are as follows:
Although good diet and lifestyle practices are vital for the health of your liver, you can also support your liver with some herbal remedies.
Bitter herbs are also beneficial for digestion. Research has shown that artichoke has favourable effects on cholesterol levels (managing these is an important function of the liver) and participants saw a significant reduction in their cholesterol while using artichoke over a 12 week period [1].
The root and leaves of the bitter herb dandelion also support the functions of the liver in that the root helps encourage the release of bile and the leaves are a gentle diuretic which helps support the excretion of toxins from the body.
Finally, the herb milk thistle may also be beneficial to the liver; it is rich in a component called Silymarin which acts as a powerful antioxidant.
[1] Bundy R et al. Phytomedicine 15 (2008), 668-675
If you are concerned about the health of your liver it is always wise to pay your doctor a visit. Your doctor can run a liver function test which looks for an increase in liver enzymes. However, it is important to mention that often this is only detected when some damage has already been done. It’s crucial that you do your best to avoid getting to this stage and take good care of it!
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Check the health of your digestive system using our simple test.
Check nowDigestisan Oral Drops: A traditional herbal medicinal product used for indigestion, sensation of fullness and flatulence associated with over-indulgence in food or drink, or both, exclusively based upon long-standing use as a traditional remedy.
Always read the leaflet.
According to naturopathic principles, when two or three meals are being eaten daily, the bowel should move at least once or twice a day.
What are healthy bowels?Discover the story of Alfred VogelNature is just about the best thing we’ve got!