Marie-Eve Rioux, R.H.N.
For this month, I want to start talking about the organ that works the most in our digestive system;
The Liver.
Many of the major illness of our time are due to grossly overburden liver. Let me explain you why…
Functions
The main functions of the liver are Metabolism and regulation, blood purification and bile production. Along with the kidneys, is a filtering organ of the body. The more fats and toxins ingested, the more impaired its metabolic functions become. In digestive functions, a sluggish liver means that not enough bile is produced which is an important factor to emulsify fats (breaks down fat into tiny droplets to make them accessible to be digested by pancreatic enzymes). It will also interfere with the absorption of EFA’s (Essential Fatty Acids such as omega3) and the metabolism of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. The liver also breakdown hormones after being used by the body. When its functions are altered, hormones are not broken down and go back to the blood stream which leads to hormones imbalances;
Unexplained weight gain, PMS, anxiety, fatigue, excessive sweating, skin rashes, reduced sex drive and more!
Causes of Imbalances
An over indulgence in fried food, starches and junk food is the most common causes of liver problems. However, all ingested free radicals, pesticides, BPA, toxins, refined oils, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, prescription drugs, STRESS and even more, impact the health of our liver.
What can we do…
The key here is the importance of eating a well-balanced, natural, whole food diet;
Less take-outs, more home-made cooking!
Replacing white starch for more whole fibres!
Replacing sugary drinks for simple plain amazing beautiful filtered WATER
Variety of food is also important
Greens!!! Greens!!! Greens!!!! Baked, steamed, boiled, sauté, raw
Organic food; Help reduce the amount of toxins and pesticides the liver has to filter. All that said, organic food is a lot more expensive, and financial obstacles can be a prominent stressor for most of us, i will suggest to start buying food from the list on the “dirty dozen” which give a list of vegetables and fruits that contains the most pesticides and a list of the one that are less impacted by pesticides…
Lemon juice; organic of course, half squeezed into a tall glass of room temperature fresh water, first thing in the morning. Not only this will clean your liver, but it will clean your whole digestive system, activate your HCL production to improve digestion and will help to support your immune system.
Bitter food; any food that is bitter such as arugula, organic spinach, Swiss chard, dandelion leaves, will help cleaning the liver. A tea version of Milk thistle and Dandelion is a good way too.