Love Your Liver

Why not make 2015 the year to adopt a more positive, healthy lifestyle? January is Love Your Liver month and you can do this in many ways.

Your Liver performs around 500 functions in your body all vital for survival. Too much alcohol can cause serious and lasting damage but the liver can do an amazing job of rejenerating dead or damaged tissue to restore function if you tackle the problem early. Try to have at least 3 alcohol free days per week and keep within the recommended daily limits which are 2-3 units daily for women and 3-4 units for men. It is important to remember that a large glass of wine or a pint of strong beer is equivalent to 3 units !

Love your Liver with plenty of fresh and dried fruit, nuts and seeds, vegetables and salads - sprinkle superfoods on these to increase the nutritional value without unnecessary bulk.

You might also like to consider the following actions and points:

• If you drink it is important to take in extra Zinc as the liver uses it to break down alcohol - this can be taken as a supplements or by increasing intake of certain foodstuffs such as sunflower seeds which can be sprinkled over salads, cereal or soups. 
• Some people prefer the use of herbal teas.
• Milk Thistle is a supplement which helps to protect the liver cells from toxins by fighting free radicals and oxidation and encouraging regeneration. It can also be used in advance of an event where you are anticipating a higher alcohol intake !
• Green Tea is high in catechins that help to support liver function.
• Mix Turmeric with milk and drink daily - it helps to reduce symptoms such as inflammation.
• Chewing fennel seeds after eating can aid the digestive process.
• Dandelion and Burdock Root aids the detoxifying process by stimulating the flow of bile.
• Cinnamon reduces blood levels of glucose and fructose.
• Aloe Vera is a known digestive tonic and pain reliever.
• Artichoke is another liver tonic improving the way it breaks down fats especially cholesterol.
• Garlic is an antioxidant and is thought to filter toxins from the blood whilst relaxing the blood vessels and improving overall circulation
• Kale – a known suoerfood is also thought to help the liver detoxify

Many people choose to abstain totally from alcohol during the month of January and are surprised how much better they feel but for others just cutting down, following a healthier diet and taking regular exercise feels like a better option.