Convenient Foods to Cleanse your Liver

Our bodies have subtle ways of telling us if something wrong is happening from within. The problem is that it is often too vague to identify. Hence, most health problems go unnoticed until they become irreparable.

One of those problems is the damage that our livers suffer. Sadly, its signs can be associated with other problems until jaundice, dark urine and discolored excreta show up.

Signs the Liver Is Having a Hard Time

The liver is the powerhouse and filtration system of the body working to filter toxins and conversion of waste products. Some of its functions include hormone production, protein synthesis, and processing and storage of iron. The liver is also the organ metabolizing the active ingredients in medicines. When the liver is malfunctioning, it will affect all parts of the body and manifests these symptoms:

• Constant Tiredness

• Skin Symptoms

• Nail Problems

• Bad Breath

If your liver is not functioning well, it may not filter all toxins from the body and cause them to build up. It will also disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to digestion problems and an increase of bad bacteria causing bad breath.

Your gut is the powerhouse of your body. It’s often looked over by people, and it makes most of your efforts to stay healthy in vain. It’s mandatory for your microbiome to work well before you can target other symptoms. This way you will filter out and identify any other underlying problems, such as:

• Headaches

• Swollen Abdomen

• Abdominal Pain

• Jaundice

The yellowing of the eyes and skin is the most obvious sign of a liver problem. A healthy liver normally filters out bodily tissues and bilirubin, the yellow substance in the blood. However, if it is malfunctioning, it cannot break down the old red blood cells. Bilirubin builds up and causes yellowing of the skin, eyes, tongue and fingernails, as well as pale stool and dark urine, and a change in appetite.

People with liver problems are sensitive to strong smells, which may affect their food intake. It may cause loss of appetite but increase the aversion to sugar and sweets. Nausea and vomiting after a fatty meal also indicate a liver problem.

Here are some of the best herbs for liver protection. But, please remember to check with your doctor if you are taking medication for an existing liver disease and other health conditions. These herbs are effective and potent but are only safe in limited doses.

• Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum). It detoxifies the liver, regenerates damaged liver tissues and stimulates bile production.

  
  

• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). It is an effective herb against hepatitis and liver diseases. It enhances the secretion of hormones, detoxifies the liver and improves digestion.

  
  

• Burdock (Arctium lappa). It prevents cellular mutation that causes cancer. Its root extract is a good detox formula for removing toxins and excess body fluids to prevent ascites.

  
  

• Hibiscus or Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa). It contains hepatoprotective compounds that can prevent the onset of liver diseases.

  
  

• Rosehip (Rosa canina). Its tea decreases the blood sugar level and fasting insulin level. According to studies, rosehip may prevent lipid accumulation to decrease the risk of fatty liver diseases.

  
  

• Cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum). It may suppress the production of triglycerides and prevent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Use it sparingly since cinnamon contains coumarin which is toxic to the liver in large doses.

  
  

Come see your Naturopath in Wanneroo Markets for a personalised assessment of your health needs.