Stress, anxiety, drugs and a sedentary lifestyle, also related to the situation we have lived and are experiencing, can contribute to the accumulation of toxins in the body, which reacts by activating the inflammatory response. This inflammation, however, tends to be chronic, tires and burdens the body, slows digestion, weakens the immune system, promotes weight gain, visceral fat and water retention. So how to act to remove toxins, counteract inflammation and recharge the body and the immune system with new energy?
Bitter herbs and drinks for the liver
The liver is the organ to which the toxic or irritating substances introduced, such as metal residues, dyes and preservatives, converge and which may be weakened and get inflamed due to an excess in these substances (Pineiro Carrero et al, Pediatrics, 2004). We therefore can help the liver in its work to avoid bloating, poor digestion and heartburn. The skin immediately becomes healthier and brighter and the body's defenses are strengthened. Not only that, if the liver works well it is also easier to burn fats and avoid fat accumulation on the waistline (Catanzaro et al, Dig Dis Sci, 2014 - van der Poorten et al, Hepatology, 2008). In the morning, on an empty stomach, before breakfast, drink a glass of warm water to which you have added the squeezed juice of half a lemon that, thanks to its antioxidant action, protects the liver from oxidative stress and helps reduce ALT values. or alanine amino transferase, which is an indicator of liver damage (Zhou et a, Biomed Res Int, 2017). A help also comes from the mother tinctures of artichoke, dandelion and milk thistle, which regenerate the liver, reactivate the intestine, counteract halitosis and retention and thin the bile (Brigo, Natural Medicine from A to Z). In 500 ml of water add 50 drops of each tincture and drink throughout the day in small sips.
The herbal tea of ancient herbal medicine
The great French herbalist Messegue, in his book My Herbarium, recommends, to purify the liver and stimulate its work, an herbal tea prepared by infusing in two cups of boiling water a pinch of anise, of basil, of fennel, of mint, of rosemary, of savory and of chervil. Leave to infuse for ten minutes, then filter and drink.
Herbal teas and spices against water retention and accumulation of toxins
The nettle tea is an excellent detoxifier, helps cleanse the blood and counteracts stagnation thanks to its diuretic action (Hajhashemi et al, Avicenna J Phytomed., 2013). Bring a liter of water to a boil, remove from heat, wait a minute and add 2 tablespoons of dried nettle leaves. Leave to infuse for ten minutes and drink one cup a day for two weeks. After drinking the nettle, also drink a glass of water to help the kidneys work. Marjoram is another ally in case of stagnation and digestive problems, being diuretic, carminative and antiseptic (Bina et al, J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med., 2017). You can then add some fresh chopped leaves to salads or even to flavor cooked vegetables or sauces. Butcher's broom is the excellent remedy to counteract edema in the lower limbs and the sensation of heavy legs, it is anti-inflammatory and diuretic (Vanscheidt et al, Arzneimittelforschung, 2002). Bring a teaspoon of Butcher's broom to a boil in a cup of water and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it rest for ten minutes, then filter and drink between meals.
Diet
Do not miss food with probiotics, which support the health of the microbiota, which is the set of bacteria that live in the intestine and on which not only digestive processes depend, but also brain function, mood and the action of the immune system (Hemarajata et al, Therap Adv Gastroenterol., 2013). A source of probiotics is definitely yogurt, but it should be reported on the label that it contains probiotics otherwise it contains only live cultures that would not overcome the stomach barrier. Celery also helps digestion and is diuretic, you can cut it into slices and add it to salads or smoothies (Siska et al, Sci Pharm, 2018). Turmeric avoids fermentation thanks to its beneficial action on the intestinal microbiota and is anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and antiviral (Di Meo et al, Nutrients, 2019). You can mix a teaspoon of turmeric with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a grind of pepper and use to dress the salad. This combination of turmeric, oil and pepper allows curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, to overcome the stomach barrier.
Yoga
Some yoga positions are particularly beneficial for removing toxins from the body and counteracting irritation and inflammation of the intestinal tract. We are talking about twists, that are all those yoga positions that require a rotation, even a small one, of the spine (Kuttner et al, Pain Res Manag, 2006). In this way the internal organs are squeezed, and when you return to the starting position a large flow of blood sweeps away the toxins. The simplest and most beneficial twist is the following. Sit with your legs stretched out in front of you. Bend your left knee and bring your left foot beyond your right knee. The right arm wraps around the outside of the left leg while the torso rotates to the left. The left hand is on the ground. Exhale and try and rotate a little more, inhale and relax.
