Now it's time to take care of your liver and thus benefit the entire organism. So let's try to understand why it is important to take care of the liver and, above all, what are the remedies available to us to stimulate the work of this gland essential for life.
A well-functioning liver brings benefits to the whole body
Pesticides, allergens, air pollutants, medicines and substances produced in case of gut microbiota imbalance, often caused by intolerance or unbalanced diet, are the toxins we hear about so much and that we can find in our body. When toxins are in excess and accumulate, this paves the way to disorders and diseases, inflammation increases, digestive problems and swelling appear, skin and hair are affected, the immune system weakens and water retention increases. Our body has natural detoxification mechanisms that refer to the detox organ par excellence, the liver. The liver, in this period between late winter and early spring, is called to work overtime due to the results of months in which we have been more sedentary, we have indulged in large and fat-rich meals and we have breathed more polluted air. This is why it is important, in these weeks, to implement small and simple remedies that support the liver and stimulate its work, always without exaggerating. In fact, an improvement in the health of the liver and its detox action has been shown to increase, already after two weeks, the well-being of people, who could feel less tired and reported improvements in the case of chronic pain and irritable bowel syndrome (MacIntosh et al, Altern Ther Health Med, 2000).
The drink that saves the liver
Never miss apples, delicious fruits to take easily with you everywhere and able to save the liver. The polyphenols of apples, in fact, are antioxidant substances that have been shown to protect the liver and to counteract the liver damage caused by an accumulation of aluminum. And if you want an even greater effect, you can make a drink based on apple and mandarin juice, which has been shown to reduce transaminases, which, if elevated, indicate liver disease (Guan et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2015).
Foods that stimulate the liver and detox processes
A varied and balanced diet is the best medicine to protect the liver. However, there are some foods that are particularly beneficial for supporting the liver and its detoxification processes. Citrus fruits and their peel, for example, protect the liver from the carcinogenic and pro-free radical action of toxic and harmful substances (Guan et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2015). Cumin also protects the liver and the biliary tract. Artichoke, garlic, onion, shallot and leek are hepatoprotective foods, which counteract fatty liver, liver fibrosis and oxidative stress ( Amini et al, Clin Nutr Res, 2022 - Guan et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2015). Carrots, cabbage and broccoli increase the levels of antioxidants in the liver, counteract inflammation and the accumulation of fat in the liver. Banana counteracts cirrhosis, cherries protect the liver from free radical damage as well as papaya and pomegranate (Guan et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2015). When it's in season, don't miss the watermelon, which counteracts the harmful action of toxins (Guan et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2015). Whole grains, such as barley, oats and black rice, reduce liver inflammation. In addition, cereals, as well as green leafy vegetables, provide vitamin B2, which is essential for activating glutathione, a substance that stimulates the detox processes of the liver (Mahabadi et al, StatPearls, 2022). Don't forget turmeric, which is considered a good hepatoprotector. Turmeric should be taken mixed with extra virgin olive oil and black pepper to increase its availability in the body (Guan et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2015).
Drink water to protect the liver
One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect the liver and stimulate its detoxification work is certainly to drink the right amount of water. Keeping hydrated is in fact essential to ensure the basic functions of the liver, to facilitate the excretion of bile and improve digestive processes with a consequent increase in the elimination of toxins from the body (Guan et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2015). But be careful, even in this case it is important not to overdo it. In fact, even drinking too much water is not good for you and has consequences for liver health (Guan et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2015).
Good sleep improves liver function
Ensuring good, restful sleep is important for liver health. In fact, a disturbed sleep characterized by continuous awakenings increases the risk of developing fatty liver, which, in the long run and if accompanied by inflammation, can turn into fibrosis, which is a hardening of the liver with loss of function ( Guan et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2015). It is also important to try to avoid sleep apnea, perhaps by not sleeping on your back. In fact, intermittent hypoxia, typical of sleep apnea, can, in the long run, cause liver damage (Guan et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2015).
Herbal medicine to help the liver
Among all the natural remedies, milk thistle is certainly one of the most important when it comes to liver health. In fact, milk thistle protects the liver from inflammation, from the harmful action of toxins and from the accumulation of fat, and supports liver functions (Achufusi et al, StatPearls, 2022). Olive leaves also protect the liver from possible mutations caused by toxic and carcinogenic substances and stimulate its detox action (Abulnaja et al, Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023). Dandelion counteracts hepatotoxic substances and inhibits the death of liver cells (Mega et al, Nutrients, 2021).
Yoga to detoxify the liver
Yoga and meditation play a key role when it comes to liver health. In fact, yoga and meditation help to slow down the frenetic rhythms and keep stress, an enemy for the liver, under control (Guan et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2015). But yoga can also act directly, stimulating purification processes. For example, all yoga asanas that involve a twist massage the internal organs, including the liver, increase blood flow and stimulate the removal of toxins (Arora et al, Int J Yoga, 2008). In the Yoga section of the app you can find various sequences dedicated to stimulating detox processes and supporting liver work, such as Yoga detox in spring or Yoga for the liver and to stimulate detox processes.
