February is here already! Well into the New Year and the start of the Chinese New Year of the Wood Horse. This is a time to enjoy the sunshine, beaches, holidays, celebrations and gatherings. It is also the month to love....….........Your Liver! Especially after a little over-indulgence.
Did you know that your liver is the largest gland in your body and the 2nd largest organ (2nd to skin) and weighs about 1.4kg. It has 10 functions which include; digestion, bile production, metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and protein, stores essential nutrients (eg vitamins D,E,K,A), immunity, production of clotting factors, degrades excess hormones and helps in synthesising some hormones, detoxification of drugs, chemicals, alcohol and other ingested toxins.
So lets treat this precious organ with the respect it deserves (at least once or twice a year) and detoxify. Particularly if you suffer from; Tiredness, bloating, indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea, weight gain, bad menopausal symptoms, waking between 2-4am, headaches and grumpiness. Doing something is better than doing nothing, it's your journey so do what is achievable for you. The liver has the ability to rejuvenate and replenish itself given the right conditions. You can help it along with regenerating healthy new liver cells with St Mary's thistle (aka Milk thistle) and Globe artichoke.
Detoxify with St Mary's thistle, St Johns wort, Globe artichoke, Dandelion, Boldo, Vit C, B vits, Methionine, Taurine and Glycine Improve bile production, fat metabolism, digestion and lower cholesterol with; lecithin, B vits, vit C and fibrous green leafy veges (kale, spinach, broccoli, artichokes, beets, mesculin, rocket) and African mango.
Kick start your day with a glass of water with 1/2 a lemon squeezed in. 20 mins later do your juice; carrots, apples, parsley, celery and beetroot. You can include your Barley grass, Chlorella, Wheat grass or Spirilina powder. Your liver will love you for it Avoid sugar, coffee,alcohol, preservatives, additives, refined (white) grains and high fat meats for optimum results. Drink plenty of water!
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Worried about drug/herb interactions? Message us on facebook or email us at service@healthchemist.co.nz and one of our Naturopaths or Pharmacists will advise you.