7 Ways to Improve Liver Health, According to Experts

“Good nutrition is the most important way to protect ourselves from toxins,”. Here everything you need to know about the health of your liver.

It is not necessary to do dryfebruaryor “dry February” (stop drinking alchol during the month of february) to realize that liver health is important, but if you decided to stay away from alcohol (one of the main enemies of the liver) Over the past month, you probably felt physically and mentally much better.

Understanding the key role the liver plays in the body (what it does, how to keep it functioning properly, and how it influences our overall well-being) can help us lead healthier, happier lives. Here fashionfriends talks to some experts to find out more details:

How important is the liver in human metabolism?

“The liver is the largest solid organ in the body and has more than 500 vital functions,” “its main function is to contribute to metabolism, detoxification and immune functions. The liver processes the food we eat and converts it into energy; It also breaks down certain substances and makes toxins less harmful to the body, eliminating them from the bloodstream.” Hepatocytes, that are the cells of the liver, sort out nutrients that need to be processed by the body and those that need to be stored, eliminated, or returned to the blood. When this does not occur properly, a condition known as fatty liver begins.

It also plays a key role in our hormonal health, as it processes all the hormones that circulate through our body: “Once the body has used a hormone, the liver processes it and eliminates it from the body,”explained by a medical herbalist. “Most of us are even not aware of the key role it plays in our menstrual cycles .”

In traditional Chinese medicine, the liver is responsible for directing the flow of Qi (energy) in our body, in addition to also directing blood circulation.

In conclusion: It is essential to remember that the liver acts as a natural detoxifier for the body.

What symptoms does a sick liver have?

Regarding the symptoms of an unhealthy liver: “If we overload it with everyday toxins, we can experience symptoms such as brain fog, joint pain, delicate skin, mood swings, altered bowel function, headaches, fatigue , digestive problems, poor sleep and low immunity,”. In general, all of this is undesirable, but when the liver is exposed to excess toxins (such as too much alcohol or processed foods high in sugar and saturated fat) over the long term, we can suffer actual liver damage or disease. “If you are concerned about the health of your liver, your primary care doctor can perform a liver function test ,”.

It’s no surprise that our liver now faces more toxins than ever: “We are surrounded by many more chemicals in our daily lives, which have entered the air, water, soil and food,” . “We are also exposed to toxins through the products we use at home or on our skin, and these substances build up over the years, sometimes causing damage and leaching out vital nutrients.” The things most harmful to our liver are long-term excessive alcohol consumption, drugs, excess sugar and obesity.

7 ways to improve the health of your liver

The body naturally supports each of its organs, but there are things we can do to make sure our cells – and organs –have everything they need to function well:

Eat more plants

“Nutrition is the most important way to protect us from toxins,” “Vitamins and minerals keep toxins away while helping the liver eliminate them.” Incorporate plenty of whole foods into your diet: Foods that are as close to their natural state as possible, with minimal (if any) processing. Plants are full of antioxidants and phytonutrients that help reduce inflammation and support the liver: “Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, are especially effective,”.

Eat more fiber

High-fiber foods (such as beans, artichokes, fennel, and burdock) help waste move quickly through the colon so toxins are not reabsorbed. “and the gut also needs to function effectively for the detoxification process to work well,”. “Proteins and essential fatty acids also improve the detoxification process and they have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect on the liver.”

Choose organic products (whenever possible)

To help reduce the amount of toxins your body is exposed to on a regular basis, try eating more organic foods. “Organic produce will help reduce the amount of chemicals, pesticides, antibiotics, synthetic hormones and toxins we are exposed to,”. “However, it can be more expensive, so I would focus on organic chicken and dairy products as a priority, making sure to always wash fruits and vegetables properly.”

Drink milk thistle tea

In addition to drinking plenty of water, skin expert is a big proponent of milk thistle tea— her star client, Margot Robbie, drank it while filming Barbie. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and protects the liver from toxins, while preventing new liver cells from being destroyed, she says. “It’s also great for increasing glutathione in the body, which is key to skin’s radiance.” He also uses apple cider vinegar to support overall liver health, and suggests starting your day by drinking turmeric and lemon in warm water to reduce inflammation.

Cut with the ultra-processed

“If I were to guide a client through a detox program , I would eliminate highly processed foods, gluten, dairy, eggs, and soy, as they can be pro-inflammatory to the system,” . However, it is important to keep in mind that this would only be for the duration of the detox process , it would not be forever. So out with the junk food, in with the vegetables… but you probably already knew that, right?

Enjoy a simpler lifestyle

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, adopting a simpler, more organized lifestyle can help prevent the frustration, irritability and anxiety that are often linked to an unhappy liver: “Go to bed early, follow a diet with a wide variety of foods and cooked vegetables, and dedicating yourself to a hobby, everything helps,” . “Physical activity and practices such as meditation, Qi Gong, Tai Chi and yoga are valuable, as well as adopting the habit of clearly communicating your feelings.” Acupuncture is also a great way to treat disharmony in the body: There are specific points that treat liver fire, stagnation, and depression.