silvergoldmagazine.ca
WELL-BEING
– By Jacklyn Fernandez, RHN
IS YOUR LIVER
MAKING YOU FAT?
The liver is a critical organ that transforms toxins and waste
so your body can safely expel them. With all the processed
foods, additives and preservatives we consume through fast
foods, canned foods and modern manufacturing, alcohol
consumption, plus environmental pollution we face each day,
the liver becomes overwhelmed and sluggish. Rather than
doing its job and getting rid of these toxins, it stores them
in fat cells. This sluggish liver is largely responsible for many
illnesses, including the listed below, to name a few:
HEALTHY LIVER
UNHEALTHY LIVER
Accumulation of toxins within the liver can also be responsible
for neck and back tension, acne, eczema, joint and muscle
pain, insomnia, digestive issues, dizziness, lowered vitamin
B12 absorption – all due to the adrenal glands becoming
exhausted in a continuous effort to put out such increased
demands on the anti-stress hormone cortisol.
Solutions and remedies
There are many liver detox plans, but they must be monitored
(note: please consult your family doctor, then consider visiting
a naturopath for added & monitored professional assistance).
• Listen to your body, and rest when feeling tired
• Stop drinking alcoholic beverages, even temporarily
• Increase intake of Vitamins B
• Increase water intake – this is very important, as it will act
as a cleanser to flush out impurities, and conductor of fresh
nutrients to support proper liver function
Unexplained weight gain / Difficult weight loss
With a sluggish liver, calorie reduction and hours spent at
the gym will mean nothing and the weight will continue to
pile on. Since the liver is also responsible for metabolizing
fat, when it’s running with difficulty it will simply hang on
to the fat within its cells.
Allergies / Headaches
A properly functioning liver creates antibodies that attack
allergens. When it gets sluggish, though, the body stores those
allergens. Your brain responds by producing histamine – a
chemical meant to ‘mark’ allergens for removal. When too
much histamine builds up in your body over an extended
period of time, you wind up with allergy symptoms like
headaches, itchiness and fogginess. This point is especially
important if you’ve only recently developed seasonal allergies;
your body may have temporarily lost its ability to process
those allergens.
Chronic fatigue / Adrenal fatigue
Chronic fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of liver
toxicity. Toxins disrupt muscle metabolism, producing aches,
pains and physical fatigue. Over time, this chronic fatigue
can give way to moodiness, depression and angry outbursts.
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• Eat clean – skip processed foods: no more sweets and pastries,
processed meats, canned goods, artificial sweeteners, etc.,
and stubbornly begin a fresh, home-cooked meal plan.
• Consume plenty of garlic – containing selenium that increases
the antioxidant action, and arginine that relaxes the blood
vessels, plus Vitamin B6 which is anti-inflammatory in the
liver, and Vitamin C which acts as an antioxidant defender
against cellular oxidation
• Steam those veggies – Leafy, green vegetables neutralize
metals, chemicals and pesticides from your body. Best are
arugula, spinach and chicory. Slightly steam and eat often
(do not overcook, use a steamer). Beets, broccoli, cauliflower
and brussels sprouts also help the liver produce powerful
enzymes that aid in the liver’s removal of toxins.
• Avocados are king! The healthy fats in avocadoes actually help
to improve cholesterol levels, plus they have an abundance
of Vitamins C, E and K, which act as anti-inflammatory
to the liver. Try them for breakfast, in wraps, and salads.
• Turmeric – Its main active ingredient, curcumin, is a powerful
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and acts as a liver
cleanser. It also rejuvenates liver cells by preventing toxins
and alcohol from being converted into harmful compounds.
Sprinkle on foods. •
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