Healthy Liver: key for good life

Life is so unpredictable that nobody knows what will happen next moment. In one of my livelihood clients, Neetu always complaining of back pain tried many medicines but no use.  I observed that from some time she was very depressed and irritated. I suggested her to do blood test. Then she comes to know that she has liver problem, and that entire problem is due to that only.

Actually modern lifestyles can overstress your liver. Alcohol, environmental pollutants, food additives, agricultural pesticides, popular cosmetic ingredients, common household products, stress, pharmaceutical and drugs (including oral contraceptives and caffeine), gallstones, garden chemicals, building materials etc can all kill liver cells.

Symptoms of liver imbalance include depression, irritation, headaches, bruising easily, anxiety, confusion, fatigue, jaundice, impaired libido (sex drive) and mental function, multiple chemical sensitivities and PMS, as well as conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease and food allergies. When your liver is damaged it cannot remove toxins, which then build up in your blood and eventually, your brain.

Eating healthy foods for the liver can improve and support liver function .Having a healthy liver results in greater energy and general well-being. Foods that is healthy for the liver fall into two main categories. First are those that promote the detoxification process of the liver. And second, are those that are high in antioxidants and therefore protect the liver while it's carrying out its detoxification processes

Foods that are good for your liver are:-

Garlic - Allicin which is present in garlic is a sulphur-based compound needed by the liver for effective detoxification. Garlic helps the liver rid the body of mercury, certain food additives and the hormone oestrogen.

Vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts:- These vegetables are very powerful detoxifiers of the liver. They contain chemicals that neutralise certain toxins such as nitrosamines and aflotoxin. They also contain glucosinolates that help the liver to produce enzymes it needs for its detoxification processes

Beet root and lemon :- It's a blood-purifying tonic that is also capable of absorbing heavy metals. Drinking freshly squeezed lemon juice in a cup of boiled water first thing in the morning helps to cleanse the liver and promote detoxification. It also stimulates bile production, cleanses the stomach and bowel and stimulates a bowel motion.

High-antioxidant fruits :- Prunes, raisons, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, plums, oranges, pink grapefruit, cantaloupe, apples and pears have high level of antioxidants. Antioxidants help to protect the liver from the high levels of free radicals that are naturally produced during the process of detoxification. Nutrients that enhance our immune system are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, B-Vitamins, Zinc and Magnesium. These nutrients are either potent anti-oxidants capable of stopping the free-radical cascade of tissue damage or are involved in the enzymes that help detoxify damaging chemicals.

Artichoke:- contains liver-protective power. It acts as a blood purifier. It increases bile production. One of the jobs of bile is to remove toxins through the bowel, as well as 'unfriendly' micro-organisms. It has been suggested that 30 minutes after eating globe artichoke, bile flow is increased by over 100%.

Cut down on stimulants:- such as tea and coffee, and depressants such as smoking & alcohol. Aim at drinking at least 2.5 liters of water a day.Avoid any foods of which you suspect you may be intolerant:- They will produce toxins in the gut that can cause stress to the detoxification mechanisms. Bacteria, viruses, too much alcohol, coffee and other caffeine-containing drinks, smoking and the medicines that have powerful effects on the liver, stomach and other parts of the body can prove toxic Chew your food well to help release the enzymes that aid digestion.

Avoid excess of salt & sugar:- Instead of excess salt use fresh herbs, pepper, chillies and lemon juice to enhance the flavour of food. Too much sugar isn't healthy for anyone but especially those with an impaired immune system.

Tips for liver care: -

·           Do not drink an alcohol and tea.

·           Do regular exercise and yoga.

·           Take proper rest.

·           Feel good and laugh as it increases the production of antibodies.

·           Don’t use antibiotics or antacids.