Tis the Season... to help your liver
This is my favourite time of year, but probably my liver's least favourite time. Cocktail parties, mince pies, late nights all add up to added stress on our immune system and our liver and kidneys.
The good news is there are things you can do to support your liver's health while indulging in festive food and drink.
A sluggish or stressed liver can cause many health complaints ranging from fatigue to poor digestion, problem skin including acne, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), difficulty losing weight, abdominal weight or “spare tyre”, erratic blood sugar levels, and even headaches.
A healthy liver will ensure toxic substances are safely eliminated via urine, bile, and bowel movements, and help us feel energised and balanced every day – even over the festive season!
I always like to concentrate on what you can put in and not what to take away - so here are my top tips for keeping your liver healthy right through the holiday season.
Eat foods high in selenium, such as Brazil nuts, brewer’s yeast, brown rice, garlic, onions and molasses.
Eat foods high in methionine as they can detox the liver. These foods include eggs, fish, legumes and seeds. Consume high sulfur foods, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and brussels sprouts for further detoxifying affects.
Foods with vitamin B5, including whole grains, chicken, wheat bran and nuts. Foods high in vitamin B1 that can reduce toxic effects, such as wheat germ, peas and soybeans.
Eat lots of foods that contain phytonutrients such as red, orange and yellow vegetables and fruit (such as tomatoes, carrots, peppers, squash, sweet potatoes, peaches, mangos, melons, citrus fruits, and berries).
Include dark green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, kale, bok choy, broccoli, Swiss chard, and romaine lettuce), garlic, onions, chives and leeks.
I take a Milk Thistle tincture which includes dandelion, artichoke and peppermint to help support my liver. I take 15-20 drops before I head out and again first thing in the morning. I also ensure I take my B vitamin complex with added Vitamin C too.
If you would like more information or help on choosing supplements, email me at laura@illuminate-nutrition.co.uk.