Our bodies are amazing. Even while we're sleeping, they're rebuilding themselves. New blood cells. New bone cells. New tissue cells. New brain cells. It's truly out with the old and in with the new each year. Of course, some tissue takes longer to replace than others. The liver, for example, needs regeneration every three weeks or so. But do you know how to cleanse your liver?
As one of the largest organs in the body, the liver is busy 24/7 performing many important jobs. The liver circulates your blood through the body 1,200 times a day. It cleanses the body of toxins and bacteria, produces bile to help digest food and break down fats, gathers and stores important nutrients, such as glycogen and vitamins for our bodies to use later, and balances our hormones.
With such a key role, it's critical for the liver to stay healthy. And that's why it needs to rebuild itself so often. But while the liver is an amazing organ, it can't do everything itself. It needs your help every day.
Read more about tips to improve digestion
Sluggish Liver Symptoms
The first thing is to listen, because your liver, throughout the regeneration process, sends out signals when all is not well. Indigestion, constipation, moodiness, depression, impaired concentration, poor memory, foggy brain – these are all signals that point to a sluggish liver. Even conditions such as hay fever, hives, skin rashes, and asthma are signs that action is needed. Then there is hypoglycemia (unstable blood sugar levels), dizziness and light headaches – these are also symptoms your liver could be in asking for help. Most people eat heavier fattier foods in the winter, so spring is an excellent time to cleanse the liver.
Beware of Body Care Products
Unfortunately, many body care products such as lotions, cosmetics, and perfumes contain unwanted harmful chemicals that enter the blood stream in minutes. Some of the harmful chemicals actually mimic hormones and are referred to as xeno-estrogens or hormone disruptors. Extra synthetic hormones are the last thing the liver needs, as it already works hard enough. These chemicals are known to cause havoc with infertility, lead to difficult pregnancies, and can effect menstrual cycles. Most health stores carry natural brands, and more and more general supermarkets and pharmacies also carry natural products.
Liver Cleanse
Like the colon, the liver is begging for to cleanse. But don't worry – it's easy to do. These recipes cleanse the liver and promote detoxification. They also stimulate bile production, cleanse the stomach and bowel, and stimulate bowel motion.
A.M. Liver Cleanse
- 1 large grapefruit
- 2 lemons
- 1 cup of filtered water
- 1 tablespoon of organic cold pressed olive oil
- 1 inch of fresh ginger root
- dash of cayenne pepper (optional)
Squeeze the juice of the grapefruit and lemon into a blender. Next, grate the ginger and squeeze this into the juice. Add the water and oil, then blend for 30 seconds. Add more ginger.
This juice contains all the most potent ingredients to cleanse your liver, giving a gentle flush. For best results, drink it 60 minutes before breakfast.
If you're pressed for time and want to keep it simple, try one of these options instead:
Hot Grapefruit Water Cleanse
- 3.5 cups warm water
- 0.5 cup fresh grapefruit juice
Hot Lemon Water Cleanse
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1 ounce of fresh lemon or lime
Read more about reasons to start your day with lemon water
Liver cleansing is a good way to flush out toxins, but nutrient-rich fuel that can, and will, prevent problems in the first place is a must for avoiding liver function problems in the first place.
Image: Marta Diarra
