Spring Cleaning - For Your Body!

Liver health is so important for eliminating toxins, processing hormones, and supporting overall health. When it lacks essential nutrients or is overloaded with toxins, it obviously won't perform as it should.

Here are our favorite liver-loving tips as we enjoy spring...

1. Limit alcohol intake.

2. Choose organic when you can. (A recent study published this month found that lifetime exposure of glyphosate - the most heavily-used pesticide on the planet - was associated with liver inflammation and metabolic syndrome by early adulthood. (PMID: 36856429)

3. Include bitter foods in your diet such as endive, brussels sprouts, arugula, artichokes, apple cider vinegar, dandelion greens, citrus fruits, and microgreens. These foods stimulate bile flow (the carrier product for unwanted toxins, hormonal waste, and cholesterol) to dump into your bowels for elimination. Beets are great for this, too!

4. Try having a glass of warm lemon water on an empty stomach first thing in the morning to stimulate the liver and bile flow.

5. Avoid processed foods (including products with high amounts of sugar and artificial sweeteners).

6. Diaphragmatic breathing with long, full exhales supports TCM liver health, along with MOVEMENT. Sweat for at least 10 minutes through movement - dance/run/bike/flow.

7. Enjoy lots of sulfur-rich foods such as Allium vegetables (onions, garlic, shallots, leeks) and cruciferous veggies (brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, arugula, broccoli, cauliflower).

8. Consume generous amounts of healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts/seeds, and avocado to supply the liver the fats it needs to keep the bile flowing well.

9. Add in B-complex vitamins, especially if grains are limited in your diet.

Remember:

• This all works best when combined with other healthy living practices such as regular activity, adequate hydration, and a low-sugar whole foods diet.

• Ensure you are having daily bowel movements to keep the waste products moving through and to prevent absorption of unwanted toxins.

• Phase 2 liver "detox" requires amino acid from the protein in your diet, so ensure your protein needs are being met!

Chat with your ND if you want to learn more about your specific liver health needs!