After the holidays, our liver needs time to recover. Heavy food, alcohol, and a lack of exercise are hallmarks of the holidays. Especially in the cold season, our main metabolic organ needs special attention in order to help it recover.
Now it is time to treat the body to a healthy break and start the new year with full energy. Cleaning and purifying Detox cures as well as juice cleanses are popular and have been quite trendy for years. Selected plant extracts help the liver to let go of old waste through their stimulating and protective properties and preserve the body’s health.
The liver – truly multi-talented
Day in, day out, the liver does unbelievable things. The liver is the largest human metabolic organ and has the highest density of enzyme systems. Due to its numerous tasks and functions, it is also known as the “power station of the body”. It produces bile acid from cholesterol and thus contributes significantly to fat digestion. It also produces proteins, serves as an important storage organ and regulates our hormone and immune system.
However, the liver also has to cope with many harmful substances. Fatigue, a gradual drop in performance, digestive problems, and a feeling of pressure and fullness can be signs of overload. This makes it all the more important to support our detoxifying organ – plant extracts can help in this regard.
Bitter substances such as the ones contained in milk thistle, dandelion or artichoke help relieve our liver.
Rediscovering the bitter side of life
The liver likes things bitter and rightly so. Many plants that contain many bitter substances can strengthen and relieve the detoxification and excretion organs. Extracts of artichoke, milk thistle, and dandelion support normal digestion and help to maintain normal liver function.
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Even the ancient Romans knew about the positive effects of the artichoke. No wonder. After an especially rich and sumptuous meal, the liver needs support. In addition to the digestive effect of the artichoke extract, the fat metabolism is also positively influenced. Clinical studies have shown a significant reduction in total cholesterol and a tendency to increase the HDL fraction (often called the “good” cholesterol). It also serves to protect and regenerate liver cells, increases bile acid production and increases the metabolic performance of the liver.
A similar effect can also be observed for the milk thistle, which has liver-protective and immune-modulating properties and causes an improvement in liver enzyme counts. Its special mixture of active substances around the lead substance silymarin keeps toxic substances from penetrating into cells and helps the liver to recover quickly after stress.
Another native plant is the dandelion – it captivates with its bile-active bitter substances and thus stimulates the digestive processes.
Multi-talents such as ginger, curcuma, or black cumin can help to alleviate oxidative stress placed particularly on our liver.
The healthy pungent ginger is also on the list of liver-protecting substances and should not be missing on any diet due to its effect on digestive performance. Closely related to ginger, Curcuma offers a similar positive effect on our digestive system.
Lecithin – what gives egg yolk its yellow color – has a positive influence on the regeneration of liver cells. Even with increased alcohol consumption, lecithin protects the liver tissue from an accumulation of triglycerides and other fats in the cells. In addition, lecithin stimulates the enzyme systems of the liver to break down and excrete toxins and foreign substances.
Black cumin oil (Nigella sativa) – also known as the “black gold of the pharaohs” – strengthens the body’s own antioxidant protective systems of the liver. Since the liver, as the central organ of detoxification, is exposed to a particular oxidative stress from toxins, the free radical scavenging mechanisms efficiently increase the preventive protective functions. This is particularly important when taking medication.
Keeping the liver going naturally
Also in the area of micronutrients there are possibilities to support the liver – in the form of a sufficient supply of micronutrients, such as magnesium and B vitamins. Above all trace elements find valuable employment here. Selenium protects the cells from oxidative stress. Zinc supports the fat and carbohydrate metabolism and is important for the acid base balance.
Not to forget: Drink plenty of water, take relaxing alkaline baths, and try to get your mind off everyday routines. Enjoy extended walks in the fresh air – without any stress. Mental Detox is the keyword in doing without the habits of modern life such as permanent availability by cell phone etc. This sounds quite like a relief for the psyche as well as the liver.
Conclusion
Always limp, tired and listless. That was yesterday. Now is exactly the right time to tackle spring cleaning for the liver and to really get going in the new year with verve and energy. Here it is crucial to consider the basic rules of the liver support. Plants that are rich in bitter substances offer a clear advantage. Special attention is also focused on our micronutrient levels and the reduction of stress.
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The liver is and remains the pivotal point in our body when it comes to detoxification. Let us help it to cope with our daily stress. Our livers will thank us for it.
