FOCUS ON SPRING – THE SEASON OF THE LIVER

What is Detoxification & Why is it Important?

Detoxification is a process of cleaning, nourishing, and resting the body from the inside out, and addressing the needs of individual cells, the smallest units of human life! Cleansing the body is more important today than ever before as we are now exposed to a massive variety of environmental poisons.

The Liver is the chief of our body, and there is no doubt that it is our major detoxifying organ! Everything we eat goes to the liver after it has been digested, broken down, and absorbed into our bloodstream from the intestines. A healthy liver is able to decipher the difference between nutrients to be reabsorbed and used by the body, and toxins that are to be excreted. If our liver is bombarded with toxins, it becomes congested and weak, and no longer can handle the job of excreting toxins. These toxins are then reabsorbed back into the bloodstream as dangerous, non-water soluble forms, and stored in our fat cells were they cause free radical damage, inflammation, and damage to DNA. This can lead to many complaints including menstrual irregularities, digestive issues including constipation, fatigue, acne, muscular pain or tension, headaches and insomnia, and in the long run, cancer.

According to traditional Oriental medicine, spring is the season of the Liver. Take some time this season to support your liver and help it perform it’s never ending task of detoxifying your body. The liver is the one organ we have that is capable of regeneration. Giving it the tools it needs to restore itsel will contribute to a long and healthy life.

Foods that Support Liver Detoxification

Bitter Foods

Bitter foods benefit the liver as they stimulate the liver to produce bile, a digestive fluid that is then stored in the gallbladder. Toxins that are processed in the liver can be excreted from the body through the bile. Try to incorporate some bitter foods into every meal. Tip - They make a great salad. Bitter foods include romaine lettuce, dandelion leaves, asparagus, artichokes, radishes and their leaves, rye, quinoa, amaranth, lemons/limes and their peels.

Sulphur Containing Foods

The liver can neutralize and solubilize toxins by adding sulphur to them. Foods rich in sulphur can be enjoyed in almost every meal. Sulphur rich foods include onions & garlic as well as leeks, chives, shallots, and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, kohlrabi, mustard greens, cabbage, kale, brussel sprouts)

Betaine Containing Foods

Betaine is a detoxifying compound used by the liver. Not only does it heal the liver, it lowers homocysteine and improves the function of stomach acid, which in turn improves digestion. Betaine rich foods include beets and their leaves, spinach, shrimp (a sustainable source are B.C. spot prawns), wheatgerm, whole grains

Dietary Guidelines for a Healthy Liver

• Start the day with a cup of water and the juice of a lemon to stimulate bile flow
• Eat bitter foods, and detoxifying foods each day to maintain liver health
• Include a wide variety of vegetables in your daily meals, lightly steamed or raw
• Buy organic or pesticide free when possible, or wash veggies and fruit thoroughly
• Avoid grease, processed foods, sugar, excess meat or dairy, and alcohol
• Eat mindfully - do not eat while standing, rushing, working, watching TV, or in a stale mood

The Importance of Exercise

In traditional Oriental medicine, the liver and gallbladder govern the sinews of the body (the ligaments, tendons and muscles). Just as winter melts into spring, mild exercise can melt stiff muscles and joints, allowing them to become lubricated for a more active summer. Exercise stimulates circulation of the blood and lymph, which are filtered by the liver. This process allows the removal of toxins from the body. Aim for a 30 minute brisk walk in nature every day that the sun is out, and allow the colors and smells of spring to rejuvenate your senses.

A Spring Cleanse

Traditionally, cleansing the body was a natural part of spring. The diet would shift from the salted preserved foods and low physical activity of the winter, to the fresh green shoots and increased exercise of the spring. The light, fresh diet and gentle movement allowed for the body to easily cleanse itself through the action of the liver and gallbladder as it moved into the summer. A liver cleanse can be done year round, but a practice of boosting liver function each spring is an excellent and healthy habit to have. Seek the support of your local naturopathic doctor to learn about herbs, homeopathic preparations, neutraceuticals, or other protocols that support the liver and gall bladder detoxification, and begin your transition from winter to summer with a liver cleansing program that works best for you.