Improve your liver function to boost metabolism
The liver is an amazing organ. It's constantly filtering your blood, digesting fats, proteins and carbohydrates, and producing bile and other enzymes. It’s the liver’s job to help dissect the nutrients available in foods, spread them throughout the body via the bloodstream, and eliminate the toxic waste that’s left behind.
Today, many people struggle with overburdened livers due to a toxic diet and lifestyle. Their bodies become ineffective at digestion and fat breakdown resulting in symptoms such as:
- weight gain/trouble losing weight
- bloating
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- fatigue
While our liver is designed to filter naturally occurring metabolic byproducts out of our blood, it's not well equipped to handle all the chemicals and preservatives we are currently bombarded with.
The residues from processed foods, pesticides, and prescription drugs as well as food-born fungi and bacteria can enter the body and disrupt metabolic pathways. Additionally, our environment can be a significant source of heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and also mold.
Because the liver is a filter, it can get overwhelmed when we eat or drink too much too fast. The digestion of meat and dairy in particular produce byproducts that the liver has to work harder to filter out.
Over time, fat and toxins build up in the liver and the metabolism slows waaay down. The liver gets congested and can not process sugars and fats as effectively, causing fat to build up in other parts of the body and lead to weight gain.
The good news is that you can turn things around. With the proper nutritional changes you can get the liver to clean itself out, get rid of the buildup of fat deposits, and speed up your fat burning metabolism.
Are you ready to have better digestion, clearer skin, more energy, and less body fat? Great!
For the fastest and most effective cleansing, make an appointment with us to obtain a customized nutrition program specifically designed for your body.
In the mean time, here are some general guidelines to support liver health.
1) Eat anti-inflammatory foods
You know these - they're the whole, unprocessed, healthy foods. Some of the best for liver health include:
- dark leafy greens
- cruciferous vegetables
- bitter/sour foods such as cultured vegetables and kombucha
- green tea
- apple cider vinegar
- high antioxidant fruits such as berries
2) Avoid sugar and processed foods
An influx of sugar from foods like refined grains, sugary snacks and sweetened drinks forces your liver to rapidly convert and store glucose. When blood sugar levels rise, the hormone insulin triggers your liver to store glycogen. These rapid changes blood sugar levels over-work your liver.
Nitrates in processed meats, hydrogenated oils, refined vegetable oils and artificial ingredients and preservatives (ie: probably anything you can't pronounce on a nutrition label) are also taxing. Other foods to avoid include:
- excess alcohol
- refined vegetable oils
- factory-farmed animal products
- refined grains
- sugary drinks and snacks
3) Move more
When you move you help circulate blood and lymph fluid. The liver is then better able to filter the blood. When things become stagnant and you stop moving, you are more susceptible to disease because you body cannot effectively clean itself out. Even something as simple as walking or some light stretching or yoga can help move lymph and blood.
4) Reduce stress
High levels of stress throw your hormones out of balance, putting pressure on your endocrine, reproductive, digestive and immune systems. Do what you can to reduce mental stress. Find a supportive practice or ritual that helps you let go of negative emotions and things out of your control. Whether its a meditation practice, a class, or a close friend or pet, spend time to practice self care and stress reduction.
If you want to jump start your liver health, lose fat, and have more energy, make an appointment with us today. We strive to provide you with all the tools and coaching you'll need to improve your health and feel better.