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Liver Toxins

Our liver is the organ in our body that naturally detoxifies our system of harmful toxins, chemicals and other waste that we do not want or need. The liver has over 500 functions in the body and without it, the body cannot survive. The liver plays a major role in the digestion system. It produces bile, detoxifies drugs and alcohol, allows degradation of hormones, and the manufacturing of many vital substances like cholesterol, blood proteins and enzymes. The liver is involved in processing and metabolizing every class of nutrient in the body. With the overload of chemicals now present in our foods, environment and cleaning products, this very important organ can become overwhelmed and sluggish. It’s extremely necessary for us to support our liver with key nutrients from foods and supplements that can help it function at its optimal state.

Live blood cell microscopy testing is a fantastic tool to really view what our body looks like at the cellular level. One of the key assessments we are able to make with this tool is the health of your liver. We can easily determine if the liver is not working optimally to detoxify the body. In live blood we can determine liver congestion and the presence of liver toxins in the blood. Below are some signs that your liver may need extra support to clean out excess toxins and prevent the growth of disease in the body.

Signs and Symptoms that your liver is not functioning at its best:

  • Fatigue and sluggishness
  • Bloating and gas
  • Constipation
  • Inability to lose weight
  • Yellow skin and eyes
  • Moodiness / Depression
  • Acne or skin breakouts (especially on forehead area)
  • Bruise easily
  • Dark urine
  • Dark circles under eyes
  • Body odour or excessive sweating
  • If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please book an appointment for live blood cell testing to see how much support and cleansing your liver may need. With a combination of foods and supplements, we can get you feeling better again!

    Below are some amazing liver supporting foods that you can add to your daily diet:

  • Dandelion roots and leaves
  • Beets
  • Leafy greens (spinach, swiss chard, kale)
  • Lemons
  • Garlic
  • Grapefruit
  • Avocados
  • Walnuts
  • Cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage)
  • Green tea
  • Other supporting herbs and spices to support your liver are:

  • Milk Thistle
  • Turmeric
  • Parsley
  • Burdock Root
  • Caraway seeds
  • Dill
  • Fennel
  • Peppermint
  • You will also need to remove all toxic foods, such as processed foods and fast foods. Try to reduce or eliminate other toxins from your environment such as household products, including body care products. By reducing toxins that we ingest and supporting the body with foods and herbs that support and help detoxify the liver, we will naturally start to feel better.

    Here is a liver-loving salad you can enjoy at home to help you get started on your Spring cleaning!

    Golden and Red Beet with Kale Salad

    Salad

    Ingredients:

  • 1 golden beet (raw, grated)
  • 1 red beet (raw, grated)
  • 1 bunch kale (centre stalk removed and leaves chopped)
  • 4 T Apple cider vinegar
  • 8 T Olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp dry Basil
  • 1 clove of garlic (minced)
  • Sea salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 lemon juice
  • 2 T of chopped walnuts
  • Handful of cilantro leaves

  • Mix all dressing ingredients and pour over kale 1 hour before serving and gently massage dressings into the kale to soften the leaves. Just before serving, add beets and toss gently to mix. Squeeze lemon and top with walnuts and cilantro. Serve and enjoy!

    If you are interested in a doing a more thorough detox program, please come see me to discuss your best options.

    Happy Spring Cleaning everyone!

    Bringing balance to mind, body and soul.

    Nindy Grewal - Holistic Nutritionist (LBA, CNP, Cl. Irid., B.Ed)