The liver performs many important functions including detoxification, metabolism, and regulating hormones. It also stores and regulates the body’s blood and nourishes all the cells in the body.
Functional damage to the liver can occur through exposure to stress, poor diet, pharmaceutical drugs, toxic chemicals, and excessive alcohol intake. This can affect memory, sleep, the thyroid, body weight, and other functions. It also can result in excess accumulation of hormones which can lead to abnormal growths such as fibroids, cysts, endometriosis, and cancer.
A healthy diet should include lots of water, cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussel spouts and cabbage, vegetable juices, good fats (i.e., pastured butter, olive oil, and not trans fats or seed oils), and unrefined real sea salt.
A regimen for cleansing the liver can purge accumulated fats, cholesterol deposits, gallstones, poisons, drug residues, and toxic wastes. Probably nothing else you do will make a greater difference in your overall health.
Various nutrients are required for successful liver detoxification: A few key antioxidants, such as milk thistle, vitamins C and E, selenium, and N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), will help in the detox process, as well as helping to prevent further damage to the liver.
Some herbs that are well-known for benefiting the liver and aiding in the detoxification process include:
Milk Thistle
Protects the liver from incoming toxins and simultaneously encourages the liver to cleanse itself of dam- aging substances, such as alcohol, drugs, medications, mercury and heavy metals, pesticides, or anesthesia. We use one of the highest quality milk thistles available https://synergyholistichealth.standardprocess.com/products/milk-thistle-forte
Beet Root
A liver and gallbladder tonic that stimulates the flow of bile, as well as thins it. This loosens the stool and helps prevent and relieve constipation, diverticulosis and gall bladder disease. We use this for a great Gallbladder cleanser: https://synergyholistichealth.standardprocess.com/products/a-f-betafood
Dandelion Root
Enhances the function of the liver and gallbladder, promotes the flow of bile, reduces inflammation of the bile duct, and helps rid the body of gall stones. It is also a blood and kidney cleanser and tonic, and can be used for clearing obstructions of the spleen, pancreas, and gall bladder. You can find dandelion and other amazing liver supporting herbs in this formula we carry: https://synergyholistichealth.standardprocess.com/products/livton-complex
You can purchase any of these herbs and supplements on our website links provided above, or at the office!
Article by Mimi Tagher, LAc, LMT
Mimi Tagher is Nationally Board Certified in Acupuncture, Chinese Herbology, and Oriental Medicine. She received her Masters Degree from The International Institute of Chinese Medicine. Mimi is also a Biodynamic Craniosacral teacher and practitioner, and a licensed massage therapist. Her specialty is combining acupuncture with craniosacral therapy to help balance the body physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
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