Liver Love

I think we can all agree that we didn’t mind an indulgence or two over the silly-season, and rightly so! Enjoying delicious food and drinks with loved ones is a pleasure we should cherish. However, when January comes around, it can be all too easy to jump on the latest diet plan or detox supplement, particularly with diet marketing at its peak.

I am here to tell you that you do not need to go on a juice cleanse, fast, restrict your food intake or consume an array of supplements to ‘detox’ your liver and body, no matter how convincing the marketing is. The body is extremely intelligent! Supporting the body with good nutrition and lifestyle practices is enough to optimise the body’s natural detoxification processes. Of course, if you have a diagnosed health condition, visiting your naturopath or nutritionist for tailored support would be beneficial.

Most people are aware that the liver is a detoxification organ however, so are the bowels, kidneys, skin and lungs! And there are many ways to gently support these pathways of elimination.

Vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, onion and garlic contain antioxidants and compounds like sulpharane that support liver function. Bitter foods such as rocket, citrus and radicchio assist digestion and encourage regular bowel movements – very important for moving wastes from the body.

Water is the simplest and cheapest thing you can do for your health. Aim for 2 – 3 litres per day.

Aim to consume three balanced meals and a couple of snacks per day, filled with vegetables, fruits, proteins, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates. The more nutrients we consume, the better our cells and organs will function. Also allow yourself to enjoy the foods you crave to ensure balance and pleasure – hello, chocolate.

We all know that alcohol isn’t doing any favours for liver health, while also impacting digestive and hormonal health. If your festive period was heavy-handed on the booze, a dry January might be on the agenda.

Moving the body and getting a sweat on is a great way to support detoxification processes. Participate in an exercise you enjoy and don’t overdo it, aiming for 30 minutes per day and rest-days where needed. Saunas and steam rooms can also be beneficial, ensuring you’re adequately hydrated.

Environmental exposure to a high number of chemicals can add an extra burden to the body. A great place to start is to simply limit your exposure by using less products in your home and on your body. Where possible, invest in natural products with less ingredients (Biome, Clean Beauty Market and The Functional Skin have great options).

The body is ridiculously intelligent; if we provide it enough nutrients, sunlight, movement, sleep and joy, our natural detoxification processes will be in full swing, without the need for a detox regime. You are your home; go gently.