Your liver is a key component of your digestive system. It is located under your rib cage on your right side. We hear so much information in regards to our liver but do you actually know what it is does?
What does your liver do?
Not only does your liver detox everything that makes it into your blood stream including medication, supplementation, drugs, alcohol and hormones, it is also involved in carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism, secreting bile to support digestion, synthesising bile salts, storing certain vitamins (A, B12, D, E and K) and minerals (iron and copper), kills off aged red blood cells, white blood cells and some bacteria and also activates vitamin D.
Your liver is an incredible organ that is not often supported as well as it should be.
How do you know if your liver needs some love?
Some symptoms include: being sensitive to smells, nausea in the morning, not being hungry upon waking, if your pathology results show elevated liver enzymes, being angry for no reason, sensitive to coffee and alcohol (hangovers anyone?!) or if you have difficulty digesting fatty and/or rich foods.
How can you support your liver?
- reduce your consumption of alcohol (if elimination is not an option)
- consume 1 cup of cruciferous vegetables daily - bok choy, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, radishes, turnips, water cress
- use turmeric and rosemary (dried or fresh) in your cooking
- consume Omega 3 fatty acid rich foods such as oily fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel), walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds)
- have a cup of green tea daily
- reduce your caffeine consumption, perhaps substitute for herbal tea
- have some bitter foods in your diet - dandelion greens, lemon, rocket leaves
- avoid overly fatty meals
Please be in touch if you have any concerns in regards to your liver.