We all know that our habits over time determine how we physically feel and the overall condition or our health. Environmental toxins, stress, poor nutrition, processed food, alcohol intake, second hand smoke, pollutants in our air and water, and even prescription and over-the counter medications are all things that can tax our bodies and affect our health. Our main detoxing organ, the liver, helps clean our bodies of wastes, toxins, and excess substances that the body does not need and could harm the body. But with constant bombardment of these toxic stressors, our liver needs a break.
We want our liver to work efficiently and effectively for optimum health. Not only does the liver filter toxins, but take a look at all that the liver is responsible for.
· Fights infection by removing bacteria from the blood.
· Converts inactive thyroid hormone (T4) to active T3 that the cells can use.
· Metabolizes nutrients from food to produce energy, when needed.
· Creates ketone bodies for cellular energy production.
· Produces most of the substances that regulate blood clotting.
· Prevents shortages of nutrients by storing vitamins, minerals and sugar.
· Produces most proteins needed by the body.
· Creates cholesterol for hormone production and tissue healing.
· Produces bile, a compound needed to digest fat and to absorb Vitamins A, D, E and K.
· Removes potentially toxic substances we consume from the environment such as xenoestrogens, pesticides/ herbicides and medication byproducts
Source: Dr. Jockers
Our liver also plays a vital role in blood sugar and insulin balance, hormone balance and the use of hormones. And we know that healthy body weight has much to do with efficient hormone balance.
So how can we help our liver? We can lessen the burden on our liver by first being aware our environmental toxins, and then making changes to minimize them. For example, we can reduce or eliminate processed foods, alcohol, and refined sugar in our diet, eliminate any allergens or food sensitivities by finding satisfying whole food substitutions, choose organic foods and liver supporting foods such as berries, citrus fruits, cruciferous vegetables, beets, avocados, nuts, and more.
In my free live webinar “What The Detox!” you’ll learn more about foods that can support the liver, why and how to detox, and what my Metamorphosis 5-Day Spring Detox Program is all about. Come join us and learn how to show your body some love!