A Healthy Liver - A Heathy Life

The liver is situated in the upper right side of the human body and is the largest internal organ in the human body.

The liver has a wide range of functions, detoxification, protein synthesis and the production of bio chemical for digestion.
This major organ has the role in metabolism including glycogen storage, decomposition of red bloods cells, plasma protein synthesis, hormone production and detoxification.

Blood from the digestive system must be filtered through the liver before it travels anywhere in the body so when we eat and drink anything the liver is the first to absorb its contents.

The main roll of the liver is the remove toxins from the body, process the nutrients in food and help to regulate body metabolism.

There are some conditions that prevent the liver from preforming its vital role in the body such as fat accumulation, a condition called 'fatty liver', misuse of alcohol and viral infections.
Fatty Liver disease and Cirrhosis, scaring of the Liver, usually due to alcohol abuse are most common of liver diseases.Cirrhosis brings about the general decline of the liver resulting in Liver failure.

The most amazing thing about the Liver is that it is the only organ the is capable of natural regeneration, so if we take care of this incredible organ we can lead healthy happy lives.

In this fast passed world that we live in, there are many forms of junk food and drinks available to us and when busy come in handy as a time saver but there is also a general ignorance of good healthy food and so many people are living with liver problems of some nature because of it.

To assist the liver in playing its important role in the human body there are many changes we can make to our diets that will make its job easier.

Fresh vegetables, fruit and a lot of greens help the liver regenerate and rejuvenate.
Juicing also gives the liver a boost.
Juicing beetroot, celery, carrot, apple and ginger makes for a healthy refreshing liver cleanse taken every day if possible.

Ditch the white products such as white sugar and white flour.They are highly processed foods with no nutritional value whats so ever and make the liver work overtime to process them.

You can also introduce into your daily diet, a general liver tonic, drink dandelion tea instead of coffee and other herbal teas and if you feel that your liver needs help and you advice seek help from a Naturopath or Chinese Medicine.

There are many alternative treatments such as Naturopathy, Chinese Medicine, Homeopathy or just a gained general knowledge available to us that can be of use in every day life to assist helping the liver regenerate and function normally.

Here are some herbs commonly used in alternative medicine that can assist the liver in times of need.

St Marys Thistle

St Marys Thistle commonly known as Milk Thistle is one of the most commonly used herbs in liver disorders.
It alters the outer membrane of the liver cells and provents toxic substances from entering the liver.
It stimulates the regenerative capacity of the liver by increasing ribosome synthesis.
A powerful antioxidant it clears free radicals from the liver.

Dandelion

For centuries Dandelion has been used for liver and bile complaints.
Dandelion produces a 'bitters' that stimulates the digestion glands of the liver and activates the flow of bile.
Dandelion has been used and found successful in treating hepatitis, liver swelling, jaundice and indigestion caused by inadequate bile secretions.
These studies of Milk Thistle date back to 1938.

Globe Artichoke

Globe Artichoke is another 'bitters' and so acts in much the same way as Dandelion.
It acts as as a liver protector and a restorative.

Turmeric

The most active component of Turmeric is Curumin which is used in the treatment of liver and gallbladder problems.
It relieves liver damage and stimulates the production of bile.
Curcumin is an antioxidant and is said to help prevent cancer of the liver.

Astragalus Root

Astragalus is a Chinese herb used to boost the immune system and is a blood cleanser that stimulates the liver.

Chai Hu- Bupleurum

A Chinese herb that is used for the liver in Qi stagnation and is a general liver tonic amongst its many other uses.