This month is all about fighting infection. Although most of us won’t come into contact with such serious viruses as Ebola, there are many thousands of other infections with which we come into contact daily. Last week I suggested 10 ways in which we can generally help our bodies fight sickness, but there are some specific organs and systems in our bodies that are involved with immunity to disease. This week we explore the liver.
The liver is a large vital organ, located on the right side of the body, just under the ribcage and weighs 1.5kgs – a little more in men and a little less in women. Its main functions are:
A diet high in processed, sugary, fatty foods, excessive alcohol and drugs, both recreational and prescription will all take a toll on the efficient functioning of your liver and although it has the amazing ability to regenerate, this is only possible if you avoid abusing it. If your liver is damaged in any way, its ability to fight infection is impaired. Living in a modern world exposes our liver to toxins on a daily basis in the atmosphere all around us and in our food (another reason to go for organic), so avoiding overloading it further is vital.
Try to increase liver-loving foods such as:
1. Start the day with a slice of lemon in warm water an hour before you eat.
2. Eat plenty of cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, brocolli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts to increase your levels of glucosinlate which aids liver enzyme production. These veggies contain sulphur as well, as does garlic, which aids detoxification.
3. Green tea contains catechins which helped with liver recovery in rats in a recent study.
4. Plenty of water will help the liver flush out toxins as well as dilute them.
5. Berries are high in antioxidants.
6. Avocados contain glutathione, a compound containing sulphur, useful for cleansing the liver.
7. Fresh carrot and orange juice can help reduce levels of bilirubin in the blood.
8. Beetroots have been used throughout history to help cleanse the blood and the liver.
Juice the following and drink fresh regularly to help promote a healthy liver: 1 large beetroot, a large handful of blueberries and strawberries, a cabbage, lemon juice, a desertspoon of grated ginger.
