It’s that time of year when our diaries are starting to fill up with social events and end of year functions. This usually involves drinking more alcohol and eating richer foods placing more stress on the liver.
As well as detoxification, the liver is involved in maintaining blood sugar, cholesterol and hormone levels to name just a few of its functions. If your liver is stressed your energy levels won’t be as good.
So to make the most of this hectic but fun time of year, incorporate the following herbs and nutrients into your diet.
Milk Thistle
The ‘queen’ of liver herbs. Numerous studies have proven milk thistle’s liver restorative and protective effects confirming what the ancient Europeans knew when they started using this herb thousands of years ago.
Milk thistle can be taken as a tincture, tablet, or tea.
B Vitamins
This group of vitamins are essential for enzymatic reactions which occur in the liver that convert toxic chemicals to a water soluble form so the body can excrete them. They are also essential for converting glucose and fat into energy in the body. It’s best to take B vitamins in the morning with food.
Cruciferous vegetables
Broccoli, kale, cauliflower and cabbage contain compounds that are involved in detoxification. Use these raw or steamed to add a bit of variety and colour to your salads.
Sulphur containing foods
Sulphur is another important nutrient for liver detoxification. Plants that are high in sulphur are garlic, onions, leeks and chives as well as meat and eggs.
The Herbal Dispensary and Organic
Food Store 07 8257444
