Getting Our Liver and Body Back To Normal After Christmas

Getting Our Liver and Body Back To NormalAfter Christmas

Now that the festive season is coming to an end, it's time to start the process of repairing our bodies. Those extra sweets and fatty foods may have added a few kilograms. If this is the case, start eating a more healthy diet, in particular reduce the total fat content of the diet to less than twenty five per cent of your energy intake.  The latest studies have found that using diet (correct eating) to reduce weight is more beneficial to the body than weight loss derived from exercise. Regardless of whether patients lost weight, following the Mediterranean-style diet resulted in a 9 percent decrease in levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) known as "bad" cholesterol.(1)

  

The answer is a little regular exercise and a healthy low fat diet.

If you have been overindulging in alcohol then your liver may also need some attention.

 Abuse with certain drugs including alcohol and paracetamol can cause  liver damage. Never take paracetamol and alcohol together, particularly if you have been drinking heavily the night before.

A sluggish liver can contribute to indigestion and poor elimination of toxins from the body. Dandelion and milk thistle are liver tonic herbs that help  maintain a healthy liver. Milk thistle, in particular, may help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins and alcohol(2)

Digestive bitters are also helpful in promoting healthy liver function. These bitters stimulate the digestive juices and action of all digestive organs so can be invaluable in the treatment of poor digestion. Digestive bitters is a liquid and should be taken before meals in order to achieve the maximum benefit.

 If the liver is not functioning properly then the build up of toxins can cause headache and lethargy. Even dermatitis and acne, can be directly related to a poorly functioning liver.

Zinc helps the liver release the storage of vitamin A. The B group of vitamins is also important for a healthy liver. Again, correct your nutritional intake so that you eat a balanced diet, control your weight and abstain from excessive alcohol intake.

Just a few changes to the diet and some moderate excersice three times weekly and you will b back in shape again.

1.      Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology 2013 Scientific Sessions Meeting

Abstract 127 – Heart-healthy diet helps men lower bad cholesterol, regardless of weight loss May 2013

2.       Kostek H, Szponar J et al, Silibinin and its hepatoprotective action from the perspective of a toxicologist Przegl Lek. 2012;69(8):541-3.