Well the crazy holiday season isn’t over just yet! Just when things are starting to wind down from Christmas its time for the New Years Eve celebrations…..and don’t worry there will be a post on resolutions to follow. But first lets deal with the issue at hand….liver health.
I’m sure there will still be plenty of holiday cocktails to be had. And no I’m not saying you should deprive your self completely. There is always room for a cocktail or 2- even in the most green juice loving kind of lifestyle. It is the holidays after all!
I do have a few tips for you and your liver- that being said there is still no way around it, alcohol harms and puts added stress on the body and does more then its fair share of damage. Even if you are only having a few glasses of wine a week or even a big night out every once in a while- the damage is still being done.
Now lets discuss how important your liver really is:
- It is responsible for so many functions in the body (over 400 actually)
- 1 main function is detoxification- cleans toxins from the body such as ALCOHOL
The body must be provided with certain nutrients to protect the liver and keep it in tiptop shape. These nutrients include- food, herbs and supplements:
- B-vitamins- there are 2 phases of liver detoxification (I and II)
- Phase I cannot take place without B vitamins
- Being b-deficient can cause liver toxicity
- B-vitamins are depleted when drinking alcohol so taking a high end b-vitamin is important
- Eat protein- amino acids are building blocks to protein and allow for phase II liver detoxification. Ex. Chicken, eggs, grass-fed beef
- Selenium rich foods- this is a strong antioxidant that promotes liver detoxification plus the breakdown of toxins such as ALCOHOL
- Foods rich in sulphur- needed in both phases of liver detoxification. Ex. Broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, eggs (cook lightly to not deplete the sulphur content)
- Milk thistle capsules (my go to!!) – Benefits the liver in many ways; protects against toxins, anti-inflammatory
Enjoy the rest of your holidays- and be nice to your liver!! 🙂
** Before taking supplements always consult with your natural health care practitioner**
In good health,
~Jamie-Lynn