The liver is a powerful and very important organ. It is one of the three main components of the body’s detoxification circuit along with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the immune system. It has an impressive job description ranging from producing proteins, cholesterol, and bile, to storing nutrients and carbohydrates. It also breaks down toxins from medications, alcohol, and digestion. It is very important to keep your liver in optimal condition to maintain proper health. One way to do so is with liver enhancing foods.
One of the most crucial systems in the body is the detoxification circuit. It gets rid of all the excessive and unwanted metabolites that are produced by the ordinary function of the metabolism. In other words, just operating your body produces metabolites, and the liver has to get rid of them.
And when you are under stress, even more metabolites are produced. The body is indifferent to where the stress comes from. Emotional and physical stress can both have the same effect on the body. If the detoxification circuit is dysfunctional, symptoms can be devastating and lead to many chronic illnesses such as Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome (AFS).
There are ways to enhance liver function. The first step is to initiate a safe detoxification program in the body. Then, you will need to maintain a strict diet that includes certain liver enhancing foods.
To better understand the liver and the detoxification circuit, we need to know a little about metabolites and how they work. Metabolites are the products of metabolism. As substances enter the body, they are broken down into small pieces in preparation for absorption and excretion. The body has a built-in detoxification circuit, in which the liver is the primary organ, to convert unwanted by-products into metabolites to be removed.
Problems arise when an overabundance of foreign or synthetic compounds are introduced to the body at a rate in which the liver can not properly metabolize them. Pesticides, pollutants, medications, and herbs can all contribute to this problem. Detoxification circuit dysfunctions can include:
In most cases, the build-up of toxins is temporary. However, an excess of metabolites can be extremely toxic to the body. Toxic metals such as mercury never leave the body on their own. They need external detoxification assistance.
There are a number of triggers that can also cause excessive metabolites to form in the liver; they include:
With all these sources of metabolites, it’s no wonder so many people have liver problems. Of course, the degree of damage depends on the quantity and frequency of exposure, and the current state of the body. We do have a built-in detoxification circuit that is designed to get rid of most of the unwanted metabolites and toxins in our body to a certain degree. However, if they are not removed quickly or adequately, the risk of accumulation in the body grows over time causing major health issues. It is important to eat liver enhancing foods regularly for the liver to operate efficiently and effectively.
Some specific nutrients in liver enhancing foods are very helpful in reviving the liver and helping return it to a healthy level of detoxification. Below is a list of the most important vitamins and minerals to ensure the health of your detoxification system:
All these nutrients can help support the liver and the detoxification process. However, there are some considerations to be aware of if you have a health condition, particularly a serious one like advanced adrenal fatigue.
Always consult with a specialist before beginning any new diets or starting any new supplements as the consumption of too many nutrients at one time can cause a release of toxins, causing additional health problems. The body must break down all nutrients, and this creates metabolites, and if your system is already congested, more metabolites can create a problem. A gentle approach is often best.
If you suffer from AFS, you may have a hard time digesting or metabolizing the sulfur in eggs or other foods. Health care practitioners who specialize in dietary needs can help you find a diet that can gently decrease the toxic load on your system without causing additional problems.
Here are some more common liver enhancing foods that you may want to toss into your grocery cart each week. Purchase organic foods as often as you can. This helps eliminate the consumption of preservatives, herbicides, pesticides, artificial ingredients, and food colorings, all of which are extra work for the liver to eliminate. Your liver won’t have to work as hard if it has to process fewer food toxins on a regular basis.
As with trying all new foods, always exert caution. If you have AFS or any other chronic illness, it is always best to consult with a specialized health care practitioner for all your dietary needs and questions.
Illnesses can leave the body in a very sensitive state in which you can easily have reactions to foods or drinks that once did not bother you. Typically, the more advanced the condition, the less the body may be able to tolerate certain foods, even though they may be in theory beneficial. Liver issues, in particular, can cause a build-up of toxins in the body, and because of the two-stage process the liver uses to clear out the toxins creates more between the stages, boosting liver activity can temporarily create more toxins than it removes. This is a problem if your body is unable to flush them out through the second stage of the process.
Over time, AFS sufferers may become dependent on an ever-increasing amount of nutrients such as B12 in order to stay energized, resulting in a state of feeling “wired and tired.” Like any chemical dependency, reduction of B12 can be very problematic due to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that can trigger adrenaline crashes.
AFS sufferers in the late stages of the illness should stay away from coffee and green tea as the caffeine can overstimulate the body and cause crashes.
Your liver is responsible for a great deal of your health and plays an extremely important role in your body. It must be functioning optimally to maintain all the body’s operating systems and prevent future illnesses. Therefore, it is imperative that you keep your liver as healthy as you can. By consuming liver enhancing foods you can give your body the nutrients and power it needs to thrive.
Most liver enhancing foods are safe for AFS sufferers. However, it largely depends on the stage of your AFS. People with AFS can be unable to tolerate aggressive detoxification. It is always best to discuss your detoxification plans with a health care practitioner that specializes in nutrition before beginning any new regimens.