It is finally Spring!! Winter is over and the days are getting longer, we naturally start to feel more energy and vitality. In Chinese medicine, Spring is the time of the liver. It is Spring cleaning time! Now is the time for us to cleanse our bodies and shed that winter weight.
Our liver is the organ in our body that naturally detoxifies our system of harmful toxins, chemical and other waste that we do not want or need. The liver has over 500 functions in the body and without it the body cannot survive. The liver has key roles in digestion by producing bile, detoxification of drugs and alcohol, degradation of hormones, and the manufacturing of many vital substances like cholesterol, blood proteins and enzymes. The liver is involved in processing and metabolizing every class of nutrient in the body. With the overload of chemicals now present in our foods, environment and cleaning products, this very important organ can become overwhelmed and sluggish. It is so necessary for us to support our liver with key nutrients from foods and supplements that can help it function at its’ optimal state.
Signs and Symptoms that your liver is not functioning at its’ best:
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Fatigue and sluggishness
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Bloating and gas
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Constipation
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Inability to lose weight
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Yellow skin and eyes
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Moodiness / Depression
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Acne or skin breakouts (especially on forehead area)
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Bruise easily
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Dark urine
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Dark circles under eyes
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Body odour or excessive sweating
Below are some amazing liver supporting foods that you can add to your daily diet:
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Dandelion roots and leaves
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Beets
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Leafy greens (spinach, swiss chard, kale)
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Lemons
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Garlic
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Grapefruit
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Avocados
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Walnuts
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Cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage)
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Green Tea
Other supporting herbs and spices to support your liver are:
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Milk Thistle
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Turmeric
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Parsley
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Burdock root
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Caraway seeds
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Dill
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Fennel
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Peppermint
You will also need to remove all toxic foods, such as processed foods and fast foods. Try to reduce or eliminate other toxins from your environment such as household products, including body care products. By reducing toxins that we ingest and supporting the body with foods and herbs that support and help detoxify the liver, we will naturally start to feel better.
Here is a liver-loving salad you can enjoy at home to help you get started on your Spring cleaning!
Golden and Red Beet with Kale Salad
Ingredients:
1 golden beet (raw, grated)
1 red beet (raw, grated)
1 bunch kale (centre stalk removed and leaves chopped)
4 T Apple cider vinegar
8 T Olive oil (or avocado oil)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp dry Basil
1 clove of garlic (minced)
Sea salt and pepper to taste
1/2 lemon juice
2 T of chopped walnuts
handful of cilantro leaves
Mix all dressing ingredients and pour over kale 1 hour before serving and gently massage dressings into the kale to soften the leaves. Just before serving, add beets and toss gently to mix. Squeeze lemon and top with walnuts and cilantro. Serve and enjoy!
If you are interested in a doing a more thorough detox program, please come see me to discuss your best options.
Happy Spring Cleaning everyone!
Bringing balance to mind, body and soul.
Nindy Grewal – Holistic Nutritionist (CNP, Cl. Irid., B.Ed)
www.balancenrg.com
