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Treatment Of Sluggish Liver
By peace | September 10, 2007
Improved liver function depends on many factors and needs working on from several angles. A colon cleanse is of initial importance so as to prevent liver poisoning from reabsorbed toxins. A juice fast is very effective and will at the same time cleanse every other part of the body as well as the liver. In addition, various supplements and herbs can be utilised to improve the liver function and protect it against damage.
Dietary Treatment of Sluggish Liver
1. Antioxidant vitamins and minerals protect the liver against free radicals; vitamins A, C, E, and selenium with co-factors iron, zinc, manganese and B vitamins.
2. Magnesium is also an important element for most liver functions.
3. Lecithin, ready-made in the food chain, is found mainly in egg yolks and soya beans. However, the body makes its own lecithin, given the necessary ingredients. This substance is vital to liver function, as it helps in the processing of fats and cholesterol as well as protecting every liver cell wall against damage. It is also believed to break down fibrous tissue which has formed as a result of scarring. In 1991 a 10-year study of beer drinkers was reported, indicating the enormous benefit of lecithin as protection against alcohol damage to the liver. Lecithin is made in the liver and intestinal walls, with the B vitamins choline, inositol, folic acid and vitamin B6, as well as the amino acid methionine. Essential polyunsaturated oils from nuts, seeds and oily fish are also required, but these oils must be unprocessed to be of any use.
4. Methionine, a sulphur amino acid, is responsible for protecting the level of a compound amino acid called glutathione. This compound combines with toxic elements in the liver in order to neutralise them. Methionine is also responsible for inactivating oestrogen after ovulation. Studies have indicated a 50% improvement in liver function tests within six days of starting treatment with methionine, and after three weeks these tests are often completely normal.
5. Carnitine is the other important amino acid for liver function, as it increases fat burning, and therefore reduces any fatty accumulation in the liver cells. Extra carnitine is always needed in high fat and alcohol diets.
6. Dandelion is a very valuable herb as a liver remedy, but it also has a lot of other uses, some of which are diuretic, anti-rheumatic and laxative. The nutrient content of dandelion is very high, as it contains vitamins A, B, C, D, the minerals potassium, calcium, sodium, silica and manganese as well as pectins, protein and insulin. The vitamin A content is even higher than that of carrots. Dandelion increases the flow of bile in the liver and through the gall bladder to the bowel, improving any liver congestion. It is used with very good effect in diseases such as hepatitis and gall stones.
7. Globe Artichoke is another herb which improves the flow of bile in the liver and to the gall bladder, but it also possesses liver regenerating and protective properties. Both this herb and dandelion significantly reduce the synthesis of cholesterol by the liver, and increase the removal of this fat from the blood to the gall bladder for excretion. Turmeric has the same actions as globe artichoke.
8. Catechu Black is ten times more powerfully antioxidant to the liver than vitamin E. This herb improves bile flow and has immune-enhancing properties. It is used very effectively in alcohol-induced liver disease, and will prevent damage to liver cells.
9. Milk thistle contains the most powerful liver antioxidant known. It stabilises liver cell walls, stimulates the production of new liver cells, prevents free radical damage and inhibits the production of inflammatory chemicals.
10. Yellow Dock improves liver function and acts as a blood cleanser. It is used in the type of obstructive jaundice which is caused by liver congestion and this herb is often combined with dandelion.
11. Some of the other herbs which improve liver function very effectively are : blackroot, pulsatilla, balmony, golden seal, fringe tree bark, wahoo bark, butternut bark and boldo.
12. Liver diet
This should be high in fibre — water soluble fibre food like oatbran and ricebran, pectin and guar gum increase the flow of bile and cholesterol through the liver and gall bladder. Eat Fruits and vegetables, dried peas, beans and tofu, white fish, wholegrain bread and pasta. Avoid all fats and oils, processed food and chemical addictives, salt and spices.
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