Have you ever thought about what the liver does, and why it is so important for overall health?
I always call the liver the chemical factory of the body - the importance of good liver health should not be underestimated. A poorly functioning liver can often be found behind major disease processes, because when the liver is not functioning particularly well, toxins escape into the bloodstream. Although the liver has a fantastic ability to regenerate itself, persistent and long-term abuse, particularly with alcohol and the environmental toxins which surround us everyday, takes it’s toll.
Our bodies deal with toxin exposure every day – petrol, diesel and gas fumes, perfumes, chemicals, cigarette smoke, processed foods – I could go on! These compounds contain destructive free radicals which damage our bodies and cause health problems. Our liver works hard for us every day and I believe that we owe it some care – and a gentle herbal detox tea is a really supportive way to do this without the harsh side effects of a full-on detox.
The liver is a particularly important organ of detoxification, along with the kidneys. It is the largest organ in the body, weighing about 1.5kg and it performs over 500 jobs, over 20 of them are vital functions. The liver filters the blood, collects toxins and dead cells, and harmful microorganisms. It then uses its enzyme processes to breakdown and neutralise these substances so they are not so harmful to us any more, and once released back into the bloodstream, the kidneys filter the waste out of the body.
Although it is not part of the gastrointestinal tract, the liver plays a very important part in the process of digestion. For example, the liver produces bile, a liquid which helps break down fats and nutrients extracted from the gut so that they can be transported through the bloodstream to the relevant organs. The liver also creates most of your cholesterol, amino acids, and certain substances which you use for energy and it breaks down hormones when we don’t need them anymore. The liver supports the lymphatic system and produces a hormone responsible for regulating healthy blood pressure levels – so you see how important a well-functioning liver really is!
One of the most important tasks the liver tackles is that of detoxification ( breaking down harmful chemicals that enter our body) . It attempts to change these particles into smaller water- soluble compounds to be eliminated through the bowels or urine.
Some signs that the liver is struggling are: feeling tired and sluggish, irritated skin, abdominal swelling, excessive bruising or bleeding, elevated cholesterol levels, slightly yellow skin and the “whites” of the eyes, and brain fog. You might feel a heaviness or discomfort on the right side of the body, where the liver sits just under the ribs. If this is you, then Liver Detox Tea is for you.
There are many foods and natural remedies which can support the liver so all is not lost! I really believe that we have the power to take charge of our own health – detoxing gently with a well formulated herbal tea is one way. Choose nutrient dense foods as close to their natural state as possible - that is, choosing a range of fruits, vegetables, salads, whole grains and lean protein. Avoid refined carbohydrates white sugar, white bread, saturated fats, refined salt, and low-calorie artificially sweetened food.
Tips for maintaining good Liver Health include:
Puraty Liver Detox Tea will detoxify wastes and toxins from the liver in a gentle way. Liver Detox Tea is a daily detox to improve liver function, maintain healthy cholesterol levels and improve gallbladder and pancreas function.
Daily use of Puraty's Liver Detox Tea and Kidney Detox Tea is an excellent combination to cleanse and flush the liver and kidney of toxins, and I would recommend using both together from time to time.
Dandelion Root and St Mary’s Thistle are fantastic liver herbs and in this formula they are backed up by the antioxidant Globe Artichoke, Peppermint and Rosemary for gut support, and Schisandra which is a very protective liver herb.
Milk Thistle helps to prevent glutathione depletion in the liver. Glutathione is one of the most powerful antioxidants utilized by the human body for protection against free radical damage, to eliminate toxins, to support energy production and it helps enhance our immune system. Without enough glutathione, your liver becomes overworked, and it makes it hard for it to properly detox chemicals and toxins from your environment and food. If glutathione levels are low, our liver becomes overloaded with toxins and this can contribute to many of the unexplained sicknesses and health issues we see today.
Ingredients
Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale radix) is universally recognised for its role in supporting the liver. Dandelion contains bitter substances such as taraxacin, inulin (a bitter glycoside), taraxanthin, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, and levulin. These bitters can assist the digestive glands and the liver, which can encourage the healthy flow of bile.
Globe Artichoke leaf (Cynara scolymus folia) contains strong antioxidants that support healthy digestion, liver and gallbladder function. This, in turn, can support healthy cholesterol levels.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita folia) can help your body respond to digestive problems such as bloating, gas, spasms and nausea. It may assist in the cleansing roles of the liver and gallbladder. Historically, it has also been used to prevent gallstones.
Rosemary Leaf (Rosmarinus officinalis) supports your body's response to digestion problems and can provide comfort during heartburn, intestinal gas (flatulence), liver and gallbladder discomfort, and loss of appetite.
Schisandra Berries (Schisandra chinensis) can support your body's maintenance of a healthy liver.
St. Mary’s Thistle (Silybum marianum) is used to assist the healthy function of your liver and gallbladder. Extracts from the plant support your body during liver cell regrowth, and help your liver to protect against toxins. A unique herb due to its ability to assist with detoxification, and promote a strong and healthy liver.
By Joanna Vinsen Loveys BNatMed HbT MNZAMH
Joanna Loveys
Author