Protect Your Liver This Christmas

As we celebrate the longest Christmas season in the world, we attend a lot of parties, eat a lot of unhealthy food, drink unhealthy beverages, and lose a lot of quality sleep. One of the organs that suffer greatly in the holiday spree is the liver. It is the main detox organ of the body so it gets exposed to a lot of harmful chemicals that we ingest including alcohol, food preservatives, and contaminants. It also metabolizes fats so loading up on fatty foods this season puts a lot of strain in the liver. While the best way to protect the liver is still by avoiding toxic substances, this strategy may prove impractical in this season of merriment and enjoyment. Instead, here are some natural stuff we can take to give our livers an easier time.

Coconut and virgin coconut oil (VCO). VCO stimulates bile flow. It facilitates the clearance of waste products in the liver and lessens the exposure time to toxins. It also hastens repair of liver cells and tissues and helps keep the liver in optimum function.

Avocado and other healthy oils. Like VCO, the healthy oil of avocado also stimulates bile flow. It boosts the level of good cholesterol (HDL) which helps protect against damage caused by free radicals.

Turmeric. This humble root is packed with a lot of healing powers. It’s active component, curcumin, has been shown to stimulate the detox functions of the liver, repair tissue damage from toxins, regulate cholesterol, and improve blood sugar control.

Calamansi and other citrus fruits. Citrus fruits are powerful supporters of liver detoxification. They facilitate blood flow help dissolve uric acid and ingested chemical toxins. They contain natural Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. They play significant roles in protecting the tissues from damage due to free radicals. They are also essential in the synthesis of collagen for tissue repair and maintenance of the integrity of cells.

Carrots. They contain high levels of carotenoids, known to be powerful antioxidants. They support the liver by neutralizing toxins, facilitating repair, and stimulating recovery of detox functions. They help the liver recover faster from injuries from noxious substances.

Coffee. A lot of research and clinical studies have provided evidence that coffee has a lot of health benefits. A systematic review of studies on coffee and liver diseases showed that regular consumption of coffee protects against the development and progression of liver diseases. It has also been demonstrated to undo moderate liver damage caused by alcohol consumption.

The liver is our main metabolic and detox organ. When it is compromised, a lot of health problems ensue. It takes a lot of will power to avoid the things that damage it. If you fail in this area, at least take some actions to initiate recovery to keep yourself healthy without feeling deprived.

Enjoy the holidays and have a Merry, Healthy Christmas!