Spring Clean...5 Easy Tips To Support Your Liver!
As you may know, I'm a big fan of supporting our liver during this time of year. In Ayurvedic medicine it's believed that the transition to spring is the time to rejuvenate and clear excess heavy/cold qualities that have accumulated over the winter.
Your liver is the hardest working organ in your body, and also the most commonly congested. It’s your liver’s job to distinguish between the nutrients you must absorb to live and the toxins that must be filtered out of your bloodstream by converting fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble waste.
The elimination of the waste happens through sweat, urine, and bowel movements. The liver is also responsible for moving hormones along once they’ve fulfilled their duties.
The liver needs various vitamins, amino acids, and phytonutrients to do all it needs to do for proper detoxification and to combat free-radical damage.
If you're feeling that your body could use a good jump start with all I mentioned above, here is a free 7-Day Detox Guide. It includes the why, what, and how to cleanse, along with checklists to give your liver and colon all the love they need. This is for you if you're looking for more energy, better moods, fewer allergies, balanced hormones, glowing skin, and improved digestion.
Here are five easy ways to give your body detox love on the daily.
Massage or Foam Rolling
Our lymphatic system protects us from infection and illness by trapping microbes found in our tissues (mostly bacteria we pick up from the environment) and sending them to the lymph nodes, where they become “trapped.” White blood cells then attack and break down bacteria, viruses, etc. and send them back through your lymph fluid to be removed by the kidneys and liver. Massage and foam rolling helps to keep the system from getting overtaxed and "clogged."
Dry Skin Brushing
Same as above. This is another easy way to support your lymphatic system. It's also invigorating and helps remove dead skin for a better glow.
Movement
Yoga, walks, and light cardio are extraordinarily beneficial in flushing out the lymph system. In addition, you will be flooding your beautiful body with our favorite friend — oxygen (sweat = glow!).
Sulfur-Rich Foods
One of the processes by which the liver eliminates toxins is known as sulfation (called this because sulfur is an indispensable part of the procedure). These foods make toxins easier to eliminate. Some favorites:
Garlic (at least one clove, minced, preferably raw)
Onion (1/2 cup cooked)
Eggs (2)
Daikon radish (1/4 cup sliced, either raw or cooked)
Milk Thistle & Dandelion
The liver goes through two phases of detox, and both milk thistle and dandelion tea help promote both.
Most of these are very simple and all are effective, so I'm hoping you pick a couple that you can start this week. And as always, let me know what you're up to and if you have added any of these into your regular routine.
Light, love, and daffodils,
Stephanie