Spring is all about ‘green’ and all about ‘clean’, so we thought we’d do a little diddy on the liver, since it is both a ‘green’ organ (its’ associated colour in traditional chinese medicine) as well as a major ‘cleaning’ organ of the body.

Many people think only of their liver after a particularly ‘social’ friday night, when in reality, if we truly understood the magnitude of work the liver does in the body, we would thank it with every passing breath! This 2-3 pound organ tucked under our right rib cage is, in essence, the CEO of our metabolic system ~ it spearheads our detoxification processes as well as plays a commanding role in the metabolism of fats, carbs, proteins, vitamins and minerals. And if this weren’t enough, it filters our blood regularly and is the bile factory of the body. Sounds complicated? It is! But in a nutshell, this means that the liver takes everything that comes into the body and separates the good from the bad, making the bad or toxic substances in the body inert and ready for excretion, while at the same time taking the good and building them up into our living tissues and organs. A hefty job that often goes with little thanks. But as spring is the season of the liver, now is our chance to give a little back!

Foods for Liver Detox

  • The liver loves green foods and clean foods. Feed yourself an abundance of fresh organic greens, colourful fruits and vegetables and you’ll be nourishing your liver.
  • Drink ample amounts of good, clean water. Squeeze fresh lemon into it or add a splash of apple cider vinegar to give it a little extra liver cleansing action. This is great first thing in the morning as it spurs the liver’s metabolism as well as helps to alkalinize the body.
  • Eat high quality protein foods that are free of chemicals and toxins (organic and free range). The liver requires ample protein to restore and sustain itself, let alone do its enormous workload!
  • Munch on liver restorative herbs (cholagogues) such as dandelion and artichoke. These plant foods trigger the liver’s production of bile, which results in a gentle cleansing and flushing of the liver.
  • Lastly, optimal liver function requires fresh air, regular exercise, adequate rest, and lots of love!

So feed your liver and add a little extra Spring to your step! If you’d like more information, join our SPRING CLEAN DETOX SEMINAR happening at the clinic on Wednesday, May 31st from 6:30-7:30 pm. The event is FREE, but space is limited, so please book ahead (604-688-1169).

Have a wonderful Friday!