Spring is here – a greattime to detox your liver

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By: Simone Denny

One book I love, related to clearing out the old, is a book by Karen Kingston called Clearthe Clutter. According to Karen, clutter is the embodiment of trapped energy that hasfar-reaching effects physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The simple act ofclearing clutter can transform your life by releasing negative emotions, generatingenergy. A great read.

In Chinese medicine, spring is a time of cleansing and rejuvenation. The organs of focusduring this season are the liver and gall bladder, which explains why spring is a greattime to cleanse the body and reap the benefits of a liver detox.

Here are 6 Simple Ways to Detox your Liver

1. Start your Day with Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is a wonderful detoxifier; it is full of vitamins, minerals andenzymes that the body needs. Foods and drinks with sour tastes are thought to stimulatethe liver's Qi and aid in the detoxification process (lemon is another good detoxifier).Add 1 – 3 teaspoons to warm water and drink before meals (add honey if desired). Welove Dr Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar, which is organic and unfiltered and contains the‘mother’ bug. Read more about it here

2. Juice to Detox the Liver

Freshly made raw juices are vital to repair liver degeneration, imbalance or disease.Follow the 80/20 rule whereby 80% of the juice is made from vegetables and 20% fromfruit. This will ensure the juices are not too high in sugar and contain more chlorophyll(which tends to be more prevalent in vegetables rather than fruits). Here are some keyfruits and vegetables to for a liver juice detox or liver cleanse: beetroot, carrots redcabbage, dandelion, apples citrus fruits, turmeric, dark green leafy vegetables.

The term ‘Spring Clean’ is believed to originate from the Persian New Year (IranianNorouz) – which falls on the first day of spring. It is at this time of year that Iranianspractice 'Khooneh Tekouni', which translates to ‘shaking the house’ just prior to the firstday of spring. Similar practices are followed around the world whereby people haverenewed energy in spring and feel inspired to clear out the old, clean up their space orstart a new project.

Tumeric is wonderful food for the liver (read below) and the colour is amazing!

3. Build the Liver with Chlorophyll Rich Foods

Chlorophyll is an excellent liver detoxifier. Chlorophyll adds oxygen to the blood, whichis essential for optimal liver function and rejuvenation. As a general rule green foodstend to be high in chlorophyll, so increase your intake of green vegetables, sprouts andgrasses. Chlorophyll can help the livers overall function and can aid in the movement ofQi. Recommended supplements high in chlorophyll include Broccoli SproutPowder, Barley Grass Powder, Wheatgrass, Synergy Supergreens or Shakti’s Superfoodblend – available here.

4. Minimize Alcohol, Caffeine Processed Foods

These types of food and drinks put huge pressure on the liver. The liver must filter theimpurities and toxins we eat and drink, which can begin to tax the liver over time. It issaid it takes the liver one hour to process one standard alcoholic drink, an interestingthought. You can read more about tips for liver health at Love your Liver.

5. Introduce Turmeric and Dandelion Root to your diet

Turmeric is an excellent anti-inflammatory food and is very good for fighting liverinfection or liver dysfunctions. Turmeric shares similar liver protection properties to thatof milk thistle and artichoke leaves. You can find turmeric root at your local farmersmarket.

Dandelion Root is a well-known detoxifier. It contains a bitter substance calledtaraxacin that helps to stimulate digestion. This bitter taste stimulates the flow of bilefrom the gall bladder to the liver. The increased bile production can help clean the liverand aids in flushing out the toxins. A great way to include dandelion root into your diet isthrough dandelion tea. New to the Nourishing Hub this month is the Love ChaiDandelion Chai, specially formulated for detoxing.

6. Try Moringa

Moringa is a very rich source of natural anti-oxidants and chlorophyll. It has beenreported to help reduce cholesterol and control blood sugars levels, as well as offer anti-aging and anti-inflammatory substances. Moringa supports the liver, while encouragingthe body to expel harmful toxins and can assist with weight loss. Check out the Detox in aBox Moringa Superfood and Moringa Tea at the Nourishing Hub.

For a full range of detoxing products have a look at the detoxing section of theNourishing Hub.For a full range of detoxing products have a look at the detoxing section of theNourishing Hub.For a full range of detoxing products have a look at the detoxing section of theNourishing Hub.