The liver — a vital organ

The liver — a vital organ - Last week we explored ways to cleanse our bodies through fruit and water fasts. We also discussed the most important detoxifying organs, led by the liver. Today, I am going to again tackle this major detoxifier, because many tend to unintentionally abuse it, while others ignore its importance and essential functions until a disease hits it or a dysfunction surfaces. Little is known or discussed about this vital organ that does not complain; exhibit pain like other organs; or show symptoms until it is partially or completely damaged.

The liver is the largest gland in the human body; it is responsible for many life-sustaining tasks. Fortunately for us, it is probably the only major organ that is able to renew its cells and rebuild itself fully if a section of it is removed or injured. The liver’s main duty is to secrete bile through the gall-bladder to breakdown and digest food, mainly fats to help nutrient assimilation. Bile is important for the uptake of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K as well as calcium. It helps synthesize vitamin K, which is necessary for making the blood-clotting factor to prevent profuse bleeding, resulting from accidents and injuries. Bile also promotes the secretion of a substance that stimulates bowel movement.

The liver absorbs nutrients (vitamins A, B12, and D) from the blood-stream to store them for needed times. Excess sugar is turned into glycogen and stored in the liver and muscles for future needs when blood sugar drops. The organ synthesizes glucose tolerance factor (GTF) that works with insulin to control sugar levels. It turns excess food into fat and deposits it in the fatty tissue of the body. It turns amino acids and sugars into fatty acids; makes protein, lipoprotein, cholesterol, and phospholipids for body and brain uses; and stores fat for energy during starvation periods. The liver also converts beta-carotene in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables to vitamin A.

The liver is our internal cleansing machine. Ammonia, resulting from protein digestion and food fermentation in the intestines, is filtered by the liver. With the help of the kidneys and intestines, it does the same with other harmful substances (alcohol metabolic waste, pollutants, chemicals, recreational and pharmaceutical drugs, ingested pesticides), which get mixed with other elements and then excreted with the urine and feces. A healthy liver protects against germs, viruses, and infectious diseases by weakening them. Other essential tasks of the liver are cleansing and disposing of used up hormones (estrogen, adrenaline, and insulin) as well as balancing the thyroid glands and their hormones for optimum performance.

These are only some of the liver’s important functions. It is necessary to learn how to protect this vital organ from toxins, chemicals, drugs, excessive amounts of fatty and sugary foods, alcohol, constipation, and mega doses of multivitamins through adequate detoxifying methods. Let us take a look.

A liver friendly diet should be a healthy regimen that includes foods that energize and cleanse the organ while nourishing it and avoiding substances that burden and slowly damage it.

Such a program should mainly consist of fresh organic raw vegetables and fruits and their juices (beets, carrots, dandelion, lemon, and leafy greens). It should include high potassium whole foods like bananas, dates, prunes, raisins, seaweed, fresh coconut water, whole rice, and wheat bran. Sprouts (alfalfa), wheat and barley grasses, and leafy greens are cleansers and immune boosters. Legumes (beans and lentils) contain arginine, an amino acid that disposes of digested protein byproducts (ammonia). Raw nuts, whole grains, and seeds are health-providing foodstuff as well. Whole foods prevent intestinal diseases.

Dandelion (hindiba), a wild green, detoxifies the liver and helps eliminate gallstones. The leaves should be simmered until the water is reduced; three tablespoons should be taken six times daily. Dandelion root, in supplement form, is beneficial to diabetics due to its insulin content. The leaves and roots enhance heart health and lower blood pressure. Rubbing dandelion stem sap in a circular way removes warts and reduces liver spots. Wilted in olive oil, dandelion leaves, chopped onion, and garlic make a delicious dish.

Artichoke as a vegetable or supplement heals the liver and digestive problems. It sweeps cholesterol deposit in arteries; lowers triglycerides; enhances mental alertness and the central nervous system. In combination, artichokes and asparagus respectively detoxify liver and kidneys.

Certain herbs and their supplements have detoxifying effects on the liver. Milk thistle, Silybum marianum, protects the liver against toxic chemicals and regenerates liver cells. It also energizes weakened immunity, kidneys, and digestion. It counteracts cancer cells (prostate and breast cancer).

While fatty, fried, and fast foods are harmful to this precious organ, raw olive oil and nut and seed oils (omega-3-6-and-9) heal, nourish, and fortify it. A drizzle over raw salads and lightly cooked veggies give benefits and add a nutty flavor. Goat’s milk and its products are good substitutes for cow’s milk.

Purified water and barley water are liver cleansers. A glass of water with a squeeze of lemon on an empty stomach in the morning detoxifies the organ and energizes its functions.

Refined sugar and carbohydrates, rich pastries, creamy chocolates, caffeine, colas, sodas, fatty fries, alcohol, trans fats, smoking, chemicals, pollutants, drugs, hormones, and mega doses of vitamins disrupt liver enzymes and functions. Overindulgence and obesity burden it furthermore.

Early bed hours are necessary for body repair. Late nights and upset biological hours can harm to the liver as the detoxification process takes place during deep night sleep. Late dinners and overeating also upset liver functions. On the other hand, early breakfast (6:30 am), regular moderate meals, and exercise are necessary practices for optimal liver health and metabolism.

This major multi-task organ is often neglected or abused through the ingestion of daily toxins (alcohol, chemicals, pesticides, drugs, artificial sweeteners, corn syrup, trans fats, fried fatty foods). Tending to your liver today prevents complications and unnecessary pain tomorrow. ( arabnews.com )