It is notably involved in the regulation of blood sugar, the storage of vitamins, the synthesis of proteins, the secretion of bile thus facilitating digestion, and the elimination of toxins. This last point makes it an emunctory organ, that is to say an organ for excretion of organic waste.
Involved in numerous nutritional functions, particularly metabolism, it can be challenged by poor eating habits and/or the consumption of products releasing toxins (alcohol, tobacco, medications, etc.). Its functions can thus be disrupted and ultimately cause health problems.
It is therefore important to take care of this organ which is so important to the proper functioning of our body. This does not mean that we must avoid all deviations, but more that we must be interested in the means that exist to maintain a healthy liver.
Here are some good habits to put in place for this:
#1 – Limit alcohol, sweet products, and cold meats
It is well known that excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to the liver. It destroys liver cells and leads to fatty deposits. It is therefore important to consume it in moderation.
On the other hand, lipogenesis is a metabolic pathway which, as its name suggests, synthesizes fatty acids (from glucose). This phenomenon takes place in the liver; in addition to the fat cells that can accumulate there, this can create a phenomenon of inflammation. The liver will then have difficulty regenerating and may become poisoned. Do not panic however, lipogenesis only occurs in the event of high overconsumption of sugar, because glucose is used primarily by other metabolic pathways.
Cold meats and fatty meats should also be limited: due to their richness in saturated fats and bad cholesterol, they promote the accumulation of toxins in the liver.
If consumption problems persist, they can cause more serious pathologies. However, these foods should not be demonized, they are part of the pleasure of eating, and this is a non-negligible factor. You just need to regulate the frequency.
#2 – Drink green tea
Allies exist in plants to maintain a healthy liver. The most common and easy to find detox ally is green tea. Several studies tout its ability to reduce fat accumulation, increasing lipid metabolism and suppressing inflammation. Green tea catechins reduce bad cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. All of these factors help protect liver cells and keep it healthy.
It also helps accelerate the elimination of alcohol and toxins, thus representing a good aid to liver functions.
In addition, green tea generates numerous benefits apart from those related to the liver: weight control, prevention of certain cancers, reduction of hypertension, etc.
Be careful not to overuse it, however, and to discuss it with a doctor if you suffer from a pathology and/or are undergoing treatment.
#3 – Eat foods that promote the elimination of toxins
Several practices and foods contribute to the drainage of the body (or detox).
To cleanse the liver, nothing better than citrus fruits. A 21-day course of lemon juice diluted in lukewarm water every morning easily detoxifies the body by reviving bile production.
Also, grapefruit promotes the elimination of triglycerides thanks to the naringin and auraptene it contains.
Liver functions can also be stimulated by artichoke. The leaves of its stem stimulate bile secretion according to some studies. Thus, the cynarin present in the artichoke boosts bile production, sparing the liver, which facilitates digestion and prevents digestive disorders.
Finally, to better evacuate toxins, you can rely on the sulfur compounds in garlic and onion which activate enzymes in the liver. Raw or cooked, the effect is the same, but be careful not to eat them raw if you suffer from thyroid problems.
#4 – Undertake a DIJO Liver Detox treatment
With each change of season, we recommend a detox cure to facilitate the work of the liver which can be damaged by our lifestyles and our diet. Our Liver Detox treatment is a combination of 4 plants with hepatoprotective and/or draining power.
It contains chrysanthellum powder, recognized for its virtues, particularly choleretic, that is to say relating to the production of bile, thus ensuring good digestion. If you are prone to gallstones (and kidney stones) this plant also has the capacity to improve the evacuation of these if they are not calcified and not too imposing. This treatment also contains desmodium, a plant improving comfort and good liver function, and with draining properties. Rosemary and milk thistle, also included in the composition of the treatment, stimulate the liver and gallbladder, and treat liver pathologies.
To complete the Liver Detox treatment, DIJO has created the Detox Potion with 5 plants selected for their depurative and draining actions. In the detox phase, to support weight loss or to reboost your body, the benefits are numerous. In addition to its hepatoprotective actions, the Detox Potion will also relieve skin problems such as acne, eczema and hives, thanks to the wild pansy which is part of its composition.
Independently effective, this combination of active ingredients acts synergistically to detoxify the emunctory organs, optimize their functioning and cell regeneration.
Sources:
[1] Liu, C., Guo, Y., & Li, Q. (2019). Six types of tea reduce high-fat-diet-induced fat accumulation in mice by increasing lipid metabolism and suppressing inflammation . Accessed October 14, 2021, at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30907897/
[2] Llopis, L. (2017). Pyrenean medicinal plants and their therapeutic uses in benign pathologies. Accessed October 14, 2021, at https://dumas.ccsd.cnrs.fr/dumas-01492051/document
[3] Kraft, K. (2021). Artichoke leaf extract — Recent findings reflecting effects on lipid metabolism, liver and gastrointestinal tracts. Accessed October 14, 2021, at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23195590/
