Did you know that your liver is responsible for detoxifying your body? Your liver must filter almost every toxin, whether it’s environmental, viral, bacteria, drugs or even a bad diet. Liver health is a key component in the overall well-being of your body. It is your best friend so here’s how to keep yours healthy.

What does your liver do?

The liver along with the kidneys, digestive tract and the skin are responsible for keeping your body free from a build up of toxins. They all work together in harmony, that is until one of them is compromised. It cannot be replaced or repaired but it can regenerate up to 25% of itself, which is a great bonus if you’ve sustained liver damage.

Other than detoxification, it has many responsibilities

• Secretes bile that aids in the digestion of fats as well as helping your body absorb essential fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, K and E. It also stores vitamins and minerals for your body to use as needed.
• Fat Metabolism. The liver is responsible for making fatty acids as well as cholesterol. It also turns those fats into energy for your body.
• Glucose Tolerance Factor. The liver creates GTF that works with insulin to help regulate blood sugar levels. It also stores glycogen (converted sugar) to be used as energy when your body needs it.
• Thyroid function. The liver regulates thyroid function as well as cleansing your body of used hormones

What causes an overworked liver?

Toxins, alcohol, smoking, poor diet, viruses and bacterial infections affect your liver. When your liver is stressed it cannot function properly and can no longer protect your body from harmful toxins...

• Chemicals that damage the liver are: pesticides, heavy metals, xylene, drugs, benzene and disinfectant byproducts.
• Organisms like Hepatitis B and C viruses can cause severe damage. Also chronic infections such as Lyme disease impair the organ's health.
• Unhealthy diet. Your diet plays a big role in liver health. Processed foods, preservatives, GMO’s, additives, pesticides, caffeine and artificial sugar are all enemies.
• Alcohol. Consuming excess alcohol not only stresses it but also depletes your body of essential nutrients and vitamins; especially Glutathione, Zinc, B vitamins, and Sulfur compounds

How to keep your liver healthy

Avoid things that compromise its function. Choose organic foods, chemical free products for home and personal care, avoid smoke and pollution when possible, and use water/air filters. Also minimize foods that contain high amounts of mycotoxins or molds such as nuts and beans. A fruit and vegetable filled diet is a must for liver health. For the most benefit eat your vegetables raw, steamed or juiced. Foods your liver loves: Broccoli, spinach, leafy greens, beets, carrots, cucumber, celery, berries, & citrus fruit. Foods your liver dislikes: processed foods, hydrogenated oils, artificial/white sugar, gluten, soy, dairy, corn & peanuts. Herbs for liver health: Milk thistle, dandelion, alfalfa, garlic, ginger, and turmeric

Mr Vitamins recommends

Nutra-Life Liverguard 35,000 Plus containing herbs and nutrients beneficial for supporting the health of you liver. GET NUTRA-LIFE LIVERGUARD 35,000 PLUS HERE (Find out more about Nutra-Life Liverguard 35,000 Plus here) For questions about these herbs and supplements, be sure to visit Mr Vitamins and ‘Ask a Naturopath’ for assistance for more ways to improve your liver health.