Saturday, December 20, 2008

Natural Liver Detox: Nutriceutical Counteraction

By Codi Heart

I did not particularly enjoy writing this article. As I relaxed and sat down at my laptop, with a deep ashtray close by. I conveniently located my over sized cup of very sugary coffee in close proximity to my headache medication. I looked online to learn more about liver detox.

My knowledge about medical information is sparse. Unlike so many others I do not remember to take medications and I never research every aliment that I am diagnosed with. Halfway through my coffee and puffing on my second cigarette, I learned that the two gallstones I have had for a while are actually solidified substances that were in the liquid bile secreted by my liver, probably because it contained too much cholesterol, bile salts or bilirubin. If they move, my medium-sized gallstones could block the flow of bile from my gallbladder. These could generate a gallbladder attack accompanied with lots of pain.

The situation above occurs when natural liver detox process is no longer able to filter the toxins that have accumulated as a result of cigarette smoke, environmental pollutants, unhealthy diet and the intake of large quantities of caffeine in combination with painkillers that contain paracetamol. I stopped reading at that point, made a second cup of coffee and decided on the subject of this article.

Herbal detoxification, exercise to help blood circulation flow, and a liver-friendly diet are the ideal elements of detoxifying naturally. Everyone knows about exercise and liver-friendly diets are a bore to write about, but you can read about herbs that are beneficial to the functioning of your liver below. Most of these herbs are affordable, easy to use, and readily available.

* The chemical cyranin enhances the liver's manufacture of bile as it fortifies the bile duct, this chemical is found in the leaves of Globe artichokes. Artichokes are good for decreasing cholesterol as well because they can mobilize the fat that is in the liver.

* By increasing bile production and flow is how Dandelion stimulates the livers detoxification function. As a chemical that tones and strengthens the liver, it also contains potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron and significant amounts of choline. The roots are the most beneficial part of this herb and you can boil them to make a tea.

* Milk Thistle, Latin for Silybum Marianum L, is an herb recommended for liver function problems that are caused by drug and alcohol abuse.

* Eating rosemary will help with the functioning of your liver and minimize inflammation that may later cause liver disease because it contains to helpful acids caffeic and rosemarinic. It has been found that Rosemary extract can increase or accelerate the function of liver enzymes, and can flush toxins from the liver.

* There are numerous choices of spices, like Turmeric, that have liver cleansing properties. It contains oils such as curcuminoids, that help reduce any build-up of toxins in the liver by increasing the livers output of glutathione, a powerful enzyme that helps the liver rid itself of toxins. Turmeric is a slightly peppery root that gives a special flavor and a warm yellow color to rice, beans, vegetables, chicken and fish. It is a traditional mainstay of herbal therapy that is believed to shrink enlarged hepatic ducts, ducts that carry bile from the liver to the common bile duct leading to the small intestines and it may even be useful in the treatment of serious liver conditions such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.

* A common coffee substitute is Chicory. Chemical compounds found in its flowers, seeds and roots, are believed to induce bile production and clean the liver. At times the liver can be overworked. This product is also a diuretic and a mild laxative, which can ease the workload of the worn-out liver. An easy way to add this herb to your diet is to drink chicory flavored coffee or tea, or simply add fresh chicory leaves to a salad.

Herbs alone cannot help a natural liver detox. It must be combined with a healthy diet and life style, such as avoiding alcohol, drugs, smoking, and exercising regularily. With that I am going to end, I need to go inventory my kitchen cabinets and run to the store. I know I have Turmeric and Rosemary. - 16004

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