Cleanse Your Liver For Better Health

By: Darrell Miller

A lot of times, we forget about the liver until a medical condition brings it to our attention. We can’t deny the important role it plays in our health. For many centuries, traditional medicines have looked at the liver, even more so than the heart, as the center for physical and emotional health. The liver processes everything that we eat, drink, or absorb through the skin, therefore, playing a vital role in the body’s detoxification process which requires it to be constantly exposed to harmful substances. These substances come from toxins in food, alcohol, outside (drugs and environmental pollutants), internally-produced substances (hormones), and waste left over form protein use. The liver converts these toxins and wastes into less harmful substances so that they can be eliminated by the body. This process is divided into two steps, Phase I and Phase II, each requiring different nutrients. Phase I uses oxidation to break down toxins, requiring antioxidants and milk thistle to ensure this stage runs smoothly and prevents damaged cells. Phase II occurs when the liver adds substances to a toxin to make it less harmful. Glutathione and calcium d-glucarate are extremely important in this process. However, antioxidants are important here also because they continue to neutralize the free radicals generated by the first phase. The liver also turns fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble material in phase II.

The liver is responsible for many actions. It produces the compounds that keep the blood from abnormal clotting and removes fructose and galactose from the carbohydrates, converting them into glucose which can be used for energy. It also synthesizes proteins and cholesterol and converts carbohydrates and proteins into fats, to be stored for later use. Furthermore, it makes blood protein and enzymes that are needed for bodily functions and produces urea that is eventually excreted by the kidneys. Also, it stores trace elements such as iron, copper, and vitamins A, D, and B12. Its most important job is producing bile, which helps to break down fats and fat-soluble vitamins. This fluid transports toxins from the liver to the intestines, so that they can be excreted.

A liver cleanse helps to prevent and repair damages to the liver. It supports the liver’s health and Phase I and phase II of detoxification. It also increases bile production and flow along with gallbladder response. Additionally, it prevents re-absorption by adding fiber to absorb bile and toxins and it transports bile and toxins out of the body. There are specific herbs that enhance bile production and flow known as choleretic ingredients. One of these herbs, milk thistle, has been recognized as a remedy for liver problems since the days of ancient Rome. Milk thistle, which contains silymarin, is thought to be responsible for protecting the health of the specialized liver cells that remove bacteria, old bloods cells, and other toxins form the liver’s blood supply. It also acts as an antioxidant as it scavenges free radicals that are produced during Phase I detoxification. Milk thistle also fights against long-term poisoning by displacing toxins that try to bind to the liver and neutralizing those that have already penetrated the cells. Turmeric has also been recently investigated for its ability to stimulate bile flow and support the gastric system. Scientists suspect that it may even help prevent the condition known as “fatty liver disease.” Calcium D-glucarate, which is found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, is very important in phase II detoxification because it helps excrete harmful estrogen. Additionally, many common herbs have a long history of supporting the liver and healthy bile production of flow including dandelion root extract, which helps to reduce fluid retention, burdock, which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and an antioxidant and helps to reverse of at least stop damage done to the liver cells by alcohol. Artichoke helps keep lipids from accumulating in the liver and stimulates bile flow into the intestines. It is also used to reduce the symptoms of many digestive disorders. Boldo supports the liver by helping it to maintain proper enzyme levels and provide protection against toxins.

When looking for a liver cleanse, one should make sure that fiber is included. Fiber gently scrubs the intestines on its way through the colon, picking up LDL cholesterol, bile-bound toxins, and estrogen ready for excretion. It also helps the liver to recover faster from fatty liver disease and aids in the rebuilding of liver tissue. However, some types of fiber are better than others. Although all fiber can be beneficial, not all fiber is equally beneficial. Some are great at helping the body to excrete cholesterol, but not so great when it comes to cleaning out toxins. Oat beta-glucan is well known for its health benefits, being a staple of natural LDL cholesterol reduction for many years. Research has shown that it also does an excellent job at increasing bile excretion, which helps to further detoxify the body. Because it is a soluble fiber, it increases the binding of bile acids in the intestines, preventing the bile from returning to the liver and taking the toxins along as well. Glucomannan, another fiber, has a great ability to lower LDL cholesterol and enhance bile excretion and balance glucose levels. When the two fibers are combined, research has shown that they have stronger bile-binding effects than other soluble fibers on their own or combined with guar gum.

The best liver cleanse should only last about two weeks. Many cleanse programs don’t include fiber as part of their product. Therefore, the only way to ensure liver cleanse effectiveness is to make sure that fiber is included as part of the program. Detoxification programs are very safe for most people. However, those who are pregnant or nursing should not use detoxification products. Also, those who have known or suspected gallstone concerns should avoid liver cleanses as they activate the liver and gallbladder. Because detoxification puts a little additional stress on all the detoxification organs, any person with kidney disease or poor kidney function should consult their health care practitioner before trying any type of cleanse.

Article Source: http://www.bigfreearticles.com

A lot of times, we forget about the liver until a medical condition brings it to our attention We can’t deny the important role it plays in our health

About the Author:
More information can be found on the website http://vitanetonline.com/ where advice on a wide range of liver cleanse products can be found.

Tags: wellness, fitness and diet, liver cleanse, liver detox, protect liver

Please Rate this Article

Comments

Share This Article - Quick and Easy Using This Button:

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Wellness, Fitness and Diet Articles Via RSS!

Read More Articles From - Home | Wellness, fitness and diet

Austin Personal Trainer By: Jackie Johnson - When you are looking for a way to get in shape, you will no doubt look through all of the usual programs. There are plenty of weight loss programs, gyms, and personal trainers for you to choose from. If you are looking for the very best Austin personal trainer, then there are some very specific things that you should consider. The first thing that you should keep in mind when you are looking for an Austin personal trainer is flexibility. The reason that an individual that can help you through your workout is such a good idea is the one on one training that you will get.
Tags: wellness, fitness and diet, austin personal trainer
The Fatty Acids in Flaxseed Oil Are Essential For Health and Life! By: Darrell Miller - The majority of Americans know to some extent that there is a an association between a high-fat diet and serious health problems including heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes complications, and cancer. However, what a lot of people are unaware of is that the kind of fat that we take into our bodies is as important as regulating the amount. This notion was first observed by researchers in the early 1950s and is made particularly clear when observing the Eskimo diet versus the standard American diet. Because Eskimos routinely eat a diet that is full of animal fat, it is a wonder why they do not suffer from the cardiovascular disease that is associated with these foods as Americans do.
Tags: flaxseed oil, omega-3, omega-6, essential fatty acids, benefits of essential oils
Rejuvenate Your Entire System With a Full Body Detox By: John Khu - In the modern world where even the air is contaminated with pollutants, all of us should realize the importance of detoxification, mainly a full body detox. Most of us are under the impression that we are living healthy lifestyles but we still seem to suffer from tiredness and lethargy. If you have similar problems, maybe it is time that you should consider going for a full body detox program. Such detox programs are extremely popular and there are many different variations available. Detoxification i.e. detox is important as it can help eliminate harmful substances from within the body. These harmful toxins if not removed, can lead to health issues like fatigue, nausea, and even serious diseases.
Tags: wellness, fitness and diet, home body detox, natural body detox, full body detox, body detox program, body detox diet
3 Amazing Essential Oils – Frankincense, Cedarwood and Peppermint By: Marilyn Reid - Essential oils are the fragrant nectar found in various plants all over the world. There are dozens of different essential oils, each with their own uses and properties. In this article, you’ll learn a little more about three amazing essential oils: Frankincense, Cedarwood and Peppermint. After you read this article, you’ll know exactly how you can use these three essential oils to help yourself and others. Frankincense Frankincense is one of the most amazing essential oils available. Its history dates all the way back to Jesus Christ, when one of the sages gifted Frankincense to baby Jesus. This oil has found its way from the east all the way to Europe and the United States.
Tags: wellness, fitness and diet, essential oil, essential oils, aromatherapy, scents, peppermint oil
Healing Properties of the Peppermint Essential Oil By: Marilyn Reid - Out of all the essential oils, peppermint is one of the most popular. It has a wide range of healing properties for a wide range of ailments. In this article, we’ll go into a brief overview of the peppermint essential oil and then go into its various uses and application. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what peppermint is and how to use it for your own purposes. What is the Peppermint Essential Oil? The peppermint essential oil is made by distilling the peppermint plant. The plant grows in various parts of Asia and Europe. When most people think of the peppermint plant, they think of purple because the buds of the flower are purple.
Tags: wellness, fitness and diet, essential oil, essential oils, aromatherapy, scents, peppermint oil
The Power of Mixing Aromatherapy and Massage By: Marilyn Reid - An aromatherapy massage combines two powerful healing arts into one. By mixing essential oil scents with massage, a deep healing and relaxing experience is produced. In this article, we’ll go over some of the healing properties of an aromatherapy massage. After you read this, you’ll have a good idea of what you can expect if you do decide to get an aromatherapy massage. Aromatherapy Although herbs and plants have been used for their curative properties all over the world for centuries, it’s only in the 1920’s that essential oils were discovered. A scientist accidentally burned his hand during an experiment and plunged his hand into a jar of lavender essential oil because it was close by.
Tags: wellness, fitness and diet, essential oil, essential oils, aromatherapy, scents, massage
The Secrets Of The Lavender Essential Oil By: Marilyn Reid - The Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular and most healing essential oils on the market. In this article, we’ll give a brief overview of the history of the Lavender essential oil, go over the wide range of ailments this essential oil can cure, then finally practically ways you can use the lavender essential oil. By the end of this article, you’ll know both what Lavender is used for, as well as how to use it. A Brief History of the Lavender Essential Oil The Lavender Essential Oil was first discovered by Dr. Rene Gattefosse in the 1920’s. He was doing experiments in his lab when he made a mistake and burned his hand.
Tags: lavender oil, lavender essential oil, fragrance, essential oil, aromatherapy, essential oils
What Everyone Should Know About Aromatherapy By: Marilyn Reid - Aromatherapy has really taken off in the last few years. A quick walk down the aisle in any whole foods store will reveal dozens upon dozens of essential oils you can purchase. Yet many people don’t really understand aromatherapy. In this article, we’ll give a brief overview of aromatherapy, its approach and its uses. An Overview of Aromatherapy Aromatherapy is a method of healing based on stimulating different parts of your brain using scents and smells. Both scientific and anecdotal evidence shows that breathing in scents has a real effect on a person’s health and well being. Aromatherapy is the art that’s been developed from those findings. To sum it up, aromatherapy is the art of healing through smells.
Tags: wellness, fitness and diet, aromatherapy, essential oils, scents, fragrances, aroma
Understanding Macrobiotics By: Stewart C - A facile glance at the recent newspaper or television show would tell us that indeed, we live in the time of the Diet. Bodies are no longer just bodies, but public property meant to be scrutinized for excess fat and poor skin. Diets abound, and diet programs are all promising salvation for those who can “walk the walk” and “talk the talk”. In the United Kingdom alone, a very old and yet still wildly popular diet from the United States has caught the fancy of more than 3 million Britons. Fashion trends and eating patterns are not likely to change in the coming years, so we had better brace ourselves.
Tags: wellness, fitness and diet, macrobiotics diet, macrobiotics, macrobiotic weight loss, macrobiotic food, macrobiotic diet plan
Medifast Diet Review Based on Customer Experience By: Brandi Yates - The Inside Scoop on the Medifast Diet Plan Across the country, Medifast dieters are reporting success stories with this powerful diet and meal replacement plan. For many individuals who were bothered with extra pounds, this diet has brought their weight into the normal range and they were able to stick to the plan without feeling as though they were starving. One dieter reported losing nearly 50 pounds after only four months on the Medifast plan. Another said the Medifast diet changed her life by helping her lose 30 pounds in only three months time. What’s even more exciting is that this dieter reported not feeling hungry and even noticed that she had more energy.
Tags: wellness, fitness and diet, medifast customer reviews, does medifast diet work, is medifast a good diet, diet review medifast