HOW TO GENTLY, YET EFFECTIVELY CLEANSE YOUR LIVER

WE ALL EITHER A] HAVE PARTICIPATED IN SOME SORT OF ‘DETOX’ OR B] KNOW SOMEONE WHO HAS.

Something I’m not a huge fan of is some of the harsh detoxing that is advocated as being healthy and beneficial to health. I get asked my opinion on things like 10 day water fasts and other severe types of detoxing that uses laxatives to produce unnatural bowel habits- which in turn strips away nutrients and minerals, as well as the potential of causing dependence.



The type of ‘detoxing’ that is useful to be aware of, and to support, is that of the livers’ main function being it’s two phases of liver detoxification.

An unhealthy liver can produce many symptoms such as fatigue, sluggish metabolism and/or weight gain, intolerance to alcohol, and digestive symptoms such as bloating, nausea and IBS.

My naturopathic knowledge (and further research) of the liver detoxification processes has inspired me to create this new tea blend called cleanse.

I’ll firstly explain why our liver is one of the most important, (and busiest) organs in our body.



Our liver is suuuuuper busy, it has many roles:

It produces bile; which is essential for the digestion of fat.

It produces cholesterol and proteins, which aid in carrying fats around the body.

It stores and releases glucose when needed.

The liver also stores iron, and the it actually helps to process the haemoglobin to release its iron content.



And the ‘detox’ part…

The liver’s function of detoxifying is done in two stages, called phase 1 and phase 2. This is where it takes care of detoxifying toxins such as insecticides, pesticides, drugs, alcohol, food additives and the end products of our normal digestive processes.



So it is pretty clear to see that your liver will be at its happiest if you minimise the amount of these things you give it to process.
If your normal diet is high in processed foods, rancid oils, sugars, stimulants and recreational drugs, your liver is working overtime and is under a lot of stress. Rather than detoxing these out for a specific time only, I recommend to make it your new way of eating. Living 100% free of ‘bad’ foods is impossible (and let’s be honest- no fun), but minimising where possible, and using as treats is key.

For our liver to go ahead with these mentioned functions, it needs certain nutrients as cofactors (aka helpers). These include B vitamins, magnesium, iron and amino acids- so it is important to eat fresh fruits, vegetables and animal products that are high in all of these.



So how should you cleanse your liver? Here’s Kate’s tips

Let’s talk about Cleanse, the organic tea I have made to help this detoxification process. I have selected the herbal ingredients very carefully to come up with the best recipe to give your liver as much love as it deserves!

Dandelion leaf – has astounding antioxidant activity that is specific to the liver, aids in bile production and helps to purify the blood.
Red clover – increases lymphatic drainage and breaks up lymphatic congestion, and increases the liver’s detoxification capabilities.
Nettle leaf – reduces inflammation in the body and increases excretion of uric acid
Cornflowers – high in antioxidants which helps to counteract damage caused to cells by toxins
Tulsi – detoxifier and mild diuretic, which further increases excretion of toxins.
Making a few of these mentioned changes, and incorporating the mentioned herbs can have a really beneficial effect on your liver function, which in turn may increase your energy, minimise brain fog and improve overall digestive function. My main advice to help cleanse your liver [and keeping your soul happy] is moderation!



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