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Why cleanse the liver
The liver is a performing organ numerous functions inside our body, essential for the digestion of food and more. In particular, the liver is responsible for:
- process nutrients;
- secrete bile;
- remove aged red blood cells;
- synthesize plasma proteins;
- eliminate waste and toxins from the body;
- secrete hormones.
After a meal, the liver is responsible for process nutrients and converting part of the amino acids derived from proteins into fatty acids and di transform excess glucose in glycogen, a molecule that acts as an energy reserve. In addition, triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, urea and plasma proteins are synthesized within the liver. Together with the kidneys, the liver participates in the activation of vitamin D, essential for bone health, and secretes and metabolizes several hormones. The macrophages present in the liver are then responsible for the removal of bacteria and aged red blood cells from blood; the demolition of hemoglobin results in components that are eliminated through the bile, a substance composed of bicarbonate, phospholipids and bile salts secreted during the digestive processes. Numerous others are also removed through the bile waste substances, including excess cholesterol, metals and various compounds foreign to the body such as drugs, food additives and toxins. It is in fact mainly the liver, thanks to the presence of enzymatic complexes, to transform the molecules present in medicines, as well as those that are not useful or potentially harmful inactivating them and rendering them harmless and ready to be eliminated through urine or faeces.
Considering the essential role of the liver in our body it appears clear how important it is to keep this organ healthy, so that it can perform all its functions in the best possible way. In fact, if the liver does not work properly, metabolism and digestion will suffer, the blood will not be “cleaned” and the toxins they will not be disposed of efficiently, with negative consequences on the whole organism. For this reason we often hear about liver purification or detox: the “purification” of the liver, therefore, does not remove toxins from the body but rather serves a support the great work of this important organ and to prevent or counteract damage to liver cells. Inflammations and diseases, as well as drugs, toxins, ethyl alcohol, free radicals and other substances in fact cause liver damage which, when acute, can become chronic and lead to liver cirrhosis, an irreversible condition in which hepatocytes lose their functionality.
Detox programs are generally carried out in spring and autumn to help the liver ad cope with stress which comes from the change of season. However, purifying the liver is particularly useful, especially after taking drugs and drug therapies, excesses at the table or when you have gone too far with the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Furthermore, a liver purification may be useful before embarking on a low-calorie diet to lose weight or before starting a path for one’s well-being, to “prepare the ground” for the action of herbs and plants.
Natural remedies
They are used to purify the liver and prevent damage to the cells of this organ remedies with hepatoprotective action. The best known of these is probably the milk thistle (Silybum marianum) whose fruit is used. The milk thistle drug contains silymarin, a mixture of flavonolignans responsible for its action. In fact, silymarin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory effects and is able to block radical species that damage the liver, counteract hepatocyte fibrosis and promote the regeneration of liver tissue.
Another natural remedy capable of protecting the liver is the artichoke (Cynara scolymus) whose leaves are rich in polyphenols with antioxidant action, traditionally used to prevent liver damage. Together with the thistle and the artichoke, the leaves and the fruit of the phyllanth are also used for the well-being and health of the liver, the licorice root, the dandelion root and that of turmeric. Often these plants are present together in natural preparations formulated for the liver, such as tablets, capsules, fluid extracts, herbal teas and other supplements.
Foods to avoid
For the well-being of the liver it is good to follow a balanced diet consisting of easily digestible foods. Generally speaking, the diet should mainly include green leafy vegetables and seasonal fruits, whole grains and legumes. It would go instead limited consumption of packaged foods, especially those rich in additives and fats and the daily protein requirement should not be exceeded. Among the fats, it is better to choose those of vegetable origin, without exaggerating in quantity. Although it is not a real food, the importance of do not exceed in alcohol consumption: Drinking a beer or two glasses of wine a week is almost always allowed, but the excess of alcoholic beverages creates severe acute and chronic damage to the liver, as well as to the rest of the body.
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