It’s not uncommon to feel sluggish and bloated after Christmas, particularly if you’ve indulged a little too much.
Your liver represents the body’s primary filtration system, converting toxins into waste products, cleansing blood, and metabolising nutrients and medications to provide the body with some of its most important proteins every single day. It also adjusts cholesterol levels, builds proteins and makes bile, which helps you absorb fats, stores sugar for when you really need it and regulates hormone levels. And that’s all in a day’s work. As such, it’s an unsung hero and a fundamental part of the body’s overall regulation, so it’s paramount to keep your liver healthy.
As for overindulgence of alcohol or food, less is always best when it comes to liver health, but that’s easier said than done, especially after the horse has bolted! If you feel your body needs a little extra support at this time of year, here are a few simple suggestions that might just give you the boost you’ve been looking for…
DRINK MORE WATER - It’s so simple we can forget that water helps the liver move toxins through its own cellular systems and speed them on their way out of your body. Filtered tap water at room temperature at specific intervals of the day (upon awakening, in between meals, early evening; not while eating and not too much 2 hours before bed). A good general rule of thumb is to aim for 4 litres of water per day. Stay away from carbonated water or water in plastic bottles.
NEW NORDIC™ ACTIVE LIVER is a high-strength herbal complex, designed to help your liver stay healthy. The ingredients globe artichoke, milk thistle, turmeric and choline have a protective and restorative effect on the liver. Choline helps maintain normal hepatic function and fat metabolism. It’s your one-a-day liver cleanser, in just one tablet a day.
MILK THISTLE is a herb native to Ireland and the UK but is now grown in many countries. It has been taken as a trusted "folk" supplement for generations. Irish Botanica Milk Thistle is made using organic milk thistle seed extracted in certified organic ethanol. Recommended Use: 20 drops taken twice daily in water. Best taken morning and evening away from food.
REDUCE OR REMOVE DAILY TOXINS - The more toxins introduced into the body's system equals the more toxins the liver then has to move back out again. By reducing or eliminating animal protein, alcohol, sugar, wheat, corn, soy, tobacco, processed foods, caffeine, and nuts you will give your liver a much-needed break to focus on its own version of a spring clean.