In a new four part series on cleansing, Nutritionist Belinda Rennie focuses on detoxification of the liver.

“Doing a detox” has become popular amongst health conscious people with the growing realization that our ability to detoxify and cleanse the body of waste products can activate our healing powers, leading to regeneration, rejuvenation and a sense of increased vitality. For the uninitiated, a cleanse or detox can be quite daunting with treatments ranging from fasting to colonic irrigation. The aim in this series of articles is to demystify  detoxification by highlighting the major organs of the body involved, the source of toxins and natural ways to eliminate them from the body.

Spring is an ideal time to focus on ridding the body of toxic substances that accumulate from the air we breathe, the food we eat, the content of our bowel and the water we drink. Energy stored during the winter months is liberated during spring and nature reflects this renewed activity. It is also the most active time for the liver, the organ central to all detoxification, cleansing and regeneration processes assisted by the intestines, kidneys and skin.

The main functions of the liver, the largest organ in the body, are to filter the blood to remove large toxins, produce bile which contains cholesterol and regulate protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Proper functioning of the liver’s detoxification systems is critical for the prevention of cancer and other degenerative diseases.

So where do these toxins come from?

1. Food

Processed foods high in saturated fat and refined sugar;

Food additives and preservatives;

Food intolerance – food fragments that are poorly digested have to be dealt with by the liver and immune system.

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2. Heavy metals

Lead from cigarette smoke, industrial pollutants, mercury from dental fillings, aluminium from cookware and overuse of antacids are a few examples.

3. Toxic chemicals

For example from drugs, alcohol, solvents (cleaning materials), pesticides and herbicides in food.

4. Microbes

        Toxins produced from bacteria and parasites in our gut have to be filtered by the liver. Bile, a carrier for  many toxic substances may not be eliminated by faeces because of insufficient fibre and therefore reabsorbed.

5. Toxic thoughts

A major, but often neglected source of toxicity, are our negative thoughts and attitudes. These have a very real impact on our state of health often producing high levels of stress hormones in our body that have to be processed by the liver.

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It is not surprising then that the liver seems to be constantly bombarded with toxic chemicals. Some of the signs, symptoms and “dis-ease” suggesting that liver function could be improved through detoxification include: allergies, overweight, diabetes, high cholesterol, gallstones, alcohol and drug abuse, psoriasis, chronic fatigue, sinus congestion, bloating, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, skin conditions, depression, headaches, muscle and joint pains to name a few. A history of viral hepatitis also predisposes the liver to dysfunction.

The great news is that eliminating toxins that produce disease can be done in a natural, non-invasive way. The first step is to become aware of the sources of toxins by writing a detailed food diary for a week and highlighting processed foods and those that are high in fat and sugar. Note any symptoms you are feeling during the week such as bloating or indigestion. Include all you beverages: alcohol, coffee, tea and carbonated drinks. For determining exposure to toxic chemicals a detailed history by a physician is essential and where appropriate laboratory tests (Note that the initial or sub-clinical stages of impaired liver function may not show up in some lab tests).

A sensible approach to aiding detoxification involves:

·        Eating a high fibre, low fat and no added sugar diet focusing on fresh fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, legumes, nuts and seeds.

·        Avoiding alcohol and smoking and exercising regularly

·        Taking a high-potency multi vitamin and mineral supplement

·        Using special nutritional and herbal supplements to protect and repair the liver

·      A three day fast is recommended but only under the guidance of your health professional

For more information go to liver detoxification.

For useful books try “The Liver Cleansing Diet” by Dr Sandra Cabot available at Magrudy’s Bookstore.

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