Look after your liver

We keep hearing about how alcohol, chemicals, smoking and too much fat can be bad for our hearts but there is another organ we need to look after, our lovely liver. Most of us don't give much thought to our liver as it is an easy organ to ignore--it rarely gives us symptoms to let us know when things are not right.

But just because your liver goes about its business quietly that doesn't mean you should take it for granted. This amazingly complex organ affects virtually every physiological process in the body, either directly or indirectly. If your liver isn't working as well as it should, it may affect other aspects of your health.

The liver is the largest organ in the body with an extraordinary amount of reserve and the power to regenerate itself. It is responsible for the detoxification of many chemicals and for the processing of vitamins, fats, proteins, glucose, and other substances needed by the body. However when it is bombarded with too much alcohol and other chemicals, which include certain drugs, it can get overloaded and things can start to go wrong.

Most people are unaware that their liver may be involved when they experience headaches, fatigue, aches and pains, indigestion, chronic constipation or mood changes. Many skin conditions may be affected by the liver including: eczema, psoriasis or unexplained rashes. Most herbalists will always treat the liver when addressing any of these conditions, they are aware of the implications on health by even mild neglecting of the liver

Cirrhosis is a chronic disease of the liver. The most common cause of cirrhosis is excessive alcohol consumption but it can also occur as the result of infection, medication, or for unknown reasons. Early in the disease, there may be no symptoms. Gradually, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, weakness, abdominal pain, swelling in the legs and stomach (ascites), mental confusion, and increased risk of bleeding may be symptoms. The diagnosis is made by blood tests, physical examination, and confirmed by a liver biopsy.

Removal of all toxins and implementation of a healthy lifestyle is key to helping the liver repair itself. Unless the damage is too extensive, some repair is possible, even though the process is very slow.

There are some very good herbal remedies that can help to protect the liver and aid detoxification. One of the main herbs that herbalists like to use is Milk thistle which contains silymarin. This has been shown in clinical trials to help with liver function. Dandelion root and artichoke are also herbs that can support and help the liver. Reducing alcohol consumption, especially binge drinking, and drinking more water is also very beneficial. If you feel that you may want to discuss making some lifestyle and diet changes and need the support of herbal treatment.

If you are worried about your liver function or just want some advice
email me katiedobiesz@hotmail.com