In this article, we will discuss why our liver gets toxic, the clear signs that our body gives, the best foods, and the three most effective ways as mentioned in the Ayurvedic scriptures to cleanse the liver without much effort. So without any further delay, let’s get started.
Foremost, we must know why liver health is important. Consider a cloth that you use for daily cleaning. If it is overloaded with dirt, at some point, it would need a cleanse to work effectively. Similarly, the liver is our detoxifying organ in the body that converts toxins into waste materials which then get eliminated through different channels. So if liver function is compromised, toxins get accumulated which then become the reason for various acute and chronic health problems.
How do we know if our liver function is compromised?
Liver is one of the most hardworking organs in the body with over 500 functions attributed to its name. Being such a vital organ, any problem in the liver, body is proactive enough to show signs and signals. Most common being pigmentation on skin and premature graying of hair. This clearly shows excess heat in the liver. An important function of the liver is to break down fat. So if you have gained weight or have reached a weight loss plateau, you might just need a liver cleanse. Liver is the storehouse of iron. So if you are anemic, you need to focus on your liver.
Other important warning signs include chronic fatigue, bad breath, yellowish appearance of skin and eyes, dark yellow urine, loss of appetite, swelling in legs and other body parts, high triglyceride levels, skin that feels itchy, allergies of food and skin, pale or orangish color of stool, and the tendency to bruise easily. If not acted upon, this can cause major damage to the body.
Why does our liver get toxic?
Even though the liver is quite resilient, if it gets overburdened, it loses its efficiency. A lot of factors contribute. Other than air and water pollution, binge drinking, smoking, pesticides in food, over medication, usage of refined oils for cooking, excessive indulgence in preservative laden packaged foods, refined sugary foods, non vegetarian food, fatty foods overload the liver.
Basically the more toxins you expose your body to, the harder it will be for your liver to detoxify. Then every time you get angry or irritated, your liver has to pay the price as anger is closely related to the health of your liver. It’s a known fact that our body detoxifies during deep sleep. Compromising on sleep doesn’t give an opportunity for the liver to recharge.
How do you cleanse the liver?
It’s simple, reduces the toxic overload and your liver is capable enough to rejuvenate itself. This can be done by eradicating the causal factors as much as possible. Ayurvedic scriptures elaborately talk about various herbs and concoctions that can rejuvenate the liver within a few days. Out of so many, I have selected three ways which are easy, practical and effective.
1. Sugar cane juice
First one is simply to have a glass of fresh sugar cane juice on an empty stomach continuously for about 15 days. Fresh sugar cane is a boon to strengthen the liver. No wonder it is recommended by doctors during jaundice. The antioxidants in sugar cane juice protect the liver against infection and maintain the bilirubin levels in control. It gets even better with added ginger and lemon juice. You can have it one hour before breakfast in the morning or in the evening two to three hours after lunch. Avoid it post sunset. At such an economical price, it’s not only tasty but also easily available all around the year.
2. Bhringraj Asav
The second option is Bhringraj Asav. A classical formulation prepared using Bhringraj, Haritaki, Dhai Phool, Naag Kesar and others, it is well known to reverse hair and skin problems. That’s because its direct action is on the liver. In fact, studies have proven Bhringraj Asav to be more potent in preventing liver damage than milk thistle seeds which are among the most popular liver detox supplements in the market. And it is way cheaper.
You need to take 4 teaspoons of Bhringraj Asav with 4 teaspoons of water once a day, 30 minutes after breakfast or lunch. You can buy any reputed brand. It is easily available online and offline. Just one bottle is good enough to bring your liver back to action. Easy to digest, more penetrating and without any side effects, it can give a run for their money to most liver detox syrups in the market.
3. Kutki
Then the third option is to have Kutki. Bitter in taste, cooling, cleansing and antimicrobial powerhouse, Kutki is one of the best herbs for liver in Ayurveda. In an interesting study, a bunch of rodents were given a liver damaging agent. Later with a small dose of Kutki powder, their liver was found to be significantly healed.
Kutki is so effective that it is often prescribed to treat even the most liver disorders. At the same time, it is safe and has no side effects. You just need to take half teaspoon of Kutki powder with half teaspoon of honey one hour before breakfast. Have it daily for 15 days for a deep cleanse. Each of these three remedies is powerful in its own aspect. You can choose as per your convenience. Eating fresh, homely food keeps sliver health in check.
What are the best Foods for Liver Health?
You must also know the best foods for your liver. Turmeric is among the top foods. Other foods like fenugreek seeds, ginger, and jaggery are also great for the liver. In fruits, grapes, pears, lemon, coconut, and amla are highly beneficial. Then high fiber foods like whole grains, leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds help cleanse the liver.
Beetroot and carrots in any form are rejuvenating for the liver. To eliminate the causal factors, there are a few things that can be done. Soak fruits and vegetables in a baking soda solution to remove pesticides. Start using traditional cold pressed oils for cooking.
Practice a minimum 15 minutes of yoga daily to stay calm and happy. Avoid foods that play havoc with the liver. Start using cast iron utensils for cooking to optimize liver health. To sum up, try to reduce the toxic overload on your liver as much as possible. Include foods that will help strengthen your liver. Do not compromise on your sleep. Then pick any one of these three remedies as per your preference.
Conclusion
When it comes to fighting toxins out, the liver is our best friend. So it is paramount that we take good care of it. Following the above, your liver will renew and you will feel lighter, energetic, your hormones will come in place, the body will absorb the nutrients better, weight loss will become easier, immunity will improve, and you will experience a heightened state of health.