If the liver is so important to so many functions in the
body – and it is – what can you do to support healthy liver function? The first thing to talk about might be what
not to do: Eat moderately of saturated
fat-laden foods (animal meats, cream, cheese, eggs and low quality fats such as
margarine and rancid oils,) and alcohol.
All of these foods tend to
congest liver function.
Obviously, the first issue is moderation. Secondly, if these foods make the liver work
harder then it is easier to understand why the liver needs some Tender Loving
Care now and then! Try to reduce
portions of foods that are hard on your digestive system, eliminate what you
can without feeling unduly deprived.
Think fresh. Cooking whole foods
with some flavoring is a great place to start. Your liver loves cruciferous vegetables (cabbages, greens, brussel sprouts, broccoli,
cauliflower, kohlrabi), members of the onion family, beets, and the following
list of flavorings: turmeric, basil, cardamom,
marjoram, cumin, fennel, dill, ginger, horseradish, rosemary and many mints. Fruits also help detoxify and harmonize the
liver, especially: strawberry, peach,
cherry. My nutrition guru is Paul Pitchford, author of Healing with Whole Foods, (1993). He is an
internationally respected researcher and healer, blending Asian healing practices with whole food nutrition. You can check out his website at: www.healingwithwholefoods.com
Another book I really recommend, very
readable and full of information on eating to be - or become - healthy is Gillian
McKeith’s You Are What You Eat (2005.)
One way to help digestion quickly is to sip organic cider
vinegar (available in our local grocery stores) with a little honey in it. Vinegar is an effective and quick way to
relieve liver congestion. Citrus fruits
in the morning are also a great liver harmonizer – grapefruit, lemon or lime
fresh-squeezed with a tablespoon of organic flax seed oil a great way to start
any day!
And what does Acupressure bring to the picture? Doing a simple
three-step point pattern will increase liver function, relieve
liver-related symptoms like headache, blurry eyes, stiff neck, those
occasional pains under the right rib and even sinus congestion - and don't forget anger management. Put one
hand at the base of your neck in the hollow to one side (left hand to
left side of head). Place your other hand on your opposite collarbone
(I usually stretch my fingers along the collarbone - right hand to right
collarbone.) Hold this position for several minutes until the
headache begins to subside, the sinus begins to clear, you feel sane again....... Then move
the hand off the collarbone to just below the right rib and hold again
for another 2 minutes or so (the left hand stays at the back of the
head.) These holds are gentle, no extreme pressure, your hands
should not get tired. Then switch sides. This pressure technique is from Jin Shin Jyutsu, the style I have used for fifteen years - easy, gentle and effective!
