How to help your liver help you

Did you know that March is Liver Health Month?

Your liver is the largest internal organ in your body and it is highly complex. It is responsible for cleansing out toxins, fighting off infection, controlling blood sugar, among other important functions. According to the Canadian Liver Foundation, the liver performs over 500 different functions! To honour our largest internal organ, we want to help you take better care of your liver with these helpful tips:

Water

The liver is your body’s natural filter. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day will help your liver flush out toxins.

Nutrition

Eat plenty of fibre-rich fruits and vegetables such as apples, oranges, bananas, pears, berries, broccoli and leafy greens. Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating recommends eating small regular meals from all four food groups. According to the LIVESTRONG Foundation, when your diet is rich in fibre, the toxins are able to bind to the fibre and exit the body efficiently. When your body is lacking in fibre, the toxins are circulated back into your blood. This is extra work for your liver to flush out the toxins.

Alcohol

The best amount of alcohol for your liver is no alcohol at all. If you do drink, try to limit your alcohol consumption to two drinks a night. Never mix alcohol and medication as this can be dangerous to your liver.

Exercise

Exercising helps stimulate your liver to flush out the toxins while improving your cardiovascular health. The LIVESTRONG Foundation recommends exercises such as aerobics, jogging, running and strength training.

You will notice the health benefits of your body once you start taking care of your liver. If you drink more water, eat a fibre-rich diet, limit your alcohol consumption and exercise regularly, your liver will thank you!

Sources:

http://www.liver.ca/liver-health/

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/index-eng.php

http://www.livestrong.com/article/108918-cleanse-human-liver-toxins/

http://www.canadianliving.com/health/nutrition/article/the-real-way-to-do-a-detox-or-cleanse