Did you know that our bodies have an amazing ability to detoxify themselves from environmental pollution? It's true!
Every day, we're exposed to a range of toxins in our environment, including air pollution, pesticides, and heavy metals.
Lately, there has been much in the news about our exposures to these things increasing through natural disasters and sourcing issues.
But thanks to our liver, kidneys, and other organs, our bodies are able to filter out and eliminate these toxins, keeping us healthy and safe.
It's reassuring to know our bodies are equipped to handle the challenges we face in today's world, so keep reading to learn how to support it in doing so.
Of course, it's important to do our part to minimize our exposure to environmental pollutants as much as possible.
Our bodies have several organs, including the liver, kidneys, and skin, that work together to filter out and eliminate toxins from our environment.
However, these organs can become overburdened with the amount of toxins we're exposed to on a daily basis.
That's where herbs, essential oils, plants, vitamins, and minerals can come in to support the detoxification process.
I'm going outline several ways to support your detoxification system naturally, and share how I'm doing it with my own family!
I'll even share some food medicine recipes you can make and enjoy anytime.
First off, are Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, which have been shown to have potential benefits for liver health.
They are a rich source of antioxidants, including carotenoids and flavonoids, which have been shown to protect liver cells from oxidative stress and damage.
Additionally, goji berries have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the liver and improve liver function.
Some studies have suggested that goji berries may be particularly beneficial for people with liver disease, including those with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Incorporating goji berries into a healthy diet may be a simple and natural way to support liver health, especially when you choose a delicious way to include them.
Recently, a family member had a small surgery. While in the surgery, her doctor noted the health of her liver. He said, and I quote, "You have the cleanest liver I've ever seen!"
He had been practicing for decades, and went on to say that everyone in the operating room was "jealous" of her healthy liver.
She credits this celebration to taking her wolfberry daily via Ningxia Red.
In fact, I take them at least two ways daily: Once in a combo capsule with MSM (keep reading for more info on that) and once in a multi-mineral antioxidant drink. My husband and children take them, too.
Since we are speaking on berries, let's chat about some more grocery store medicine foods that you can grab to support your liver and overall detoxification system.
Add these foods to meals you already love, or create recipes around them. Keep reading for a fabulous Liver Detox Drink and Detox Salad Recipe later in this post, too!
- Leafy Greens - Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and arugula are rich in chlorophyll, which has been shown to aid in detoxification by binding to toxins and carrying them out of the body. (Source: Healthline)
- Garlic - Garlic contains sulfur compounds that can help the liver activate enzymes responsible for flushing out toxins. (Source: Medical News Today)
- Beets - Beets are high in antioxidants and can help the liver remove toxins from the body. (Source: Healthline)
- Citrus Fruits - Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and grapefruits are high in vitamin C, which can help the liver produce detoxifying enzymes. (Source: Healthline)
- Turmeric - Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can help protect the liver from damage. (Source: Healthline)
- Cruciferous Vegetables - Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage contain compounds that can help the liver produce enzymes that detoxify carcinogens. (Source: Medical News Today)
- Green Tea - Green tea contains catechins, which are antioxidants that can help protect the liver from damage and aid in detoxification. (Source: Healthline)
- Artichokes - Artichokes are high in antioxidants and can help the liver produce bile, which carries toxins out of the body. (Source: Healthline)
- Ginger - Ginger contains compounds called gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can help protect the liver from damage. (Source: Medical News Today)
- Blueberries - Blueberries are a rich source of antioxidants, including anthocyanins, which have been shown to support the body's natural detoxification processes. (Source: Medical News Today)
Number one on the list above is a winner partly because of it's MSM content.
One of my favorite supplements for overall health is MSM!
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) has been found to have several potential benefits for liver health.
One of the main ways that MSM may benefit the liver is through its ability to reduce inflammation in the body.
Studies have shown that MSM can help reduce inflammation in the liver and improve markers of liver function in people with these conditions.
Additionally, MSM has been shown to have antioxidant properties, which can help protect liver cells from damage and promote overall liver health!
We personally have had reduced and even removed pain and better skin hair and nails since taking a supplement with BOTH MSM and wolfberries (see above) daily.
In terms of vitamins and minerals, antioxidants like vitamins C and E, as well as minerals like zinc and selenium, can help protect the body from the damaging effects of toxins.
Interestingly, certain plants can come high in trace minerals, depending where they are grown. This is certainly true for plants grown in the Ningxia region of China, deep in the Yellow River Flood Plains that are saturated with clean, fresh run-off from the Himalayan Mountains (think Himalayan salt...full of minerals!).
The flood plains are called "Yellow River" because of the golden saturation of minerals the water coming off the mountains carries.
Plants grown here are rich in minerals, and the Ningxia Red wolfberries used in the two supplements we take for liver and detoxification support are grown there!
It's also helpful to note that some herbs, like Peppermint, can aid both in digestion, liver health, and absorption of these minerals, so your body can get and use them.
That's why I often take and give trace minerals that are spiked with peppermint and other aids daily to support our detoxification systems and moods.
And don't forget about the power of hydration - drinking plenty of water can help flush toxins out of the body and gives the proper hydration to lymph fluids.
Adding edible cold-pressed oil of Lemon is widely accepted as a supportive detoxification practice that aids in digestion and alkalizing the body, while providing Liver support and great taste to encourage us to keep drinking!
Chamomile and Blue Tansy essential oils are also believed to aid in liver system function, and using them topically can be a simple way to get the benefits of them circulating in your body.
In fact, the compound that makes Blue Tansy blue is chamazulene, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
These properties can help protect liver cells from damage and reduce inflammation in the liver.
Blue tansy has also been found to have hepatoprotective effects, which means it can help protect the liver from toxins and other harmful substances.
Additionally, blue tansy has been shown to have choleretic effects, meaning it can stimulate the production and flow of bile, which helps the liver remove waste and toxins from the body.
We keep an essential oil blend for liver support in the bathroom by our toothbrushes, and we apply it to our skin, directly over the liver, morning and night.
When I forget to use the blend, the first place I notice is in my skin! Beginning using it brought me so much skin healing that I wasn't even expecting. It was a welcome surprise!
Using essential oils topically could not be any easier, smells lovely, and is a great way to help children with their health!
Sometimes, unless the supplement is yummy like our favorite wolfberryantioxidant drink, getting children and babies to take things can be challenging...but essential oils are often applied topically like the JuvaFlex I mentioned above, so that doesn't even matter!
This is a great win for families who want to provide their children with environmental toxin support during these interesting times!
Making meals that include liver and detoxification system supportive foods is also an easy way to support yourself and those you cook meals for.
One of my favorite ways to support the liver is through hot and cold drinks to sip on throughout the day.
Liver Support Sipper
Ingredients:
- 1 inch piece of fresh ginger root
- 1/2 lemon
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Optional: Add 1 drops of edible Lemon essential oil
Instructions:
- Peel the ginger root and slice it into small pieces.
- Squeeze the juice from half a lemon into a glass, then twist the rind to release the oils from the skin into the glass.
- In a small pot, bring the cup of water to a boil.
- Add the sliced ginger to the boiling water and turn off heat but leave pot on stovetop for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the ginger water into the glass with lemon juice.
- Add honey to taste, if desired.
- Stir the mixture and let it cool down for a few minutes.
- Enjoy your liver detox drink while it's still warm, ideally. Alternatively, chill and serve over ice for a refreshing drink.
Detox Salad with Citrus Dressing
Ingredients:
- 1 cup kale, chopped
- 1 cup arugula
- 1/2 cup beets, shredded
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
- 1 garlic clove, minced or crushed
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp. turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Add 1-3 drops of edible citrus essential oils
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine kale, arugula, beets, broccoli, avocado, and almonds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Of course, it's always important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new supplements or natural remedies.
But with the right support, our bodies can continue to do the amazing job of detoxifying from environmental toxins and keeping us healthy and strong.
My family has seen firsthand the power of providing detoxification system support in healing and improving energy and mood.
You're welcome to shoot me a message to discuss what might be right for you.
So next time you're feeling overwhelmed by the state of the environment, what's in the news, etc....remember that your body is an amazing machine designed to keep you safe and healthy.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." John 14:27
Take care of your body, friend, and it will take care of you!
And always remember to put your faith and trust not in things, but in the One who holds you in His hands.
Be well!
References:
- Cheng, J., Liao, M., Zhou, W., Zhang, X., Zhang, Y., & Liu, Y. (2016). The hepatoprotective potential of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides in preventing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A review. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 88, 133-142
- Chen, Z., Hu, Y., Zhang, Y., Liu, J., & Xu, H. (2014). Protective effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in mice. Archives of Pharmacal Research, 37(7), 890-899.
- Parcell, S. (2002). Sulfur in human nutrition and applications in medicine. Alternative Medicine Review, 7(1), 22-44.
- Kim, Y. H., Kim, D. H., Lim, H., Baek, D. Y., Shin, H. K., & Kim, J. K. (2009). The anti-inflammatory effects of methylsulfonylmethane on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in murine macrophages. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 32(4), 651-656.
- Nakhostin-Roohi, B., Niknam, Z., Vaezi, N., Mohammadi, S., & Bohlooli, S. (2011). Effect of single dose administration of methylsulfonylmethane on oxidative stress following acute exhaustive exercise. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 10(4), 889-896.
- Khalid, S., & Malik, A. U. (2016). A review on phytochemical and pharmacological studies of Tanacetum annuum L. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 5(6), 270-276.
- Horiuchi, M., Yamada, Y., & Sakurai, H. (2016). Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of blue tansy (Tanacetum annuum L.) essential oil on acetaminophen-induced liver damage in mice. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, 24(2), 422-429.
- Chekemiyah, F., & Ezzeldin, E. (2020). Potential therapeutic properties of chamazulene: A review. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 125, 110010.
- Li, X., Li, S., & Zhang, D. (2017). Antioxidant activity and mechanism of Rhodiola, Salidroside, and Tyrosol. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 20(9), 981-988.
- Choi, S. Y., Kim, J. H., Kim, H. J., Kim, Y. M., & Song, B. R. (2016). Alkalizing effect of lemon juice and lemon essential oil in artificial stomach juice: Preliminary evaluation in healthy human subjects. Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science, 46(3), 260-263.
0 Comments