The New Year is a time to recover from the party season, lose some of that dreaded December weight gain and recharge your energy levels. So, if you are considering a dry January or you simply wish to embrace the New Year with a healthy start, then supporting your liver – which performs hundreds of different jobs – should be one of your top priorities.
Liver health can massively impact energy levels and the speed at which you gain weight. This is because thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and these need to be chemically changed in the liver before they can be used. If your liver isn’t working optimally it will result in poor change of these hormones.
Your liver also converts sugar into glycogen, which it stores and releases between meals to keep your energy levels up. If your liver is under strain, it may find it harder to store glycogen, which can lead to blood sugar issues in the form of fatigue, sugar cravings and mood swings.
Follow these gentle guidelines to help boost your liver and achieve your New Year goals:
- LIGHTEN THE LOAD
- Eliminate or cut back on caffeine, sugar and alcohol
- Rethink your household and personal care products to avoid parabens and sulfates. These are synthetic oestrogens and contribute to hormone imbalances.
- Medication and prescription drugs place an extra burden on the liver, so make sure you are taking the lowest effective dose.
- Eat organic – if you can afford it – as non-organic food contains artificial hormones, growth hormones and other chemical additives.
- FUEL AND FORTIFY
- Start your day with a mug of hot water and lemon. Citric acid encourages the liver to produce bile, which helps eliminate toxins.
- Stew seasonal fruits with turmeric, ginger or cinnamon in order to make a delicious and nutritious breakfast. These warming spices support optimal liver function.
- Aid digestion with homemade bone broths and vegetable soups. These are rich in nutrients, which deeply nourish the liver and support digestion.
- Add in plenty of liver-boosting, sulphur-rich foods such as garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts.
- Beetroot and carrots are also great for stimulating the detoxification process and green leafy vegetables are great for mopping up environmental toxins from the blood stream.
- LOVE AND LIFESTYLE
- Get moving as research shows that daily moderate exercise can enhance liver function enzymes.
- Use a gentle body brush before your morning shower to stimulate blood flow and further encourage detoxification.
- Finally, at the end of the day, try bathing in magnesium flakes to soothe and replenish the body.
If you would like support to embrace the New Year with a healthy start, please get in touch: nutrition@sarahchesler.com or 07860472261.
