If you want to lose weight this year there is no better way than to get your liver in shape.

A healthy liver regulates fat metabolism and can pump excess fat out of your body via the bile. A healthy liver is the furnace of the body and generates heat and energy, so little wonder you will suffer fatigue if you have a sluggish liver.

People with an overworked liver commonly perspire excessively and are very sensitive to high temperatures.

Lack of energy is a common problem and takes away your desire to exercise, leading to more weight gain. Many overweight and fatigued people help restore their health by improving their liver function.

So, in this busy and stressful life what can we manage to do to improve the function of this vitally important organ the liver?

 

Grow an organic herb garden

– if you don’t have a backyard, you can grow herbs in pots on your veranda or windowsill.

Powerful herbs to improve your liver and gut health are – parsley, mint, coriander, basil, thyme and oregano. These herbs grow easily in a sunny spot with regular watering and good soil. You can also grow garlic and turmeric, as these vegetables have proven liver benefits. These herbs and vegetables can be added to salads or raw juices.

The green herbs are liver cleansing and stimulate the ability of the liver to remove toxins. They are high in magnesium and powerful antioxidants that can reverse liver damage. They stimulate the flow of bile and improve digestion which is helpful for those with gallbladder problems and gallstones.

Thyme and oregano have powerful antibiotic and antiviral properties, which is very helpful for those with frequent or chronic infections. Many of these herbs have strong flavours and very small amounts can be effective. Add these herbs when making your raw juices – the flavours of these herbs are really delicious when included in a raw juice with fresh pineapple, orange, lime and carrot.

 

Buy a sprouting machine

– grow sprouts from beans and seeds – these are high in protein and easily absorbed and digested.

 

Eat foods high in the mineral sulphur

– such as free range eggs and cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, collards and broccoli.

Vegetables from the onion family such as leeks, onions, garlic and shallots are also high in sulphur. Sulphur is needed to break down toxic chemicals in the liver cells where it is an integral part of the powerful liver protector glutathione.

 

Take a good liver tonic

– make sure you choose one which contains a large dose of Milk Thistle, Bgroup  vitamins, lipotropic nutrients, antioxidant vitamins and minerals, including selenium, and amino acids high in sulphur.

 

Drink plenty of water

– this will increase elimination of toxins that the liver has broken down.

 

Restrict your intake of sugar, flour and grain based foods

– these include bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, breakfast cereals and foods containing flour, such as cakes and biscuits.

Your liver is very good at converting excess dietary carbohydrate into fat.  Most people eat far more carbohydrate than their body requires.

If you have excess fat on your body it means you ate more carbohydrate than your body needed and you have converted it into fat.  Try to base your diet on vegetables, salads, fish, eggs, chicken, red meat (optional and in small amounts), fruit, legumes (pulses), raw nuts and seeds.

The book Can’t Lose Weight? You Could Have Syndrome X contains an easy to follow low carbohydrate eating plan.