Good Seasonal Foods for the Liver
This article was first published in the December/January 2006 issue of Awareness Magazine
As we approach this festive time of year, we begin to see the health and fitness
centres emptying and the bars filling up as the seasonal celebrations begin. Whilst
the season of goodwill may offer nourishment to our souls, so begins a season of
onslaught to our poor old livers. Copious quantities of alcohol are cheerily consumed,
along with generous amounts of chocolates, mince pies, cakes and Christmas pudding;
alas all are enemies of the liver.
Consider the importance of the liver to health; a vital function of the liver is removing toxins from our bodies. Once our ability to detoxify is reduced we can begin to create problems for the body. Just about any allergic or inflammatory problem may involve sub-optimum liver function including eczema, asthma, chronic fatigue, inflammatory bowel disorders, arthritis and hormone imbalances, not to mention brain fog and mood swings. So surely on this basis it is worth offering a Christmas treat to your liver.
Healthy alternatives
So can we celebrate in a way that is as good for our livers as for our spirits? Try replacing offenders such as alcohol, caffeine, sugary foods, fried foods and saturated fat with the following liver friendly foods:
- Roasted chestnuts
- Baked apples stuffed with raisins and ground almonds
- Nuts and seeds roasted for five minutes in tamari, thyme and rosemary make a tasty snack for guests
- Dandelion coffee is a real treat for the liver
- Punch made with red grape juice, cinnamon sticks and cloves
- Wholesome winter vegetable soup
- Brussel sprouts and winter greens
- A warm cup of lemon and water will kick start the liver at the beginning of the day
- Artichokes and turmeric will aid liver function
- Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables provide antioxidants that help protect the liver
- Drinking plenty of purified water is most important of all
Avoiding hangovers
If you do happen to overindulge at the Christmas party, consider offering the liver a little emergency treatment before bedtime by way of:
- At least a pint of water as much of the hangover is due to dehydration
- A strong mug of dandelion coffee
- 1000mg vitamin C
- Strong B complex
Merry Christmas
I wish you and your liver a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year!
Find out more
- Home
- What is Nutritional Therapy?
- What Happens at a Consultation?
- About Catherine
- Articles
- Contact Catherine
About Catherine
Catherine is a Nutritional Therapist practicing in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, Scotland.
She is a graduate of the Institute for Optimum Nutrition and a member of the British Association for Nutritional Therapy.
We'll call you!
Enter your details if you'd like Catherine to call to discuss how a consultation could help you.
Send Catherine a message
Nutritional Therapy in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, Scotland
Mobile 07977 135865
