Summer is a time that we envision as fun, relaxing, and carefree. But that doesn’t mean you can throw self-care to the wind, especially caring for your vital organs, like your liver. So ask yourself –
Is your liver swimsuit ready? And what does that even mean?
A healthy liver works overtime to convert toxins to waste products and is responsible for successfully managing a number of complicated tasks in the body. It filters the blood and breaks down fats. It clears toxins from the system and makes bile which breaks down food for proper digestion. It builds proteins and regulates hormones. It balances the metabolism.
You may not think much about your liver until it’s not functioning properly and you feel horrible. Typical symptoms of a dysfunctional liver are:
- Fatigue
- Bruising
- Jaundice
- Loss of appetite
- hormonal imbalances
- Nausea and upset stomach
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Confusion and poor concentration
During the summer you have to be particularly careful. Heat, humidity, and sun exposure can all cause stress to your body and systems. High humidity can cause the body to retain fluids, which puts pressure on the liver and lead to liver damage over time.
Hydration. As the weather warms up, your metabolism changes. You sweat more, especially if you work outside, which results in water loss for the body that we need to compensate for. This is when water is your best friend.
Beware of sugary drinks like sweetened iced tea that also contains caffeine, a known diuretic. Or maybe you drink more alcohol in the summer at the beach or when hanging out with friends. Fried food is another culprit, salty and greasy. These things push the liver into overdrive.
Safe Sunning. Try to plan your outdoor time around the hottest times of day when the sun is the strongest. Sunburn is dehydrating, and heatstroke can also stress the liver. If you can’t get indoors during that time, at least find a spot in the shade, wear a sunhat and sunglasses, and/ or sit under an umbrella. When choosing a sunscreen, look for the cleanest ones possible. Here’s a list of ingredients you should avoid:
- titanium dioxide
- isavobenzone
- cinoxate, dioxybenzone
- ensulizole, homosalate
- meradimate, octinoxate
- octisalate
- octocrylene
- oxybenzone
- padimate O
Diet. My Golden Goddess Plate approach includes vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, as well as the specific things on the list below. My Golden Goddess Plate approach incorporates things from this list. Foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins can help reduce inflammation and support the health of your liver.
Other specific foods you can add to your regular diet to support liver health:
- Fermented foods: Kefir, kimchi, sourdough bread, Kombucha, sauerkraut, tempeh, natto, and miso
- High-antioxidant fruits: blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries
- Cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, bok choy, cauliflower
- Leafy greens: kale, Swiss chard, spinach
- Coconut oil
- Apple cider vinegar
Alcohol Consumption. Alcohol is a big stressor for the liver. During summer months, it’s important to monitor your alcohol intake and choose healthier options like sparkling water, fresh juices, or smoothies.
Here are some mocktail suggestions to keep you hydrated:
Regular Exercise. Regular exercise can help improve blood flow to the liver and support its functioning. Even a 30-minute walk or jog can make a significant difference.
The most important thing you can do to support your liver is to ensure your Drainage Funnel is working to its potential.
What is the Drainage Funnel
The drainage funnel starts with the colon, ensuring we have two to three healthy bowel movements a day, and ends with the drainage of cells. In between are the organs and tissues, the lymphatic system, and the liver and bile ducts. All of these body parts are focused on the same thing – clearing waste and toxins from the body. So if one part is backed up, the whole system will eventually suffer.
At Nourishing Lab, we help clients find a healthy lifestyle that works for them. Read more about how we work here.
Drainage Funnel: https://vagusclinic.com/drainage-funnel
https://nutritionstripped.com/love-your-liver-iced-tea/
