Nurture your body, nurture your liver: insights from a Holistic Nutritionist

When we talk about health and wellness, there’s a silent champion that often goes unnoticed: the liver. Taking care of your liver isn’t just about looking out for one organ — it’s about nurturing your entire body. Your liver’s impact stretches far beyond its size, influencing everything from how your skin glows to how well your digestive and immune systems function, and even the strength of your hair and nails. Yet, despite its vital role, the liver tends to be underestimated as it quietly works to keep our bodies in balance.

As a Holistic Nutritionist with the Canadian Liver Foundation, I’ve seen first-hand how crucial it is to nurture this unsung hero. Let’s dive into the world of liver health and uncover some simple yet powerful ways to support it.

Liver health is declining, but it doesn’t have to

From detoxification to metabolism, the liver is essential for good health. But just as this organ can thrive on the wholesome nutrients found in healthy foods, its optimal functioning can be challenged by things like processed foods and environmental toxins.

The recent and alarming rise in the prevalence of liver disease across Canada serves as a wake-up call for all of us. Factors like obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain dietary habits are taking a toll on liver health. Today, liver cancer is one of the fastest-rising and deadliest forms of cancer in Canada, and fatty liver disease affects 25 per cent of Canadian adults. But there’s hope. By embracing liver-healthy foods and lifestyle practices, we can start to reverse these worrying trends and, in some cases, restore our livers to a healthy state.

Your liver is a behind-the-scenes superhero

Supporting liver health can have a ripple effect throughout your entire body: 

• A well-functioning liver supports immune function, aiding the body’s defence against infections and illnesses.
• The liver produces bile, eliminating toxic substances from your body and aiding with your digestion. 
• It can also play a role in regulating hormones, including sex hormones, thyroid hormones, cortisone, and other adrenal hormones.

So, how can you show your liver some love? Feed it a diet rich in: 

• Leafy greens like kale and spinach, which are rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients
• Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and brussels sprouts, known for their natural detoxifying properties
• Fatty fish like salmon, a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids essential for liver health
• Colourful berries bursting with antioxidants
• Beans, lentils, and legumes that are rich in dietary fibre 

Daily meals with the above ingredients can help nourish your body. Click here for some recipe inspiration. 

Isn’t it time we all give our livers the attention they deserve? 

by Laura Dellandrea

Holistic Nutritionist with the Canadian Liver Foundation

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