Victoria’s Read

 The liver is one of the most important overall organs for wellness, and unfortunately it’s also one of our most abused ones. Your liver is responsible for cleansing the blood, moderating sugar and hormones. It is often at the root of women’s health issues.

We assault our liver with a fatty sugar laden diet that makes it sluggish and impedes its function.  A major component of our modern diets that’s overworking our liver seems to be added to almost every product, High Fructose Corn Syrup or HFCS. Your body runs on glucose, not fructose. Fructose is not bad; it’s the MASSIVE amounts we now get that are. Your body metabolized fructose in a much different way than glucose with the entire burden falling on the liver. So what can we do? Read the labels, and avoid HCFS sweetened products as much as possible. Almost 100% of regular soda pop is HCFS sweetened.

The liver is no exception when it comes to being affected by stress. From Acupressure we have a couple of useful points. Liver-14 (LV14), which is located below the breast approximately where the bra wire rests, closer to the center (sternum) and in a small indent between the ribs. Press in on these points and if they are tender, your liver could likely use a boost. Hold or gently massage these points till the pain subsides (1-5min). This point helps to regulate and balance the liver. If you are having menstrual difficulties, this is a great point to use frequently.

The next point is Liver-3 (LV3), which is on the foot between the first and second toe and about two finger widths back from the web. This is a powerful point for many health issues and especially for women. This is also a great point to help relieve headaches that reside behind the eyes. Hold or massage like the previous point. Using these points daily will strengthen the livers response and bring on quicker results to other efforts to help the liver.

From the herbal world, you can look to Milk Thistle to improve liver function. Health Canada recognizes it for its benefits and recommends 140-600 mg/day but check with your physician before taking it to see if it’s appropriate for you and what dosage to take.

Eat plenty of green veggies. Bitter vegetables like asparagus, swiss chard and spinach can have a cleansing effect on the liver.

Stay well, stay strong… you deserve it.

If you are interested in these approaches, email info@ohanawellness.ca or visit our website at www.ohanawellness.ca.

©Darren Renaud  Natural Health Practitioner