Give your liver a break
The liver is an important organ in our body and involved in many processes. It is especially important for our metabolism. Furthermore, the liver is responsible for detoxification and the excretion of waste products, protein production, fat digestion, and nutrient storage.
These are a lot of tasks to keep our body running, and so the liver needs a break every now and then. A week of fasting is ideal for this.
The functions of the liver
Detoxification function
One of its most important roles is detoxifying our body. This allows us to convert and break down foreign substances, toxic substances, and even our own hormones.
Production of proteins
The liver is responsible for producing a variety of proteins. These include blood clotting factors and the transport protein albumin, which transports many substances throughout the body in the blood.
Metabolic regulation
The liver also plays an important role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism. For example, it absorbs sugar from the blood and stores it in the form of glycogen. From this, sugar (glucose) can be quickly released in the event of hypoglycemia. Furthermore, the liver regulates fat metabolism.
Production of bile
The liver produces up to 600 ml of bile daily. This green bile is used to digest fats and excrete toxins. As you can see, the liver has a lot to do. If you give it a regular break, you'll be doing yourself and your body a favor. One option is fasting, where you deliberately avoid heavy food intake.
Symptoms of an overloaded liver
The liver is extremely vulnerable, and therefore it can take a long time for the symptoms of an overloaded or already damaged liver to become noticeable. An overloaded liver can manifest itself through a variety of symptoms:
- Digestive problems, feeling of fullness, bloating (especially after fatty and heavy meals)
- High blood fat levels (cholesterol)
- Fatigue and lack of motivation
- Unexplained and constantly recurring back pain
- Rash and itching
- Impure skin
- Recurrent headaches
Fatty liver – a common disease in industrialized countries
We live in an industrialized country where fatty liver disease is one of the most common liver diseases. Why is this? Here are some of the causes:
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Excessive and sometimes incorrect nutrition
- Lipid metabolism disorders
- Certain medications
Often, we don't experience any symptoms, just a slight feeling of pressure in the right upper abdomen, or fatigue, tiredness, and headaches. If fatty liver disease persists over a longer period of time, it can manifest itself or even lead to liver cirrhosis.
How the liver can regenerate and support your health
The liver is an organ that can regenerate quickly. It appreciates a break, for example, by avoiding or reducing liver-damaging substances.
You should avoid:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco / Smoking
- Sugary drinks
- Opulent meals
Pay attention to this:
- Drink plenty of fluids (water & herbal tea)
- Balanced, plant-based diet
- Bitter substances support your gallbladder
- Daily exercise
Why should you give your liver a break 2-3 times a year?
- You have more power and concentration in everyday life.
- Back and headaches may subside.
- Your digestion can be improved.
- Rashes and itching may subside.
- Your skin's appearance can improve.
- Fatigue/lack of motivation may improve.
- Your body comes into balance.