In need of a liver cleanse?

The liver is the second largest organ in the body, and is constantly working overtime to detox the toxins we produce through the food and alcohol we consume. On top of that, it still needs to conjugate hormones, produce bile, detoxify and purify the blood, and metabolize fat, protein and carbohydrates. So it’s no wonder the liver can get a little over worked sometimes, especially if it never gets a break.

When your liver isn't working at it’s optimum pace, you’ll usually experience two or more of the following things: acne/break outs, a bloated feeling, fatigue, IBS, moodiness, weak immunity, bitter taste in the mouth/white coating on the tongue, headaches, excess mucous, PMS and menstrual issues, regularly waking at 2-3 in the morning and an intolerance to fatty foods.

Just like we need a time out to recover, so does your liver. Here’s how you can support your liver to detox in a natural and realistic way throughout the winter period.

1) Eat real food. Remove all processed grains, sugars, fast foods and packaged food. Eating real, whole foods is one of the best ways you can support your liver and your overall health. Eat grains not grain products, fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds, olive oil, high quality proteins and lots of water. Simple right? Yet it’s so easy to get into the habit of grabbing processed or packaged foods. If you’re feeling run down, try stripping it back and getting natural with what you’re eating.

2) Try a few weeks without red meat, sugar and dairy. Conventional meat and dairy are loaded with excess antibiotics, steroids and hormones. And It’s not just antibiotics and hormones that can affect us. In traditional medicines these foods are seen as inflammatory, and western medicine has also now recognised the inflammatory nature of red meat and sugar. Try leaner types of meat like organic chicken, turkey, fish, and plant-based protein such as legumes in order to give your body a break from the heavy stuff.

3) Include herbal supplements that support detoxification. There are some great herbs available that will gently support your liver's efforts:

Milk Thistle - helps produce an antioxidant called glutathione which helps detox your liver and cells.

Turmeric - also high in antioxidants, helps reduce liver inflammation (which we can all be prone to when your poor liver is working overtime in the festive period!)

Dandelion - acts as a diuretic and helps the liver release toxins, and the gall bladder in releasing bile which we know the body needs.

This power house combo of herbs will leave you feeling uplifted, energised and clear headed, which is exactly what we are looking for.

4) Detox through movement. The belief in Chinese medicine is that the emotions we experience directly affect certain organs. Frustration, resentment and anger are all toxic emotions that can literally shut down the liver’s functionality. Gentle exercise and yoga can play a big part in supporting key organ function and reducing stress. So book in for a local class and make it a festive commitment!

4) Eat liver cleansing foods. Leafy greens, sprouts, broccoli, beetroot, artichoke, cucumber, garlic, fresh horseradish, onion, cabbage, pink grapefruit, lemon and most bitter and sour foods are all great for the liver. Try adding a little raw apple cider vinegar, kimchi or sauerkraut to your meals. Adding some milled flax seed to your smoothie is a great source of fibre and will help the process of elimination.

5) Drink a daily ginger and lemon tonic is a great way to start the day off on the right foot. We recommend the following recipe:

x 1 Chunk of ginger, grated
x 2 Lemons (juice of)
x 1 Whole clove of garlic, grated
x 1 tsp fresh pressed organic olive oil
x 100ml coconut water


6) Let us do the hard work for you. And finally, if you want to let us take care of you during this festive period, simply book on to one of our packages. We can be as flexible as you need us to be, so if you just want to have food delivered on Mondays and Tuesdays for the next two months, we can do that. Or we can deliver to you every day of the year, the choice it totally yours. Either way, we look forward to delivering you fresh, wholesome food that is guaranteed to make you feel great from the inside out.