Liver Restoration :: Health and Disease

Liver Restoration
by author Keith Stelling, MNIMH, Dip Phyt

Perhaps because there is no Western orthodox medical treatment for the liver, the liver is, unfortunately, overlooked as the cause of many health problems.

For centuries, however, herbalists have been able to make a big difference in the lives of people suffering from the wide range of problems that can be associated with compromised liver function. These health conditions include poor energy levels; chronic indigestion and malabsorption; itchy rashes and many other skin complaints; elevated cholesterol levels; and menstrual difficulties including painful periods, hormone imbalance and premenstrual syndrome.

Even our emotions can be influenced by the liver. Chronic depression as well as excessive anger can result when the liver is overburdened or working under encumbrance. And nowadays, because we are all exposed to increasing amounts of toxic chemicals in our environment, a happy, healthy liver is essential to survival.

Just as the name liver implies, our very existence is dependent on the hundreds of physiological functions carried out by this vital organ. It processes everything we eat so that the energy from food can be used at the cellular level. At the same time, it diligently carries out the removal of the waste products of metabolism, disposing of toxic and harmful materials, and breaking down chemicals (including hormones) that are no longer needed within the body. It also extracts reusable components and excretes the residue by means of the continuous flow of bile. There is also an immune system component to its work.

How the Liver Cleanses

Deep inside the liver are found "Kuppfer cells" (cells able to eat the bacteria in your body, their primary function is the production of bile)–part of the strategic gut associated lymphatic tissue or "GALT" system. These cells are capable of removing 99 percent (or more) of bacteria from portal venous blood before it passes all the way through the liver sinusoids (small blood vessels). Adequate absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K is assured by sufficient secretion of bile. The gall bladder, which is a much less complex organ, is simply a hollow muscular sack, capable of contracting at mealtimes and forcing into the intestines the considerable amount of bile it has collected in order to complete the digestive process in the intestine.

How can we protect the liver and even help improve its function? Liver protection strategy should begin with careful attention to the food we put into our bodies. Synthetic chemicals pose real problems for the liver. Food additives including preservatives, emulsifiers, colourings and stabilizers play havoc with the delicate operation of liver cells. Similarly chemicals such as lawn herbicides, heavy metals and all the other vast array of toxic man-made substances that are daily being released into our environment present significant problems for this marvellous organ which was not designed to process synthetic chemical substances.

Clearly, a planetary clean-up of chemical pollutants is essential to our survival as a species. On a domestic level, avoidance of toxic lawn and garden chemicals, harsh household cleaners and a careful food selection–no highly processed, fried, fatty foods and sugar–is the first step towards liver restoration. Similarly, excessive alcohol should be avoided. Some pharmaceutical drugs, including antibiotics and some analgesics, are known to be toxic or taxing on the liver.

Help Your Liver–Eat Healthily

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Keith Stelling is a herbalist with a holistic approach. He has retired from active practice and resides in Southampton, Ontario.

Source: alive #221, March 2001

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