Sluggish liver

In naturopathic medicine, poor eating habits are considered a key cause of sluggish liver function (for example, eating too many foods that are high in fat and/or are heavily processed). Being overweight or obese may also compromise liver function by causing fatty tissue to accumulate in the liver (fatty liver).

Additionally, certain prescription medications and environmental toxins may affect liver function.

• Professional treatment of all serious liver conditions is very important, however, if you are simply suffering from a sluggish liver, the following natural remedies may be of assistance. Your naturopath can also assist by tailoring a treatment plan to your individual circumstances. 
• Milk thistle has traditionally been used as a liver tonic and supports the regeneration of liver cells. It may help protect the liver against potentially harmful substances such as alcohol.
• In Western herbal medicine, bitter tasting herbs such as gentian and dandelion root are traditionally regarded as tonic herbs for the digestive system. It is believed that when their bitter flavours are sensed by the tastebuds, a reflex action stimulates the production of saliva and digestive juices, enhancing the functioning of the stomach, liver, gall bladder and bowel and aiding symptoms such as nausea, indigestion and poor appetite.   
• Taking a combination of globe artichoke, dandelion root and vitamin C supports liver function by aiding in the production and flow of bile from the gall bladder. This combination has traditionally been used to assist detoxification. Consequently these ingredients can be taken to relieve digestive symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain and nausea and assist the digestion and breakdown of fats. 
• Taking vitamin C and zinc may be beneficial, replacing nutrients depleted by alcohol and smoking. 
• Lecithin assists in the metabolism of dietary fats.

• Adopt a lifelong healthy eating and exercise plan. If you are overweight, take steps to reach a healthy body weight.
• Eating a diet that‘s high in fibre and water supports regular bowel function, and assists your body in eliminating wastes so that they don’t accumulate in the colon. A high fibre diet may also help you lose weight if necessary. Consuming plenty of fruit and vegetables, whole grains and legumes will help you maintain adequate fibre levels.
• Avoid foods that are high in fat, and prioritise healthy fat sources such as olive oil, fish, and nuts, seeds and their oils.
• Don’t eat junk foods or heavily processed foods.
• Use non-toxic cleaning products and avoid exposure to toxic chemicals at home or work.
  

• Adopt a lifelong healthy eating and exercise plan. If you are overweight, take steps to reach a healthy body weight.
• Eating a diet that‘s high in fibre and water supports regular bowel function, and assists your body in eliminating wastes so that they don’t accumulate in the colon. A high fibre diet may also help you lose weight if necessary. Consuming plenty of fruit and vegetables, whole grains and legumes will help you maintain adequate fibre levels.
• Avoid foods that are high in fat, and prioritise healthy fat sources such as olive oil, fish, and nuts, seeds and their oils.
• Don’t eat junk foods or heavily processed foods.
• Use non-toxic cleaning products and avoid exposure to toxic chemicals at home or work.