Last Updated on 9 June 2024 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic
When it comes to looking after the health of your liver, it is never more important than during the Festive season. When sweet treats, alcoholic beverages and party foods become a daily occurrence, make sure your liver does not face the consequences of your partying ways. The good news is there are a few simple tricks to bypass holiday hangovers and wake each day with a summer spring in your step.
Water, Water, Water
For every alcoholic beverage you drink, alternate with a glass of water. To make it more festive, try sparkling mineral water with some lemon or lime wedges. The same goes for sweet, alcohol-free drinks including mocktails and soft drinks. Remember – sugar or alcohol should never take the place of proper hydration – and without proper hydration, the liver cannot process and support the removal of metabolic by-products and toxins from the body (1).
Take a liver tonic
Milk thistle (also known as St Mary’s thistle or by its Latin name Silybum marianum) is a medicinal tonic for the liver that assist in reducing cellular damage caused by high-fat foods, alcohol, and sugar. Found in tablet or liquid form, Milk thistle assists in the regeneration of healthy new liver cells while supporting the liver’s natural detoxification processes (2).
Eat your greens
During the holidays it is often easy to bypass all the good habits you have learned during the year and pick up a few bad ones – such as forgetting to balance your plate with healthy green leafy vegetables. Leafy greens contain folate, vitamin K, and magnesium – 3 nutrients necessary for healthy liver function and to support the nervous system in times of increased stress (be it nutritional stress caused by additional sweets and some-time foods, or emotional stress caused by holiday catch-ups and party fatigue).
Take some Adrenal support
Speaking of party fatigue, be sure to stay on top of the health of your adrenal glands this holiday season, as additional stresses can put pressure on your nervous system and immune system. To nourish your adrenal glands and reduce stress, keep an eye on your caffeine intake, make sure to eat plenty of vitamin c rich foods (like season stone fruit, berries and cherries), and get to bed at a reasonable hour (1).
Plan a healthy New Year
Finally, to get the best out of your liver this holiday season, plan a health re-boot in the new year. Make time for yourself in order to get a massage, see a naturopath, start a new exercise routine you have been meaning to try, and take the time out to think about how you want to nourish yourself well into the new year. Your liver will thank you for it.
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