Spring Forward

Now that we have set our clocks to daylight savings time, the countdown to the first day of spring (March 20^th) begins. Just as our automobile needs seasonal maintenance, our live bodies are looking for a tune-up every time the season changes.  

Traditional Chinese Medicine recommend cleansing in harmony with the season. Spring is considered the best time for a cleansing tune-up, focusing on the liver. A healthy liver will establish a smooth and even flow of energy through the whole person, mind and body.  

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Liver Care

General Nutrition of the Liver: Damage of the liver can be contributed to several behaviors including overeating, eating and drinking white, processed and or imitation foods, taking medicinal drugs, breathing and/or  eating pesticides and preservatives.

The dietary suggestions for a naturally healthy liver include:

Ø  Foods high in potassium (rice, banana, blackstrap molasses, almonds, prunes, raisins)

Ø  Drink lots of water (KANGEN^TM  Water)

Ø  Drink fresh juices (Spinach/Pear smoothie, Apple/Beet/Ginger Juice, Carrot/Apple/Ginger Juice)

Ø  “Lemon is one of the best friends that the liver has” (Natural Remedies Encyclopedia)

Ø  Increase the rawsome level of your diet

Ø  Vitamin K (kale, collards, spinach, and turnip greens) helps prevent cirrhosis of the liver. Also see http://www.vaughns-1-pagers.com/food/vitamin-k-foods.htm

Ø  Vitamin A (carrot juice & leafy greens) protects the liver

Ø  Ginger contains 8 liver-protecting components

Ø  Celery, turmeric and rosemary are all good for the liver

Ø  Avoid caffeine, alcohol, salt, soft drinks, tea, fried foods and fish more than twice a week

Ø  Take care of your kidneys because poor kidney function results in damage to your liver.

LIVER FLUSH

There are several natural approaches to flushing the liver.

Ø  To cleanse the liver & gallbladder, drink as much pure apple juice as possible for 5 days. Add pear occasionally

Ø  Use the following  method for flushing out gallstones. The 3-day pattern is designed to soften the gallstones first

o   Liver flush by drinking pure apple juice for 3 days

o   On the third day, after drinking the juice follow it with a cup of olive oil and a cup of lemon juice

Source: Ferrell, V; Cherne, H. (2008). Natural Remedies Encyclopedia, 5^th edition. Harvestime Books.