About the Author
Sandra Kim Leong
Sandra Kim Leong provides free research and special reports in her newsletter on
Detox Diet.
The liver is one of the most important organs of our body and we need liver detox at least once a year to ensure that it functions properly. The liver produces over 13,000 different chemicals and 2,000 various enzymes used in the body.
Its primary role is to process and remove toxins carried in the bloodstream. In peak condition, it works fast, filtering up to two litres of blood per minute. Liver enzymes break apart the structure of toxic molecules to reduce their toxicity.
Poor diet, allergens, pollutants and fatigue could result in your liver becoming congested, toxic and sluggish. When that happens its vital functions are impaired. If you consider that the liver is the centre of vitamin, mineral, protein, fat, carbohydrate and hormonal metabolism, then you can immediately comprehend the consequences if the liver is impaired.
One of the ways that the liver eliminates toxins is to make bile. Thus, an increased bile flow is beneficial in liver detox. Turmeric helps increase bile flow making it a liver cleanser that could rejuvenate the liver cells and recharges their capability to break down toxins.
Turmeric is enshrined in Ayurvedic medicine as the king of spices. The bitter spice helps cleanse the liver, purify the blood, and promote good digestion and elimination. It possesses powerful anti-inflammatory properties but none of the unpleasant side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs. It has been used for skin cleansing, colour enhancement and food preservation.
The principal chemical component of turmeric is curcumin. In addition to its liver detox use, curcumin has powerful antioxidant action that combats viral infection, cancer, and arthritis. It stimulates the gallbladder for bile production, and scavenges free radicals. The whole herb turmeric contains lower concentrations of curcumin, and is used when healing requires the application of volatile oils.
As herbal treatment for cirrhosis of the liver, curcumin accelerates the liver detox process. Curcumin prevents alcohol and other toxins from being converted into compounds that may be harmful to the liver. It can reverse the adverse effects of excessive iron consumption on the liver.
Before you use turmeric for liver detox, make sure to consult your healthcare practitioner. Those with congestive heart disease whose cause has not yet been identified are discouraged from using turmeric or curcumin. Turmeric should not be used for long periods of time, because it may cause stomach distress. It is not recommended if you have painful gallstones, obstructive jaundice, acute bilious colic, or extremely toxic liver disorders.
Published by Sandra Kim Leong on December 5, 2007 09:32 AM
| TrackBack
