Let me start with a few fun facts about your liver: An average liver weighs about 1.3 to 1.8kgs. It is the largest and most complex organ in the human body. It detoxifies the blood by filtering out toxins such as; air pollution, chemicals and pesticides, cigarette smoke, drugs, metabolic waste and alcohol - substances that assault your body on a regular basis. It then converts these toxins into products that can be excreted via the kidney and bowels. As well as an excellent detoxifier, the liver is also involved in energy production, fat metabolism, hormonal balance and digestion… Quite a job description!  

 

So now that the festive season is here, the liver has to work double as hard to cope with the wondrous array and onslaught of Christmas eats and treats, drinks and merry-making! Let us enjoy the well deserved festivities without forgetting to have “everything in moderation.” This is because once the liver becomes over-burdened it then starts to malfunction. An unhappy liver can result in a number of problems such as; food intolerances, weight gain (not good for the bikini season), frequent headaches, indigestion, constipation, skin conditions (acne, eczema, psoriasis etc), sinus and allergy problems, nausea and fatigue… This is largely due to the accumulation of toxins in the body. 

 

However, do not be disheartened! You can take steps to protect your liver's health so it can keep protecting your body these holidays. Along with all its incredible functions, the liver is also the only internal organ that will regenerate itself completely if it gets damaged (great news for those who love a good party!)
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The following supplements are highly effective in protecting and supporting the liver: 
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• Milkthistle – repairs and rejuvenates the liver. The active component Silymarin is proven to prevent liver toxicity and destruction, enhance liver function and stimulate the replacement of damaged liver cells with healthy cells. It also increases glutathione levels (a major antioxidant and detoxifying compound). 
• Dandelion Root – is a great liver tonic. It causes an increase in bile production and flow to the gallbladder thereby reducing the accumulation of cholesterol and fat in the liver. 
• Alpha Lipoic Acid, Pycnogenol or Grapeseed extract – these are all powerful antioxidants that help to neutralize free radical damage to liver cells as well as provide protection from the damaging effects of toxins as they are processed, detoxified and removed from the body. 
• N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) – is an amino acid that helps to increase glutathione synthesis. Glutathione plays a key role in the detoxification of numerous toxic substances in the liver making sure these are neutralized and therefore preventing toxic build up. NAC also has antioxidant properties which further enhance its liver protective abilities. 
• Garlic – can be eaten or taken in capsule form. Garlic detoxifies the liver and bloodstream, helps lower cholesterol and even helps lower blood pressure. 
• Lecithin – a powerful fat emulsifier which aids the liver during fat metabolism.

With a healthy and fully functioning liver this may be your best festive season yet! Wishing you a wonderful and happy holiday!