The liver: the little engine that could

Ponder the liver.  Mistreated and overworked, this organ is one of the most vital in the body.  It has a myriad of functions, among them: converting clear plasma to blood, storing toxins so they don't enter the bloodstream, producing bile that breaks down and digests fatty acids, and converting sugar into glycogen and storing it for future use.  An imbalance in the liver can lead to a host of ailments: skin problems, allergies, digestive issues, and fatigue, to name a few. 

Lifestyle and dietary changes, as well as certain supplements, can cleanse the liver and support its ability to heal.  The liver has the unique ability to regenerate itself; as little as 25% of a liver can regenerate into a whole liver.  Note that there is a difference between a liver cleanse and liver regeneration: a cleanse can produce visible results in two to six months, while the liver cells themselves turn over approximately every eighteen months.

According to Ayurvedic principles, to reestablish balance in the liver, one must employ "cooling" treatments.  Anger, frustration, and aggressive feelings are considered "hot" emotions that have an adverse effect on the liver; addressing emotional issues and finding emotional release through meditation and gentle, non-heating yoga are lifestyle changes that enhance liver health.  Alcohol, processed foods high in fat and sugar, antibiotics in our meats, pesticides in our produce, as well as toxins in the home and workplace, put enormous strain on the liver.  Avoid fried foods, excessive oil and spices, overconsumption of dairy and meats, and eating in a hurry, late at night, or under stress.  Keep good company at the table!  Choose organic produce when possible and natural alternatives to cleaning products at home; be mindful of the many toxins your body is exposed to during normal, daily life.  Cook and consume fresh foods; eating leftovers produces toxins in the body, called ama or aam.  Employ cooling spices in your cooking, such as cardamon, cilantro, coriander, cumin, dill, fennel, mint, saffron, and tumeric.

Note: Ayurvedic medicine and Western medicine may differ in what symptoms and illnesses they attribute to a liver imbalance, and what causes the imbalance itself, but there is certainly agreement between both communities of the importance of a healthy and properly functioning liver.  It may also be good to note here, so I don't need to reiterate later on, I am writing based on my studies and personal experience.  I am not a health professional AT ALL so use common sense and good judgement when putting into practice any health advice you see here or anywhere...as you should always do when making any decisions that affect your health.  Namaste.