Did you know that the liver is one of the most important organs in the body?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It is often under-examined, and several liver-related symptoms can occur even when blood values are reported as normal. ⠀
Here are the different functions of the liver :⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Blood filtration and purification
- Transformation and storage of substances absorbed by the digestive tract (including medications)
- Removal of potentially toxic residues from certain medications
- Metabolizes alcohol, drugs, environmental pollutants, estradiol
- Helps the body fight infections by removing bacteria from the blood
- Produces cholesterol, a molecule essential for membrane fluidity and for the synthesis of steroid hormones
- Produces bile and bile salts. They act as a lubricant for the digestive tract, facilitating the passage of the food bolus in addition to allowing the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, K and E
- Synthesis of most proteins
- Contributes to blood fluidity and to the storage of iron for the synthesis of red blood cells
- It is also the liver that regulates excess glucose in the blood. It plays an important role in maintaining blood sugar balance. It stores carbohydrates around the area, contributing to the accumulation of abdominal fat. It also releases them as needed.
The gallbladder, it too is an organ associated with digestion that is greatly underestimated. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It is often referred to as the issue of ''stone in the liver'', biliary lithiasis or cholelithiasis, terms that all have the same meaning, that is, the formation of small crystals in the gallbladder. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Advanced symptoms are known to be extremely painful: a sudden, severe pain in the pit of the stomach or under the ribs on the right side that may radiate to the right shoulder. An early warning sign can be recurring nausea and/or vomiting.⠀⠀⠀⠀
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What can cause gallstones?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- A diet rich in carbohydrates, sugars and refined foods, "fast food", saturated fats, fried foods, breading, ...
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Not drinking enough water
- A low-fiber diet
- An imbalance between the concentration of cholesterol and bile salts in bile
The possible effects of gallbladder removal are:⠀
- A deficiency in fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, K, E)
- An irritation and thinning of the intestinal mucosa
- A hormonal imbalance caused by insufficient absorption of healthy fats.
- Alternating constipation and diarrhea⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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My recommendations following gallbladder removal:⠀
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- Prefer extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive oil
- Opt for avocado with nuts and seeds
- Avoid processed fats, « fast food », fried foods, sugars, refined foods (bread, pasta, pastries, ...)
- Drink at least 2L of water per day
- Consume a minimum of 25g of fiber per day
- Cook with or accompany meals with bile-stimulating plants (dandelion, milk thistle. chicory, rosemary, black radish)
- Perform nutraceutical cycles of hepatobiliary support supplements. (see section Liver support)
TOP 5 PLANTS THAT CAN HELP YOUR LIVER EVERY DAY⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Milk Thistle : Milk thistle can be purchased as a tincture or in capsule form, alone or in a synergistic blend with other nutrients. Milk thistle is used to treat conditions of the biliary tract and liver and has liver-protective properties. It has been suggested that milk thistle may help promote liver cell regeneration, reduce inflammation, and be beneficial for people suffering from liver problems.
- The artichoke : It can be eaten, drunk as an infusion, or taken as a supplement. The artichoke is useful in cases of congestion or hepatic insufficiency (lazy liver), jaundice and poor digestion of fats. By stimulating bile secretion, the artichoke also helps with constipation.
- Watercress: It is an excellent source of vitamins A, K and C, potassium, phosphorus and calcium. It is recognized as a powerful antioxidant, a tonic, diuretic, aperitif, antianemic, vermifuge, expectorant, stomachic, sudorific, depurative and hypoglycemic.
- Organic loose-leaf green tea: Green tea and its main polyphenolic compound, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), are involved in estrogen metabolism and protect against various liver conditions, including liver cancer, hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatic steatosis and chronic liver disease.
- Dandelion: Its choleretic and cholagogue action helps with liver disorders and gallbladder dysfunction. It is known for its diuretic action as well as for eliminating calcium oxalate crystals.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
For supplementation, consult a qualified naturopath.
A recipe that does justice to liver : The best sautéed livers in sauce
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Rich in vitamin A, folic acid, iron and zinc. The liver is the most nutrient-dense organ meat and is an important source of vitamin A. Its richness in these nutrients makes it a food with exceptional digestive benefits. Liver is highly recommended for people with digestive problems, inflammatory bowel or joint diseases, or anemia.
It is crucial that it be organic and come from a free-range animal.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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INGREDIENTS⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1 to 2 lb of ORGANIC chicken or beef livers cut in half and trimmed of their white membranes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 2 tablespoons of avocado oil or butter-flavored coconut oil⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1 chopped onion⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1 tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- ¼ cup of coconut cream⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1/4 teaspoon of thyme⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- pink salt and pepper to taste⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Fresh parsley and fresh mint for garnish⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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INSTRUCTIONS⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Using a skillet over medium/high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of oil, add the onion and cook until golden, about 5 minutes.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- In the skillet, add the liver and cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes or until cooked through and the inside is slightly pink.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Pour in the apple cider vinegar and the coconut cream. - Sprinkle with thyme and paprika, then salt and pepper to taste. Stir and bring gently to a boil.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped parsley and mint. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Serve with wild rice, konjac or over cauliflower purée⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Article written by Émilie Riendeau
Naturopath, B. Sc, ND, K.In
Émilie Riendeau can be reached on her social media: Instagram or by email at: info@emilieriendeau.com
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