Article courtesy of BCHA Professional RHT member Dr. Cobi, PhD, DNM, CHT, RNCP, ROHP, RHT
To view entire article with additional information, please visit: http://drcobi.com/blog/liver-toxicity-preventing-your-weight-loss-0
A seldom discussed yet extremely important aspect of weight loss, is liver function. The liver is the chief operator of detoxification in the body. Many of our foods are laden with hidden toxins and void of nutrients. There are numerous fad diets that cause the liver to work overtime to keep up with the high fat and nutritionally void foods and weight loss gimmicks. This eventually causes the person to gain more weight in the end, as the demand on the liver is too high. Throughout this process, the liver literally becomes more and more sluggish in function and eventually becomes “fatty”. Once a liver has reached the fatty stage, the function is impaired and weight loss becomes an impossibility. The liver’s job of detoxifying blood and metabolizing fat is compromised and the metabolism greatly slows.
Symptoms of a poorly functioning liver may include:
- Low energy
- Indigestion, bloating, constipation, gas or diarrhea
- Foggy thinking
- Weight gain
- Stiff, aching, weak muscles—especially lower back and shoulders
- Altered cholesterol levels
- Blood sugar abnormalities
- Sleep disturbances
- Easy bruising
- Brittle bones
- Fluid retention
- Kidney problems
- Slow wound healing
Action Steps for Optimal Liver Health
1. Start the day with ½ lemon squeezed into 1 cup of warm water.
2. Consume half your body weight in ounces of filtered water daily.
3. Increase fiber consumption to 35 grams per day to assist in the elimination of fat soluble toxins. Choose high-fiber foods such as ground flax seeds, psyllium, apple pectin, rice bran, beet fiber, oat fiber, chia seeds and Sunfiber.
4. Consume liver cleansing foods such as beets, bitter greens, apples, lemons, garlic, onions, cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, collards and cauliflower.
5. Use liver cleansing herbs such as Dandelion root, Artichoke, Milk Thistle, Burdock root and Turmeric.
6. Detox the liver with Alpha lipoic acid, Calcium D-Glucarate, NAC, Selenium, Choline and Methionine.
7. Drink liver detoxifying tea with dandelion root, nettle root, red clover, licorice root, burdock root and cleavers.
8. Support the digestion with probiotics and digestive enzymes.
9. Avoid toxic foods such as sugar, processed foods, refined carbohydrates, pesticides, hydrogenated fats and artificial sugars.
10. Avoid smoking, alcohol, caffeine, pop and energy drinks.
11. Exercise regularly.
About the Author:
Dr. Cobi Slater, PhD, DNM, CHT, RNCP, NNCP began her medical training at Dominion Herbal College where she graduated with honors after 4 years of schooling with a degree in Clinical Herbal Therapy.
Dr. Cobi continued on to complete further specialized training to qualify as a DNM (Doctorate of Natural Medicine), awarded by the Examining Board of Natural Medicine Practitioners of Canada and the Board of Natural Medicine Doctors and Practitioners of North America. Dr. Cobi holds a PhD in Natural Health Sciences with a specialty in hormonal dysfunction.
In addition, Dr. Cobi is trained as a Natural Health Practitioner, Natural Health Consultant, Natural Health Educator, a Natural Health Technician, Certified Laser Therapist, and Registered Orthomolecular Health Practitioner/Registered Nutritional Consulting Practitioner.
Dr. Cobi‘s inspiration to pursue a holistic approach to health and wellbeing led her to establish Essential Health Natural Wellness Clinic located in Maple Ridge, BC. Essential Health is dedicated to providing professional, safe and effective complementary healthcare through the use of research and evidence-based natural medicine therapies. Offering assistance for chronic disease, hormone issues, immune health, allergies, skin problems, digestive complaints, nutrition counseling and lifestyle counseling to name a few, Essential Health educates and empowers individuals to achieve an optimal state of health and wellbeing.
Dr. Cobi currently practices in her local clinic and conducts on-line consultations throughout North America. She writes health articles and columns for several newspapers and health magazines and is the International Best-Selling Author of 5 books including: The Ultimate Candida Guide and Cookbook, The Ultimate Hormone Guidebook, The Ultimate Metabolic Plan, The Ultimate Gluten and Dairy Free Cookbook and the Refresh, Revive, Restore 10-Day Detox Book.
Dr. Cobi is a professional RHT member of the Canadian Herbalist’s Association of British Columbia, the Natural Medicine Practitioners of Canada, the International Organization of Nutritional Consultants, the Canadian Association of Natural Nutritional Practitioners and the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses. She is also a member of the Board of Natural Medicine Doctors and Practitioners of North America, the Natural Medicine Certification Council as well as the Health Action Network Society.
www.drcobi.com
