LOVE YOUR LIVER

The lowdown on looking after your body’s largest organ

Lifestyle factors such as drinking alcohol and eating rich foods can put immense pressure on hardworking livers, meaning it’s harder for it to detoxify the body and can put your health at risk. Here’s how to prevent that from happening…

HIT UP THE H20

Water intake is crucial in helping your liver function to its best ability. In fact, staying hydrated helps digestion and detoxifies your liver. “Make a habit of starting your day with a glass of water and a squeeze of lemon or lime,” explains nutritional therapist Karen Alexander. By doing this at the start of your day, you’ll ensure the toxins in your body are flushed out before moving on to food.

TRY RESISTANCE TRAINING

Research by the University of Haifa, Tel Aviv Medical Center and Tel Aviv University of 82 participants with fatty liver disease found that 40 minutes of full body, resistance training, three times a week, saw a large fall in liver fat levels after three months. What’s more, their cholesterol levels also dropped.

STRIKE A POSE

Yin yoga can give your liver some TLC, working along the 12 meridians of the body to rebalance any physical and emotional blockages. “The liver meridian originates on the insides of the feet, in the arch of the foot and runs up the inside of both legs before joining at the base of the spine and travelling up the abdomen to the liver,” says yoga instructor Rebecca Hickin. Some of the best poses to tap into your liver are a forward fold with legs in a diamond shape or a wide leg forward hold.