6 Tips to support your Liver health this new year.

Christmas and New Year’s are over and that means a end to what can be a beautiful time of year, but also the silly season.

If you’re reading this-happy new year :) I hope the year ahead is full of good health.

Now the silly season entails a bunch of things that can impact on Liver health. From a chinese medicine perspective stress, alcohol, overeating, refined sugar, caffeine and disrupted sleep can all impact on Liver health.

The Liver has some pretty important functions: it detoxifies the whole body, particularly the blood, it releases digestive enzymes and bile, regulates hormones such as oestrogen. Traditionally in chinese medicine the Liver is said to ensure the free flow of qi through the body, regulates the sinews and tendons, opens into the eyes, and stores and releases the blood for the uterus and healthy menstrual flow.

Things like bloating, abdominal cramps, menstrual pain, bowel changes, feeling sluggish or tired are all signs that your Liver may be suffering from too much Christmas cheer.

Here’s 6 simple tips for Liver Health

1. Eliminate alcohol and caffeine: stop taking the piss (alcohol). Literally. Also nobody needs six cappucinos a day. Caffeine is a stimulant and also dehydrating from a TCM perspective. I can't say I see a lot of people today who need more stimulation-so cut the coffee and as well as the booze-for a month at least. ⁠

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2. Mindful breathing: deep mindful breathing with awareness on the movement of the diaphragm, the rising and falling of the abdomen helps with movement through the abdomen, allowing the Liver to circulate as it needs to.⁠

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3. Eat more steamed greens and bitter foods: Both greens like dandelion, kale and the bitter flavour generally help the liver and gallbladder secrete bile and promote healthier digestion. ⁠

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4. Stress management: emotional repression, anger, short-temper are all signs of Liver disharmony and the need to manage stress. Mindfulness, slowing down, counselling, time in nature are great places to start. ⁠

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5. Move or exercise daily: move in an embodied way-whether its stretching, walking, yoga, qi gong, martial arts. Move with awareness of the body and breath. If possible, get out in nature and move-its even better!

6. Cut out the inflammatory foods: refined sugar, flour, processed and ultra-processed foods can really impact on Liver and digestive health. For some clients too much dairy, gluten can also contribute. Reduce or eliminate these foods and return to eating local, seasonal produce. Plenty of greens, healthy protein and fats.