Is it just a coincidence that the word LIVER contains the word
LIVE? Or...Did those
whom devised the English language know the absolute importance of the function
of the liver centuries ago and that it can truly determine whether or not we
live and in what state of health we do so.
The liver, if not inflamed, oversized, atrophied or diseased
weighs about 4 pounds and is the largest solid organ in the body. It rests just
under the ribcage on the right side. It is also one of the most forgiving organs
in the body, as it can sustain up to 50% damage and still maintain function. And
if given the correct nutrients and support can be rejuvenated back to a healthy
state quite quickly compared to other organs in the system.
The liver has to work very hard as it has many important
functions it must maintain in order for our survival. With so many duties to
perform it is just amazing that it can also withstand the torture we put it
through on a daily basis, pushing it to the limit over and over again and then
we wonder why or how we become sick. Something to think about.
Below are the duties it was originally intended to perform:
1. Filters out toxins in the blood and lymph.
2. It is a chemical plant that converts everything we eat,
breathe and absorb through our skin into life sustaining substances.
3. Manufactures bile to digest fats.
4. Prevents constipation by promoting peristalsis (rhythmic contractions of the
digestive muscles to promote movement of fecal matter).
5. A storehouse for vitamins, minerals and enzymes, dispensing them as needed by
the system.
6. Creates glucose tolerance factor (GTF), which acts with insulin to regulate
blood sugar levels. GTF is then converted into glycogen and stored in the liver
for energy reserves.
7. Regulates thyroid function, converting T4 hormone into its active T3 form.
8. Breaks down hormones like estrogen, adrenaline, insulin and aldosterone (a
hormone that regulates the salt or electrolyte and water balance in the system).
9. Discards old worn out red blood cells while manufacturing new blood elements.
10. Manufactures healthy cholesterol needed for almost all bodily tissues.
So you see...the liver is of the utmost importance and we
MUST keep it functioning
properly, keep it cleansed and do our very best not to overload it with
chemicals,
preservatives, animal fats, harmful prescription and street drugs (in my opinion
they can do the same types of damage), alcohol, sugars and refined foods,
parasites, candida albicans (fungus) and viral activity.
When liver health is depleted it can lead to illnesses and
symptoms such as a sluggish thyroid, diabetes, female hormonal imbalances,
chronic lack of energy, circulatory problems and heart failure, lymphomas and
all other cancers, skin disorders, liver spots, generalized itching, food and
chemical sensitivities, constipation, digestive disorders, cirrhosis, hepatitis,
jaundice, enlarged liver, distended abdomen, depression, mood swings, irrational
displays of anger, vertigo, nausea, fever, and dry tongue and mouth.
WHEW!!! All of that due to a dirty uncared-for liver.
Those of you that have either heard me speak or have been in
to see me about healthcare issues have listened to me time and time again
lecture on good liver health.
Once again...the liver is our main filter. It needs to be
maintained. If you didn’t change or clean your car filter for 20-80 years it
would be sitting in a junkyard. Correct? If we neglect our filter then we too
will seize up and cease to run. We pay big dollars for our vehicles; it gets us
back and forth to work, vacations, errands, etc...Therefore we respect it and
keep it clean and running smoothly so we don’t have to hoof it or ride the bus
everywhere. Right? Some people even spend extra money souping it up a bit. My
point is, we do whatever we need to do financially and time-wise to keep our car
running in tip-top shape because we depend on it daily but if you want to
continue to enjoy nice luxuries like your car then you MUST start doing some
maintenance on yourself and your own filter or end up resting you know where
before your time! Which is really an magnificent place I am sure, but why not
wait for your real time to go.
I recommend quarterly or bi-annual liver flushes, cleanses
and support depending on the amount of liver stress and congestion you have
accumilated over time and your current state of health and age.
If you are interested in discovering what shape your liver is
in and how you can clean it up and revitalize it, you can do so by contacting a
natural health practitioner that offers and specializes in live blood and dry
layer cell analysis, and detoxification programs and begin your healing journey
into DISCOVERING
WELLNESS.
Kimberly Kaye Castaneda is a Naturopath that researches and teaches about the
benefits of natural, non-invasive healing techniques and therapies. Her
Washington D.C. registration and ANMA and ABH board certification along with
her degree and
certifications states that she is qualified in the use of all natural forms of
healing
including: acupressure, aromatherapy, Bach flower remedies, chronic
diseases, clinical microscopy, color therapy, emotional release therapy,
Gua Sha treatments, herbology, homeopathy, hypnotherapy, live blood
and dry layer cell analysis, massage, nutrition, raindrop therapy, reflexology,
reiki healing and vibrational or polarity healing. Kimberly Castaneda,
N.D. has a private practice in Rockford located at 631 N. Longwood Street,
Suite LL03. To schedule a private consultation or for reiki classes
and attunements, call (815) 963-1585.
DISCOVERING WELLNESS.
