My last article on preparing our bodies for the festive season is not surprisingly about our liver. Most years at this time I write about caring for our liver and for good reason. Our liver is one of the most important organs in our body – in fact the liver is a multifunctional organ. It not only detoxifies our body but also plays a part in our digestive function – also very important when we’re eating all those rich and often fatty foods during the festive season. The detoxification role of our liver is in fact so essential, if it is not functioning well, our entire body can suffer making us feel unwell, run down and susceptible to infections. Now nobody wants to feel unwell and tired during their summer break.

Our liver is also responsible for metabolising our fats, by producing bile, which then breaks down fats. By overburdening our liver, it’s obvious we are more prone to weight gain which is why we often suggest a liver tonic for those wishing to lose weight. An overburdened liver can also make us feel bloated and very sluggish.

It’s therefore understandable that taking a liver tonic at this time of the year is really important. A good liver tonic may improve our liver function and promote detoxification. One of my favourite liver tonics contains several herbs which have traditionally been used to promote healthy liver detoxification plus elimination of waste.

Many would know of one of the most common and important herbs used in liver tonics - St Mary’s Thistle (Milk Thistle) which supports the health and function of the liver cells. The use of St Mary’s Thistle as a liver tonic has been demonstrated to have a positive effect in protecting, supporting and improving liver function. It may be especially helpful in assisting to relieve digestive problems such as indigestion and bloating. I like this liver tonic because it contains a very high dosage of St Mary’s Thistle.

It also contains a high dosage of Globe Artichoke. This herb may not only protect the liver but also have a protective and restorative effect on the gallbladder. Our gallbladder and liver work together and the globe artichoke is especially helpful to aid sluggish digestion which is often a problem at this time of the year, especially when we’re consuming rich foods and maybe a little too much alcohol.

Taurine is also a part of this liver formula. Taurine may help protect the liver from oxidative damage thereby ensuring the liver cells efficiently remove damaging compounds.

Taking a liver tonic not only supports the liver by enhancing and scavenging free radicals, it also inhibits inflammation and improves immune defenses. A liver tonic may not only improve the liver’s function, but help to promote a healthy gall bladder system as well. A healthy liver also means our body will metabolise dietary fats which can of course be a good adjunct to weight loss.

So be kind to your liver. Just one tablet a day may help your liver recover from the overindulgences of the Christmas and New Year celebrations. If you’re anticipating a big night out, my tip is to take a liver supplement before going out and then before you go to bed. This may well help reduce any damage to the liver, reduce your chance of a hangover and improve clearance of alcohol from your body.

For more information call down to the store to chat to the girls at 5 North St, Batemans Bay or phone on 44729737. For more interesting tips on health and nutrition, don’t forget to tune into Bev on 2EC every Wednesday at 12.45pm.