LOVE YOUR LIVER AND IT WILL LOVE YOU BACK!

LOVE THAT BIGGEST INNER ORGAN OF OUR BODIES-

THE LIVER!

By Adrian Langford

The liver has 250+ functions and breaks down into 3 categories: digestion (produces bile), storage (food, iron, copper, B12) and factory (filters blood from the intestines and removes excess food and iron for storage or for conversion into other substances). It also removes debris, destroys poisons, worn-out blood cells, and alcohol, and manufactures vitamin A and many other chemicals vital to the body.  

SYMPTOMS OF LIVER PROBLEMS  FROM MAYOCLINIC.ORG

    ·   Abdominal pain and swelling

·      Swelling in the legs and ankles

·      Itchy skin

·      Dark urine color

·      Raynaud’s Syndrome

·      Gout

·      Varicose Veins

·      Inflammation

·      Insomnia

·      Pale stool color, or bloody or tar-colored stool

·      Chronic fatigue

·      Dark under eye circles

·      Nausea or vomiting

·      Loss of appetite

·      Tendency to bruise easily

 It’s a BIG DEAL for BLOOD SUGAR METABOLISM

The hormone, insulin, causes the liver to convert more glucose into glycogen and to force 2/3 of body cells (mostly muscle and fat tissue cells) to take up glucose from the blood and thus decreasing blood sugar.

LOVE YOUR LIVER CAUSE — IT IS A MAJOR FILTERING SYSTEM FOR TOXINS AND IS YOUR BEST FRIEND FOR KEEPING YOU HEALTHY.

Environmental toxins and even rain (it is not as clean as it use to be) put the body’s liver through a lot of work to filter out some serious troublemakers. Some of these troublemakers penetrate the outer one or two layers of the liver. A lot of these toxins penetrate to the liver’s core. 

Here’s the list of TOXIC TROUBLEMAKERS –and yes, there are foods, herbs and supplements to help support the liver and help it to detox and regenerate. 

Petrochemicals 

Plastics, Microplastics, Gasoline, Diesel, Engine oil and grease, Exhaust fumes, Kerosene, Lighter fluid, gas grills, gas stoves & ovens, chemical solvents & agents, dioxins (used in bleaching paper goods, flour, etc.), lacquer, paint, paint thinner, carpet chemicals. 

Chemical Neuroantagonists

These toxins are part of an inheritance factor that is passed down from generation to generation and very difficult for people with neurological conditions.  The liver releases these more slowly a little at a time so that the body can handle their removal. 

Chemical fertilizers, Insecticides, pesticides and herbicides, DDT, Fungicides, Smoke exposure (any), Fluoride, Chlorine.

Food Chemicals and Problem Foods

These tend to leave the liver quickly and with good care to the liver, they can be eliminated from 6 months to a year.

Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners, MSG, Formaldehyde, Preservatives.

FOODS – Eggs (number one food source for viruses and bacteria :^(

Dairy and Cheese – also big pathogen food source, Hormones from foods (processed meats & dairy from those animals), Recreational alcohol, Excessive vinegar use (similar to alcohol; apple cider vinegar is the best of the vinegars – use sparingly), caffeine, excessive salt, gluten, corn, canola oil, pork products (high fat and slows down liver functions causing immune system weakness).

 Pathogenic Toxins

This group is a key component of autoimmune diseases. To rid them from the liver one needs to eliminate their fuel sources (all previously listed above). Over time, these pathogens will lesson when their key fuel source(s) are eliminated.

Viruses, viral waste matter (EBV, HHV10,11,12,13,14,15,16), Bacteria (Streptococcus, E. coli, C. difficile, Salmonella – a few of the more known ones), Food-borne toxins (raw fish, meat, poultry, eggs), Mold.

Chemical Indoor Toxins

These are indoor culprits such as second hand smoke (cigarettes, air fresheners) and can detox from the liver within a week of avoidance.

Plug in air fresheners and scented candles, aerosol can air fresheners, spray bottle air fresheners, cologne and after shave, perfumes and scented body lotions, creams, sprays, washes, shampoos, conditioners, gels, and other hair products, hairspray, hair dye, talcum powder, conventional makeup, spray tan, nail chemicals, conventional cleaners, conventional laundry detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets, dry cleaning chemicals. 

Pharmaceuticals

Some pharmaceuticals are life saving and cannot be eliminated. There is lot of over the counter medicines that can be avoided or minimized. Herbs and supplements as well as non-processed foods can support the body and liver when prescriptions are necessary. 

Toxic Heavy Metals

These toxins are generational and handed down from generation to generation. There are ones from our past and ones that we are literally born with. Heavy metals are challenging to eliminate from the liver and it’s best to seek a reputable health practitioner for testing and guidance.

Mercury, aluminum, copper, cadmium, barium, nickel and arsenic.

 Radiation

The liver is a sponge to radiation. Supplements and seaweeds are often the protocol for pulling radiation out of the liver cells. It can take up to 3+ years to detox radiation fully.

 Cell phones, cell phone and computer devices, call towers, x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, food and water, nuclear fallout.

Some Herbs and Foods That Support the Liver

 Remember to always consult your health practitioner before starting or doing any food or supplemental regime. Even natural remedies may have an adverse on your body’s system.

Herbs that help support the liver:

Turmeric

Milk Thistle

Dandelion

I use turmeric powder in cooking regularly. Dandelion tea is a great tonic to drink once a day or every other day.  Early research on milk thistle suggests that it may aid people with alcohol-related liver disease. Some studies also show milk thistle may offer a possible benefit for people whose liver is damaged by industrial toxins, such as toluene and xylene. Milk thistle like turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Some foods that benefit the liver are:  Citrus, Beetroot, Garlic, and Olive Oil, Green tea, Berries, Avocado, Bananas, Carrots, Lemon and Watermelon and fatty fish (omega 3’s). 

 See you in the next blog!

In the meantime Cheers to Food and Yoga and being a healthier you!

OVER 70,000 DEATHS ANNUALLY DUE TO RESISTANCE TO ANTIBIOTICS AND OVER 40,000 DEATHS ANNUALLY DUE TO PAINKILLERS

In the U.S., there are over 110,000 deaths annually from a combined total of deaths from resistance to antibiotics and deaths from painkillers.

Funny or not so funny enough, over 80% percent of research funding goes to finding more drugs for these health-related causes of death. And the figures are increasing. The top 10 causes of death in the U.S. are (in order of highest to lowest of the 10. Statistics from Healthline.com and CDC 2017):

1. Heart Disease - 635,260

2. Cancer - 598,038

3. Accidents (Unintentional injury) - 161,374

4. Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases - 154,596

5. Stroke - 142,142

6. Alzheimer’s Disease - 116,103

7. Diabetes - 80,058

8. Influenza and Pneumonia - 51,537

9. Kidney Disease - 50,046

10. Suicide - 44,965

Any of these causes of death in the top ten as well as other causes of death not included here, are topics unto themselves and subject matter for thousands of books, magazines, blogs, websites, videos and social media. But perhaps the more critical topic of this ongoing discussion of health and disease conditions in the U.S., is the failure of our health systems and the lack of understanding, accurate and factual information and real solutions to these diseases and conditions.

The real protagonist in all of this that can make a vital difference right now is -

YOU!

More than ever, there needs to be a better and less invasive approach to the daily ways in which we handle being well in body and mind. It is alarming that we have accepted a daily way of life by taking 5 or more prescriptions as a way of preventative or managing disease.  From the CDC: “Among U.S. adults aged 40–79, 69.0% used one or more prescription drugs in the past 30 days and 22.4% used five or more in the past 30 days” 2016. We put our trust in our health care systems thinking that it is one of the best in the free world. However, according to a John Hopkins report from May 2016, the actual #3 leading cause of death was medical errors and that statistic was 250,000 deaths.

What can you do now to improve your overall health and well being? Here’s the short list:

1. Begin to take part in your own health. Consult a health practitioner or health coach to figure out some small steps as to where to begin. Ask a friend or family member to help you stay on track with your regime. Enlist the help of your dog and take Fido for daily walks that are appropriate for your condition and safety.

2. If you need help with depression or other mental health concerns, seek an appropriate health professional for counseling. Check out group coaching that may also give you the support you need (check online for groups by remote or send me an email and I will send help you find some).

3. Check out the foods and beverages that you are consuming and make sure that they are more in alignment with helping your body be at optimum health. What you consume food-wise does matter to your gut and your moods! The best place to start is to consider a combination of Mediterranean diet and a Paleo diet with a large portion of fresh vegetables and smaller portion of fresh fruits (fruits do contain a lot of sugar).

4. If you feel that getting unstuck in your behavior or habits is at the root cause of your health challenges, go back to #2 and seek a health coach or behavior counselor that deals with identifying negative habits, underlying causes, and how to keep you motivated in your wellness endeavors.

5. The other areas that most of us need to address are: sleep, stress, and physical activities and/or physical fitness.

That 5 items above on the short list are what I consider REAL PREVENTATIVE and beyond a lifestyle as in a way of life; an everyday approach to maintaining a healthy balance physically and mentally. In addition, a good dose of nature and contact with friends and family should be added to anyone’s list of staying well.

With the current state of affairs globally and nationally, it is a time for reflection and changes. Confusion, feeling overwhelmed, angry and fearful is adding more stress and difficulties to our lives. The focus needs to be on finding practical common sense approaches to our well being as individuals and as a people. Often we take false steps towards what we perceive as the answer or answers and either give up or go in another direction that may not be so healthy or appropriate. Preventative and being proactive with your health and well being is not rocket science. It does take some effort and seeking out proper channels to help you along the way. Health and balance are achievable and do go a long way toward creating a more positive way of living. It does start with you and as you go on your health journey it will connect you to others who are seeking the same thing in their own way. And that connection will go a long way to making a community healthier in all ways of living and being.

Solving our health crises truly does start with each of us taking the first steps to being a more balanced person in mind and body. Why not start today - small steps can add up to a lot.

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Integrative Wellness Partner offers guidance for all or any of the above 5 items+ and is re-directing the health consultations (been closed for consultations for a while due to Covid, relocating and life happens stuff). From this challenging time, I have done a great deal of reflecting and am implementing a new approach to being well and helping regain your balance and well being (staying sane). It is in your very breathe, body and mind. It is yoga or a mindful philosophy that only asks that you try and be present in your body and mind in small steps as much as you can. The other part is looking at food and what it is and what it isn’t in your life and how to override the parts in your relationship with food that aren’t helping you stay healthy. It’s called FOGA! Food and Yoga will become the foundation of Integrative Wellness partner. Meet your new partners in health -Food and Yoga!

Stay tuned for more exciting news and blogs about good things that will change your body, mind, and state of well being.

Feel free to reach out for more details, updates, and questions on my Contact page.

Yours in Health and FOGA,

Adrian

WERE OUR ANCESTORS MEAT OR PLANT EATERS?

I subscribe to the Scientific American and the July 2018 issue has an article that is very timely and has strong implications based on scientific evidence about our evolution. The article is called “The Real Paleo Diet” by a paleontologist and author of “Evolution’s Bite”, by Peter S. Ungar. What he discovered was that teeth played a major role in what food choices our ancestors made. Ungar spent decades studying wear patterns on fossil teeth and he refers to the clues as “foodprints”. The term Ungar refers to in this article for examining fossilized teeth is “microwear”. By carefully looking at our ancestors teeth and the micro marks on them, it reveals the food choices that that particular species made. Different climate events caused different eating habits in our ancestors. 

It is important to understand early ancestral species findings from their microwear or foodprint on the fossilized teeth. The Homo habilis had the smaller brain and lived life more in the trees and the Homo erectus had the bigger brain and lived life more on the ground. Intense environmental changes pushed evolution forward whereby the larger brain species with the better command of stone tools was more flexible in their eating habits. The part of the species branch of our ancestors that did not adapt to the changes in the environment and did not eat a more mixed diet of grasses, plants and animals died out. The Paleolithic anthropological data is complex and the debate continues as to what happened and the reasons why in human evolution.

The point is to acknowledge the impact on human evolution from cyclical intense changes in our environment past, present and future. Climate changes affected our ancestors for instance during a long drought which caused them to choose other foods outside of their ‘normal’ diet by eating what was available - perhaps even in another location - in order to survive. The lesson here is that “no single ancestral human diet” exists for us as a model for what we should be eating at present. What seems to be the key to our evolutionary success is the realization that our ancestors that were the most flexible in their eating habits and adaptability were the ones that survived.