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June 15, 2006

Taking Care Of Your Liver And Gall Bladder

One of my clients passed along a website that was chock-full of information about how to keep your liver healthy and flush gall stones. The site's writer recounts her personal experiences with liver dysfunction and her self-treatment has a distinctive Chinese medicine bent, but the general information is good.

Using basic household ingredients (organic apple juice or apple cider, lemon juice and olive oil) and controlling diet, some people with gall bladder problems can avoid surgery (sited as one of the top 10 unnecessary surgeries), restoring energy levels and clearing up nagging symptoms.

The gallbladder is connected to the spleen by nerves and is also closely connected to the liver. Anyone with gallbladder problems or with gallbladder removed should avoid or minimize foods that weaken the liver or spleen such as white flour, white sugar, caffeine, chocolate and deep fried foods. According to Chinese medicine, cold foods, cold drinks, citrus fruits (unless you also eat the outer skin, which is not advised unless the fruit was organically grown because pesticides often sink into the outer skin), tomato, banana and even salad should also be avoided or minimized because they weaken the spleen and kidneys.

If you choose to read this site and try the cleanse and have questions, please direct your questions to Julia at the number on the website (416-248-2930, 10 am to 5 pm, EST, Canada).

Personally, I'm tempted to try this cleanse because of the stress of working and going to school. I could use a boost to my energy levels but I'd have a hard time giving up chocolate!

Posted by linda at June 15, 2006 7:30 AM