Fall is the perfect time of year to give your gallbladder and liver a little extra love. Our livers work hard all winter long, processing all of the rich foods and beverages that we consume to keep us warm and cozy. As a result, our livers can become bogged down and overloaded. Fall as well, is especially taxing on our body’s as we move from long warm sunny days to limited sunlight and dropping temperatures.
The Gallbladder and Bile
The gallbladder is another key organ that helps our body to detoxify and works hand in hand with the liver. The gallbladder supports our body’s by releasing bile. Bile is a digestive fluid that is made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile helps our bodies break down fat, remove waste and toxins and absorb vitamins. A diet high in unhealthy fat (vegetable oils, refined oils, heavily fried foods, etc.), as well as chronically low fat diets can cause bile to become thick and congested and lead to gallstone formation. If you are prone to gallstones, it is especially important to support your gallbladder.
There are many different ways to cleanse your liver and gallbladder. Some people opt for expensive and extreme cleanses. However, there are more gentle and natural remedies to support our liver and gallbladders that are just as effective. Read on to find out how you can detox your gallbladder and liver without drinking strange concoctions or putting a dent in your wallet!
How to Detoxify your Gallbladder and Liver Naturally
There are a few things that you can do to detox your gallbladder and liver naturally. First, try incorporating foods that are known to be good for the liver and gallbladder. Foods such as grapefruit, lemon, garlic, leafy greens, avocados, broccoli, beets, carrots, apples, apple cider vinegar, spices such as cinnamon and cayenne pepper are all excellent choices. Fiber is another factor that plays a role in supporting our detox pathways and it works by binding to toxins, excess hormones and cholesterol in the bile and removes them via the colon. Slowly and incrementally adding fiber is the best way to start, opting for 20-25 grams for women and 30-40 grams for men.
In addition to eating the right foods, make sure you are drinking plenty of water every day. Water helps to flush out waste products from the body and keeps everything functioning properly. Shoot for ten to twelve glasses of water per day.
Finally, exercise is essential for both detoxing the body and keeping the mind healthy. A moderate amount of exercise will help to increase blood flow and promote healthy digestion. Just 30 minutes of exercise per day should do the trick!
Here is a list of a few things to avoid or minimize:
- Processed foods
- Sugary drinks
- Alcohol
- Heavily fried foods
- Synthetic or refined oils
Your liver and gallbladder will love you for it!
Key Points about liver and gallbladder support:
A fall liver cleanse is a great way to give your body some extra love before a long winter. There are many different ways to cleanse your liver and gallbladder, but not all of them are necessary or effective. The best way to cleanse your liver and gallbladder is by incorporating healthy foods into your diet, drinking plenty of water every day, and moving your body for at least 30 minutes per day. By following these simple tips, you can detox your gallbladder and liver naturally and sail more seamlessly into winter!
Alma Ervedosa is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), specializing in nutrition counseling. Alma believes in a functional, whole person approach to nutrition counseling. See Alma’s full bio to learn more.
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