Cleanses don’t work; here’s what does
A can of soda does the same damage to the liver as a shot of tequila, says nutritionist Theresa Albert.
By:Vanessa MilneToronto Star, Published on Tue Apr 23 2013
The death rate from liver disease in Canada is rising — up 30 per cent between 2000 and 2007, according to a report from the Canadian Liver Foundation.
And judging by the number of cleanses on the market, Canadians’ concerns for their livers is growing as well.
Unfortunately, they don’t work. “There’s nothing you can do for a week that’s going to make up for a year — or 10 — worth of bad habits,” says Toronto nutritionist Theresa Albert, board member of the Canadian Liver Foundation.
She shared her top tips for keeping your liver healthy:
EAT YOUR VEGETABLES
Dark leafy greens, deeply coloured fruits and cruciferous vegetables are particularly good for your liver, as are beans, Albert says. These also aid weight loss, which reduces the risk of fatty liver disease.
DROP THE SUGAR
People often think of alcohol as most harmful to your liver, but in fact, sugar — and sugar-filled drinks like pop — have a similar effect.
“Some of the studies that are coming to the forefront now talk about the impact of sugar on the liver being exactly the same as alcohol,” says Albert. “A can of soda does the same thing as a shot of tequila.”
GET VACCINATED FOR HEPATITIS
Hepatitis A and B are both liver diseases — and both are preventable with a vaccine. “People don’t think about them,” says Albert. Ask your doctor if you need a shot. Also consider getting tested for hepatitis C.
WATCH YOUR MEDS
Tell your doctor everything you’re taking — combining herbal medicine, vitamins, over the counter drugs and prescription medications can be harmful for your liver.
People don’t realize taking too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can damage your liver, says Albert. During cold and flu season, it’s easy to accidentally take too much by popping an all-purpose pill and taking acetaminophen after.
Combining acetaminophen and alcohol — by taking a pill at night to prevent a morning hangover — is also damaging.
PICK ECO-CLEANING PRODUCTS
Your liver’s job is to process toxins and that includes those in the environment that you breathe in or ingest. “For so long we kind of pooh-poohed it, but now we know with those toxins, they actually have to be filtered out by the liver,” says Albert.
Using eco-friendly products in your home is a simple way to reduce your toxic load. “Go environmentally friendly or DIY as much as possible,” recommends Albert.
No comments:
Post a Comment