The Oil Filter
Ayurveda teaches that all disease stems from poor digestion. Your liver is a vital part of the digestive process. It has over 500,000 functions and can largely be thought of as an “oil filter” for your body. It filters up to 2 quarts of blood each minute. The liver transforms food into nutrients that feed your cells. It builds metabolic enzymes. It breaks down hormones, converts vitamins and minerals and produces bile, cholesterol, estrogen and immune substances. It stores blood and glycogen and regulates blood sugar. It is believed that due to poorly functioning livers, we suffer from arthritis, heart disease, cancer, hormonal imbalances, depression, anxiety, suppressed immune function and weight gain. Thyroid function is directly linked to the liver.
The liver’s job is to analyze every single thing that you put in your body. It decides if the substance is toxic or nontoxic. This includes analyzing, not just food, but atmospheric toxins such as cigarette smoke and other chemicals. It also includes viruses, parasites, fungi, allergens and unhealthy bacteria.
If your liver is overworked because of the pollution you are consuming, it will not filter as efficiently and you may suffer from high cholesterol, aches and pains, acne, psoriasis, allergies, fibromyalgia, pms, mood swings, sluggishness, depression, bloating, weight gain, high blood pressure, constipation and much more. The good news is that your liver regenerates! Time to detox.
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, you need to detoxify your liver.
• Eliminate caffeine, alcohol, dairy, refined carbs, fried foods and red meat.
• Choose fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Choose beans, nuts and whole grains.
• Choose water over flavored drinks and sodas.
• Take a Neem supplement twice a day.
• Eat three meals a day. A meal is the size of two fists.
• Walk or practice yoga daily.
Consider participating in the Elemental Cleanse. It’s a 28-day immersion into yoga, meditation, and right nutrition. This is the ultimate liver flush because it teaches you how to take care of your liver for life.
*The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda, yoga, and meditation. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.