Support your liver this spring

As the seasons change, so does the human body. Spring is the time of year for growth, expansion and rebirth.

Your state of health in spring can set the stage for the entire year. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the liver and gallbladder is the most active as it begins to rise and expand to help us become more active and energetic. In TCM, when the liver system is out of balance, symptoms such as headaches, seasonal allergies, sinus issues, irritability, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and menstrual and menopausal issues can flare up.

The liver and gallbladder system help in detoxification and cleansing so it is important to eat more foods to support them. It’s beneficial to eat foods that have an upward growing energy such as leafy greens and sprouts as well as citrus fruits to help promote smooth flowing liver Qi. Here are some foods to help you support your liver and gallbladder.

GREEN FOODS

Foods green in colour and rich in chlorophyll help accelerate rejuvenation of the liver. Include foods such as spirulina, chlorella, parsley, wheatgrass, kale, swiss chard, and collard greens.

SWEET FOODS

These nourish, replenish, and tonify Qi. Include foods such as sweet fruits and nuts, as well as sweet vegetables such as sweet potato, yams, and carrots.

PUNGENT FOODS

These help promote Qi to move upwards and outwards. Include foods such as scallions, onion, garlic, ginger, radish, daikon, leek and chives.

SOUR CITRUS FRUITS(in moderation)

Lemons, limes and grapefruit all help keep the liver Qi moving smoothly.

BITTER LEAFY GREENS

For further healthy spring inspiration, check out page 18 for how to spring clean your home the non-toxic way and on page 14, you will find foods to help support a digestive cleanse. And finally, it’s important to “spring clean” your soul too. Be sure to go to page 13 for some tips on how to do your own internal spring cleaning. Remember, we radiate what we put in our mind, body, and soul. Eating whole foods, reducing toxic load, staying active, and a positive outlook in life are important as are a few indulgences to bring joy to the soul.

MARGARET LEE, R.Ac., R.H.N, has a degree in human biology, is a registered holistic nutritionist and registered acupuncturist. Since 2006, Margaret has combined her knowledge as a nutritionist with acupuncture to help others improve their well-being. Her acupuncture experience includes muscular pain conditions, menstrual/menopausal conditions, infertility, digestive disorders, stress, insomnia, and headaches.  NUTRIACURE