† Ask Dr. Helen's Healthy Living Shownotes †

SANDRA CABOT, M.D.

"Keeping Your Liver Healthy"

The liver pumps toxins and poisons out of the body; hence it is very important to keep your liver healthy.

SYMPTOMS OF IMPAIRED LIVER HEALTH:

History of mysterious illness, immune system break down, headaches, tired all the time, feeling overheated, elevated cholesterol levels (often the last symptom), inability to lose weight (The liver is key to successful weight control because it is a fat-burning organ. When it is not burning fat, it stores fat), cellulite (toxins build up in the fat cells).

CAUSES OF POOR LIVER HEALTH:

Eating trans-fatty acids, processed fats, eating food with hormones in it.

12 VITAL PRINCIPALS FOR A HEALTHY LIVER

1. Raw vegetables & fruit: eat at every meal
2. Eat good oils: no trans-fatty acids or fried foods
3. Eat natural foods: no artificial sweeteners, avoid foods treated with
   pesticides
4. Diversity: Eat a wide range of protein. Include nuts, legumes, eggs, seafood
5. Eat foods that have medicinal properties: examples: broccoli, tomatoes, soy
6. Drink lots of water to flush out toxins: 8-10 glasses daily
7. Avoid refined sugars
8. Eat organic foods whenever possible
9. Eat lots of fiber to avoid constipation (raw fruits, vegetables, flax)
10. Do not overeat. This overworks the liver
11. Eat foods that help liver function: legumes, kiwi, garlic, essential fatty acids,
    flax.
12. Exercise good hygiene. Wash hands, wash foods, never share razors or
    toothbrushes.
    

CLEANSING THE LIVER

Dr. Cabot suggests that you use an 8-week detox plan to do a gentle cleanse vs a harsh cleanse that can make you feel quite ill as the toxins are broken down.

Weeks 1-2

Eliminate dairy, red meat

Weeks 3-6

Eliminate chicken, eggs.

You may eat fish, salads, fruits, rice,
legumes, nuts, seeds, raw & cooked vegetables.
During these 4 weeks you may feel tired or have headaches.
Take extra Vitamin C and drink lots of water.

You are removing toxins and teaching your liver to burn fat again.

Weeks 7-8

You may re-introduce chicken and eggs. Red meat O.K. in moderation.

HERBS THAT SUPPORT A HEALTHY LIVER

• Psyllium: An excellent source of soluble fiber. Helps lower cholesterol levels
• Taurine: The major amino acid required by the liver to remove toxins
• Milk Thistle: Reduces toxic fatty degeneration of the liver

BOOKS

The Healthy Liver & Bowel Book: A very comprehensive book on the Liver and Bowel. Contains over 100 recipes
304 pages $ 20.00

The Liver Cleansing Diet: Contains 8-week liver cleansing diet plus many recipes
186 pages $20.00

ABOUT DR. CABOT

Dr. Cabot founded the Women's Health Advisory Service in 1985. She earned her degree in OB/GYN at the Adelaide University School of Medicine. She has spent the last 25 years practicing women's health and nutritional medicine.