In the wake of my abdominal surgery, I am paying extra special attention to my nutrient intake, my ability to use those nutrients (aka digestion), and detoxification (ya know I am not moving and sweating as much as I was this time last week). Even though I was given local anesthesia, it still needs to be removed from my system (aka, detoxed). All of these principles are 100% addressed through FDN Coaching!
There are a handful of supplements I am focusing on right now in the post-op window:
Glutathione: is the most powerful antioxidant in the body which stimulates the immune system!
Milk thistle: the seeds contain silymarin, a group of compounds said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Vitamin C: the antioxidant benefits ward against free radicals that accumulate and cause oxidative stress
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine): along with glutamine and glycine–NAC is needed to replenish glutathione.
Choline: an essential micronutrient that helps the process of methylation which is used to create DNA, nerve signaling, and detoxification.
Probiotics and digestive enzymes also play a big role as I want to make sure I am restoring gut flora and properly digesting my food!
Nutrition is the main focus of my “anesthesia-recovery diet”! The goal is to ensure adequate bile flow in order to eliminate fat-soluble toxins like anesthetics. So, I am steering clear of fatty meats and dairy (even though I don’t eat it), refined sugar, and alcohol.
My nutrition goals are:
FIBER: eat 35+ grams of fiber, particularly water-soluble fiber which helps bile secretion
AIM FOR 8+cups VEGGIES PER DAY: broccoli, Brussels sprout, cabbage, artichokes, beets, and carrots–all contain compounds that aid in detoxification.
SPICES: cinnamon and turmeric help with detoxification and recovery.
CLEARING TOXINS: foods rich in sulfur like garlic, onions, and egg yolks help the liver clear toxins.
WATER: is necessary to eliminate toxins–I am aiming for 1 1/2 gallons of filtered water per day.
I am consuming a mixture of raw and roasted veggies for fiber and nutrient diversity.
Ok, so here we have the building of a salad from a bed of greens and herbs–borage, beetroot, Swiss chard, lettuce, rue, and basil.
Add asparagus, roast acorn squash, beets, roast okra, green beans, broccoli, and tomatoes.
Add a protein–batch grilled chicken breast
Add a fat–avocado mash and walnuts.
That was my breakfast liver crusher today!
Now, let’s talk a bit about the liver and how liver congestion can negatively affect global health.
Think of the liver as one of those green & yellow kitchen sponges – If the liver isn’t firing on all cylinders & we’re dealing with many symptoms, our “kitchen sponge” (aka liver) probably looks like a brown, crusty sponge unable to do its job efficiently. “Gut health” is a pretty popular topic these days, but if we’re still struggling with symptoms, maybe it’s not the gut!
Potential Symptoms of a Sluggish Liver:
(including but not limited to) • Acne • Blood sugar imbalances • Difficulty digesting dietary fat • Difficulty maintaining normal cholesterol/triglyceride levels • Excess body odor, excessive sweating • Food intolerances • Gas, bloating, constipation • Headaches • Hormone imbalances • Intolerance to caffeine/alcohol • Skin-related allergies (psoriasis, eczema) • Weight gain/body comp issues
Potential Contributors to Poor Liver Function:
• Alcohol • Refined sugar, processed/fried foods • Various prescriptions (hormonal birth control, antibiotics, etc.) • Chronically elevated cortisol (stress) • Inadequate fiber, dehydration • Nutrient deficiencies • Exposure to plastics, parabens, pesticides • HBC & various meds
Naturally, Improve Liver Health:
• Sweat regularly, eat lots of fiber & water • Prioritize food quality, minimize processed and packaged foods, and buy organic as much as possible • Minimize alcohol consumption • Minimize plastic exposure (Tupperware, water bottles, etc.) • Switch to natural skincare, body care, hair care, and cosmetics • Incorporate cruciferous veggies, sprouts, beets, collard greens, kale, carrots, avocado, sweet potatoes, berries • Consider researching & supplementing Selenium, Milk Thistle, Dandelion or Burdock Root, Artichoke Leaf, NAC, DIM
Coming back full circle!!
You don’t have to go through surgery to address your liver! Look at your current diet, environment, and lifestyle. What can you shift around to help your body detox on a daily basis?
Do you need an extra push or more information!