Indian Yoga & Liver Care !

"AYURVEDA AND LIVER CARE"

The liver is the largest glandular organ in the body, and has more functions than any other human organ. A person's entire blood supply passes through the liver several times a day, and at any given time there is about a pint of blood there.The Liver has a pivotal role in human metabolism.The liver produces and secretes bile (to be stored in the gallbladder until needed) that is used to break down and digest fatty acids. It also produces prothrombin and fibrinogen, both blood-clotting factors, and heparin, a mucopolysaccharide sulfuric acid ester that helps keep blood from clotting within the circulatory system. The liver converts sugar into glycogen, which it stores until the muscles need energy and it is secreted into the blood stream as glucose. The liver synthesises proteins and cholesterol and converts carbohydrates and proteins into fats, which are stored for later use.

It also produces blood protein and hundreds of enzymes needed for digestion and other bodily functions.
The liver also produces urea, while breaking down proteins, which it synthesises from carbon dioxide and ammonia. It is eventually excreted by the kidneys.

The liver also stores critical trace elements such as iron and copper, as well as vitamins A, D, and B12.
The liver is also responsible for detoxifying the body of poisonous substances by transforming and removing toxins and wastes. There are five main sources of body toxins and wastes that the liver deals with: toxins from food (traces of pesticides, preservatives)and alcohol; toxins from outside (drugs, adulterants, and environmental pollutants); internally produced chemicals, such as hormones, that are no longer needed; nitrogen-containing waste left over from protein re-use; and energy production. These toxins and wastes are converted into less harmful substances by the liver and then eliminated from the body.Because of the significant role the liver plays in maintaining our health, we must do all we can to keep it functioning properly.


Symptoms of a "sluggish liver"

These are fatigue, general malaise, digestive problems, blood sugar regulation disorders (such as hypoglycaemia), high cholesterol, psoriasis, allergies and chemical sensitivities and constipation. Extreme cases of liver problems would be jaundice, hepatitis and cirrhosis.

WHAT ROLE DOES THE LIVER PLAY IN THE BODY?

Often called the engine of the body, the liver plays an important role in digesting, metabolising and manufacturing essential compounds. For example, the liver is responsible for converting clear plasma to blood. The liver's job is to scan and identify toxins in the plasma and store them so they don't enter the blood. This maintains the purity of the blood by keeping impurities, known in Ayurveda as ama, from mixing with it.The liver also produces bile to break down and digest fatty acids; it produces blood-clotting factors and creates protective elements that keep blood clots from blocking the circulatory system. It converts sugar into glycogen and stores it for use by the muscles in the form of glucose energy; it synthesizes proteins and cholesterol. The liver also stores valuable trace elements such as iron, copper and Vitamins A, D and B12.


HEALTH PROBLEMS RESULTING FROM AN UNHEALTHY LIVER

In Ayurvedic terms, the liver is the seat of Pitta dosha, so Pitta-based problems of skin inflammation can be a direct result of liver imbalance.To understand what can go wrong, let’s examine the subtle functions of the liver.The liver is composed of five digestive fires (known in Ayurveda as Bhuta Agnis) that correspond to the five Ayurvedic elements of earth, fire, water, air and space.Each specializes in digesting a particular element in the food. To effectively transform the clear part of plasma to blood tissue, these five digestive fires must be in balance. If their ‘flame’ burns too high, or too low, or burns unevenly, then the plasma will not be properly converted into blood tissue, and toxins will enter the blood.All of these functions are governed by one of the sub-doshas of Pitta called Ranjaka Pitta. When Ranjaka Pitta goes out of balance it can affect the blood and skin and result in inflammatory problems such as skin breakouts, acne, cold sores, and skin diseases such as psoriasis.Toxins building up in the liver can also result in allergies, high cholesterol, hypoglycemia, constipation, digestive problems and fatigue.If the imbalance continues for a long time, serious diseases of the liver can develop, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice and cancer.A daily basis and to maintain resistance to infectious viruses.

DIETARY ADVICE FOR KEEPING THE LIVER IN BALANCE

First, avoid toxins in your food. Eat organic, freshly cooked foods. Foods that contain preservatives and chemicals, or that are processed or leftover, will make your liver have to work overtime to filter out the toxins. Eventually this will tax the health of your liver.Minimise intake of alcohol (well-proven as the cause of cirrhosis of the liver). This is especially important for people of Pitta constitution. Stay away from cigarette smoke and air pollution and exposure to commercial household cleansers and other toxic substances. These are all taxing to the liver. In general, drink lots of pure water to flush out toxins.One of the best ways to prevent liver imbalance is to keep Pitta dosha in balance. Eat a Pitta-pacifying diet in summer, favouring cooling foods with as sweet, bitter and astringent tastes, such as sweet, juicy fruits, summer squashes, cooked greens, sweet milk products, lassi, and grains.Avoid sour or fermented foods such as vinegar, pungent foods such as chillies, and salty foods. If you have a lot of Pitta in your basic constitution, then favour this diet all year round. Start the day with a stewed apple or pear, to set the metabolism and cleanse the liver. Just eating a sweet, juicy pear every day can go a long way to soothing Pitta dosha and cleansing the liver.LIFESTYLE TIPS FOR HELPING THE LIVERBe careful not to skip or delay meals, especially if you are trying to balance Pitta or have a sharp appetite.In the evening, retire early, well before 10:00, as you want to be sleeping before the Pitta time of evening starts (from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.). If you are awake during this time, you'll only increase Pitta dosha and prevent the liver from performing its necessary cleansing and resting functions during the night.Also, lack of sleep has been shown to throw off metabolism of glucose, resulting in weight gain. It also has been linked to an increase in anger. Both of these symptoms point to a liver imbalance caused by lack of sleep.Avoid situations that cause conflict or anger. Avoid pressure situations during work. Practice Transcendental Meditation regularly to reduce mental toxins, and to prevent the stress and strain of daily life from taking its toll on your liver. Negative emotions create powerful hormones that flood your liver with toxins.IN SUMMARY If you take care of your liver, you will enjoy more energy, clearer skin and stronger immunity throughout the year.



In our next post,we discuss about Dieseses related to liver and their healing. Till then,Good Bye Friends......... Have a healthy life !