Article contributed by Dr. Ellen Jensen
The liver and gallbladder are miraculous organs indeed! They work together with the bile ducts as a team to perform the functions of the biliary system to help the body rid itself of wastes and process fats. Weighing from two to three pounds, the liver is a reddish brown color and shaped like a cone. It occupies the upper right abdominal cavity just beneath the diaphragm and has two main lobes. Its base touches the stomach, right kidney and intestines. Tucked underneath and attached to the liver is the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small sack shaped like a pear.
Functions of the Liver and Gallbladder
The remarkable liver has many functions that are vital to the body. About one quarter of the heart’s output of oxygenated blood flows into the liver via the hepatic artery. In the liver, the artery divides into many branches to provide oxygen to all the liver cells. Blood carrying such nutrients as fats and glucose from the intestines and spleen enters the liver through the portal vein. Blood exits the liver through the hepatic vein carrying carbon dioxide and plasma proteins. Bile is produced in the liver and passed to the gallbladder by means of a tube called the cystic duct where it is stored.
The liver produces important proteins for blood plasma. One of these is albumin which regulates the exchange of water between blood and tissues. Another is globin which is a part of the oxygen carrying pigment called hemoglobin. Others complement a group of proteins that play an important part in the body’s defense system against infection. The liver produces cholesterol and special proteins that help transport fats around the body. Blood levels of amino acids which are the building blocks of proteins are regulated by the liver. After a meal, some are converted to glucose, some to protein and others to urea which is passed out of the body through the kidneys and excreted in the urine. Glucose, (a form of sugar) that is not required immediately by the body’s cells, is stored by the liver as glycogen. When the body needs heat or energy, the liver converts the glycogen back to sugar and releases it into the bloodstream.
The liver works together with the kidneys to help cleanse the blood of drugs, nicotine, caffeine, chemicals and preservatives. A healthy liver absorbs these poisonous substances, changes their chemical structure so that they are water-soluble and excretes them in the bile. The bile carries waste products away from the liver and is stored in the gallbladder until it is needed to emulsify fats in the duodenum or first part of the small intestine. The gallbladder contracts and expels bile into the duodenum as soon as food has been sent there by the stomach.
It is important for women to understand that the liver processes estrogen. When the estrogen is not processed properly, women may have an excess of estrogen in the body. This can cause all of the symptoms of PMS such as bloating, water retention, weight gain, irritability, headaches, anxiety, hypoglycemia causing sugar cravings, an increase in prolaction a hormone that can cause depression, an increase in inflammatory prostaglandins which can cause pain, and cramping of the smooth muscles of the uterus.
Caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, sugar, fried foods, fast foods and foods high in hormones such as beef and milk can hinder the liver in its job of processing estrogen and create premenstrual symptoms.
Foods and Herbs That Strengthen the Liver and Gallbladder
Foods that are very strengthening as well as cleansing for the liver are foods high in iron such as the bitter greens including mustard greens, kale, turnip greens, collards, beet tops, endive lettuce, parsley, arugala, cilantro and broccoli rabe. Other foods that are high in iron and nourishing for the liver are beets, prunes, figs and raisins.
There are several herbs that help the liver tremendously. Milk thistle is a bitter tonic and high in silymarin, a constituent that helps protect the liver against some of the most virulent liver toxins. Milk thistle also helps to heal hepatitis A and B and cirrhosis of the liver. Milk thistle has proven to lower fatty deposits in the livers of animals. The Oregon grape root stimulates the flow of bile through the liver and gallbladder. The herb called burdock is high in iron and other minerals and helps the liver by cleansing and filtering the blood. Yellow dock root is also high in iron. It helps to decongest the liver and fight most inflammatory ailments of the liver and gallbladder. The wormwood herb is very effective against hepatitis and jaundice and also kills parasites. Celandine has been used to decongest the liver, treat hepatitis and jaundice and dissolve gallstones. Dandelion root tea has cured some of the worst cases of hepatitis. Tumeric helps the liver to process estrogen and balance hormones so is very useful for those suffering from premenstrual symptoms.
Cleansing the Liver and Gallbladder
There are many ways to cleanse the liver and gallbladder, but I never recommend cleansing the liver until the bowel has been cleansed so the liver can have a place to dump its toxins into. If the bowel is toxic and you start cleansing the liver, the body will suffer from toxic overload which can cause headaches, nausea and even vomiting as the body tries to find a way to get rid of the liver toxins. When the bowel is clean, it can work more efficiently to carry the toxins from the liver out of the body through the rectum. I also feel that an individual should have guidance from an experienced health practitioner when undertaking their first liver/gallbladder cleanse. However, if you would like to begin cleansing the colon as well as the liver and gallbladder, avoid foods fried in fat (olive oil is o.k.), alcohol, nicotine, sugar, white flour, pasteurized milk and milk products that are high in hormones, salt and processed foods. Eat only steamed vegetables (include the bitter greens), vegetable soups, salads with lemon juice and olive oil, baked or broiled fish or chicken and whole grains such as millet and brown rice for a month. Lemon juice and olive oil help to dissolve gallstones. Drink cleansing teas such as Oregon grape, dandelion leaf and root, yellow dock, burdock and milk thistle. In addition, take chlorella tablets that have had the cell wall shattered and eat beets or take beet tablets. Chlorella is an algae that absorbs toxins from the liver, colon and blood and helps to sweep the colon clean. Beets are very cleansing and strengthening for the liver and gallbladder. If you will follow this program, you will do a splendid job of cleansing your colon and your miraculous liver and gallbladder!