The liver is one of the most important organs of our body, but we do not pay much attention to it until we see a major problem. Let us tell you how to keep the liver safe.
Most of us think about the liver only when it has a problem. However, it is the most hardworking organ of our body. The liver maintains digestion, processes food and drinks, and removes toxins from the body. In Ayurveda, the liver is considered even more special. It is linked to the Raktavaha Sruta, meaning it not only controls the flow of blood and bile, but its imbalance can affect many organs, including the heart, lungs, and stomach.
According to Dr. Somit Kumar, Chief Scientific Officer of AVP Research Foundation, small changes in life are necessary to keep the liver healthy, not big changes. According to Ayurveda, the liver is directly related to Pitta Dosha, which controls heat and digestion in the body. Drinking too much alcohol or eating excessively salty and sour foods disturbs this balance, which increases pressure on the liver. Its effect can be seen in the form of inflammation, cell damage, and premature aging.
Ayurveda also mentions Agni, the digestive fire, which converts food into Rasa Dhatu. The liver has five subtle fires (Bhoot Agni) that detox, digest and renew the body.
How should the food be?
Liver care is not done by fancy diets but by eating a balanced diet. According to Ayurveda:
Eat routinely: Eat meals on time, avoid random food combinations (viruddha aahaar) and include all the six juices in your diet.
Easily digestible food: Take cereals like rice, oats, wheat, barley and millets. Among pulses, moong is considered the lightest.
Fruits and vegetables: Apples, papayas, pomegranates are beneficial for the liver, but avoid overdoing citrus fruits and mangoes. Among vegetables, carrots and beetroot are better options.
Dairy products: Ghee and buttermilk are beneficial, while curd and cheese should be consumed in limited quantities.
Importance of Herbs and Spices
Turmeric is considered a natural anti-inflammatory due to the curcumin it contains. Garlic, ginger, cumin, fennel, black pepper: Improve digestion and reduce stress on the liver. Giloy, Bhumyamlaki, Mulethi: Renew liver cells and remove toxins.
Lifestyle Tips
- Do some exercise, yoga or walk daily.
- Reduce stress by adopting meditation and mindfulness.
- Get adequate sleep, because liver repair happens during sleep only.
Disclaimer: Some of the information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, please consult the concerned expert.
