The liver is the body’s largest solid organ. It responsible for detoxifying many of the potentially harmful substances that can pollute the body.
The liver also plays a critical role in many other body processes including energy production, digestion, and nutrient storage.
What will help my liver?
The cornerstone of any liver-friendly programme is a diet that makes it easier for your liver to work. Lots of fruits and vegetables will help you and your liver work better.
Not only do these foods tend not to tax and stress the liver, they also contain an lots of nutrients such as vitamin C and carotenoids (e.g. beta-carotene) which can support liver function.
Organic produce is best as this is relatively free of potentially toxic herbicides, pesticides and fungicides.
Drinking plenty of water (about one and-a-half to two litres a day) really helps your body and your liver work well.
What won’t help my liver?
Foods that contain artificial additives such as sweeteners, colourings, flavourings and preservatives might cause your liver more problems.
People with Gilbert’s Syndrome often find that drinking alcohol gives them symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog and jaundice. Alcohol is hard for your liver to process and the less you drink the less stressed your liver will be. Watch out for hidden alcohol! You might find some herbal tinctures or food contains alcohol – worth avoiding if you are particularly sensitive.
You might also find fatty food makes you feel sick, and carbohydrates like sugar and white bread or pasta leave you drained and feeling rough. In Gilbert’s Syndrome you need to keep balanced blood sugar levels to help your enzymes work as well as possible (check out ‘What is Gilbert’s Syndrome’ for an explanation), so refined carbs are best avoided.
Hi Adina thank you very much for all the work you have done to help us. Like many I was diagnosed with GS 2 years ago and left pretty much on my on. So I’m really grateful for the research you done and the tips on how to deal with this.
Recently someone suggested that I should take Aloe, that I would be very beneficial. I have done a bit of research and choose not to take it. Have heard anything about any benefits of taking Aloe?
Márcia
Hi Marcia, thanks for your kind words and your question. I know that Aloe has many benefits supposedly associated with it. It is particularly recommended for people with stomach problems. I tried taking it regularly, many years ago now, to help with my IBS symptoms. It did nothing for me, I am afraid. I do find it helps with sunburn when applied to the skin though! I’d be interested to hear if anyone has had any other experiences, as mine were disappointing.