How can we look after these forgotten organs of health?

How can we look after these forgotten organs of health? Image: iStockSource:BodyAndSoul

...and the simple step you can take to turn things around.

While we obsess over our skin, check our heart rate via apps, watches and FitBits and spend as much time as we can purifying our homes and getting fresh air into our lungs, not every organ in our bodies gets the same level of attention as these OGs.

With the rise of holistic health, we're more in tune with our bodies than ever, but why is it that major organs like our liver, gut and kidneys still aren't getting the attention they deserve? And could neglecting them be putting our health at risk?

Nutritional neuroscientist Delia McCabe says humans like things to be "as simple as possible, so when we get into complex discussions about how these organs work, most people tune out.

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"But the truth is, the whole body (and brain) needs a diet composed of nutrient-dense, colourful, fibre-filled carbohydrates, good fats, clean protein, and water," she adds. "This will keep all our organs healthy, and we won’t have to focus on detoxing to make us feel better psychologically, or physically."

Naturopathic medicine doctor and chief formulator at plant-based wellness brand Eimele, Dr Julie Chen, says most people take the amazing capabilities of our body for granted when we are feeling well.

Dr Julie Chen lets us in on the secret. Image: SuppliedSource:BodyAndSoul

"All the organs work for our survival and wellness silently in the background and only when we are not feeling well do we pay attention to the problem and the cause of the problem.

"It’s important to listen and observe all the different messages our bodies are telling us and find out what the cause is so that we can prevent more serious disease."

So how critical is managing the day-to-day health of our liver, kidneys and guts, and what role do these health heroes play in our overall wellbeing?

Image: iStock Source:BodyAndSoulSource:BodyAndSoul

Dr Julie Chen reveals how we can help keep these organs as healthy as possible.

Decreasing the burden on the liver by decreasing alcohol consumption, decreasing exposure to fat soluble toxins, heavy metals, chemicals will all help to support healthy liver. Nutrients found in fresh whole foods also support healthy liver function. There are some foods like broccoli sprouts, fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants, vitamin C and flavonoids such as black currants and turmeric that can support healthy liver function.

We can support our kidneys by decreasing our exposure to heavy metals and industrial chemicals and making sure that we are drinking plenty of fresh clean water. Controlling blood sugar and blood pressure is important since high blood sugar and blood pressure can damage the kidneys. Making sure there is a significant amount of veggies in the diet provides antioxidants and the nutrients for optimal kidney function.

The gut is vital to overall health. It has been shown that gut health influences every other system in the body including the neurological system, immune system, hormonal system etc. If the gut isn’t functioning well or there is disease or inflammation in the gut, we will notice symptoms everywhere including skin issues, weight gain and even our mental health is affected. Supporting gut health through a healthy diet, high in fibre, plant polyphenols and a healthy microbiota is essential for removing the waste from the body.

“Adding naturally colourful, nutrient-dense and fibre-rich foods to your daily diet is one of the best ways to support natural detoxification as fibre ensures we get rid of the parts of food we don’t need and provides food for the good bacteria that we need to stay healthy,” she adds.

While supplements are no substitute for a healthy diet, if you think you need to fill a nutritional gap and support your dietary intake, opt for a nutrient-dense, plant-based greens powder such as Eimele Shine Greens that will help to support the body’s detoxification process.

However, if you’re considering taking a supplement to support your gut, liver or overall health, read the ingredients list carefully, Chen warns, as some “detox” products are “harsh and may contain strong laxative or diuretic ingredients with the sole purpose of promoting unhealthy water or weight loss”.

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