Supporting Your Liver During The Festive Season

As restrictions ease and we move towards the silly season, we tend to be busier socially, which often means increased alcohol intake. While self-enjoyment is an important part of life, being mindful of the effects of regular alcohol consumption as well as ways to support the body is crucial.
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〰️ Alcohol depletes various cofactors needed for neurotransmitter synthesis which is necessary for functions including mood regulation. These include B vitamins, magnesium and zinc
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〰️ Alcohol impacts sleep, as it disrupts our sleep cycle, creating an imbalance between slow-wave sleep and REM sleep. This decreases overall sleep quality, resulting in shorter sleep duration and more frequent sleep disruptions
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〰️ Alcohol significantly increases intestinal hyper-permeability, allowing unwanted molecules to enter the blood stream through the gut wall, causing inflammation. A compromised gut barrier has a flow on effect to digestion, skin and energy levels
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As with everything in life, moderation is key.
〰️ Ensure you are having more alcohol-free days in the week than not, and try and consume less overall.

〰️ Eating a meal prior to drinking is advised, as food prevents alcohol from passing too quickly into the small intestine, therefore slowing its effects.

〰️ Ensure you drink a glass of water in between drinks, and opt for clear liquids and soda water over tonic water to minimise sugar intake.
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〰️ If you do have a few drinks, support your liver to assist the detoxification process through increasing intake of B vitamins, cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage & kale) and liver protective herbs such as St Mary's Thistle.