LIVER, a multifunctional organ that needs to be taken care  of. It detoxifies, synthesizes protein and produces biochemicals necessary for the body’s digestion.

Aside from metabolizing the system, the liver also works as glycogen storage, decomposition of red blood cells, and hormone production.

Because of these numerous tasks, your liver sometimes needs help to stay in top-notch working condition. Its functions are crucial for wellness: cleansing the blood, filtering toxins, storing blood when you are at rest, and keeping ample amounts of blood in circulation. So supporting your liver with herbs and natural performance-boosters protects your entire body.

Years of regularly taking over-the-counter (OTC) medicines like acetaminophen, aspirin and cough syrups, and prescription drugs for blood pressure, digestion, cholesterol, joint health and insomnia, can wreak havoc on the liver. What’s more, years of drinking alcohol (even as little as two glasses of wine or beer per day) coupled with insufficient water intake (less than 64 ounces per day) can stress the liver and hinder its innate detox processes.

Optimal health demands that you periodically cleanse the body and relieve the liver of excess stress on its functions. Here are some signs and symptoms of a distressed liver that is clogged with toxic:

* Tightness in your tendons.

* Trigger points in your muscles.

* Brittle, discolored finger nails.

* Bloodshot or yellow eye discoloration.

* Headache, on top of the head.

* PMS symptoms, especially cramping.

* Irritability or depressive swings.

* Hot flashes.

* Gallstones.

* Skin rashes, eczema, psoriasis and acne.

Cleansing and/or fasting provide excellent methods for allowing the organs and systems of the body to take a break from their daily overload, and to help initiate the removal of toxins from the body.

One of the effective ways of cleansing the liver is through lemonade cleanse once or twice a year.

During the days of the cleansing, you are not permitted to eat solid food or take supplements. This is not a diet addition, but a cleanse. If abstaining from food is difficult for you because of a medical condition, then this technique is not for you. But this method requires the consumption of at least six servings of “lemonade” per day. The fast can last anywhere from a few days to more than a month. Here’s how to compose:

* 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice.

* 2 tablespoons grade B organic maple syrup.

* 1/10 teaspoon cayenne pepper.

* 10 ounces filtered water.

After you cleanse, the next steps to take is preventive program and dietary changes. Avoid nitrates (in processed meats like hotdogs, ham, longanisa, tocino,etc.) and don’t eat foods with chemical preservatives or bad fats (like hydrogenated oils).

You should also consider reducing your alcohol consumption, control your stress (with breathing or other mind/body practices) and periodically cleanse.