About the Author

Asti Renaut

Asti Renaut (BHSc. Comp Med, BA, Adv Dip Nat, Adv Dip Herb Med, MNZAMH)

Asti Renaut is a degree-qualified medical herbalist and naturopath with over ten years clinical experience. Asti practices in Christchurch, New Zealand, treating a wide range of health issues. She especially enjoys working with infants and children, and finally has one of her own to practice on! One of the cornerstones of Asti's practice and philosophy is the importance of education and sharing information. She believes that empowering clients to understand their own bodies and health, and giving practical tips and tools to use from the garden and kitchen are just as important for wellness as qualified professional care. 

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No matter what your lifestyle and dietary choices are, we all live in an environment that puts pressure on the natural detoxification systems of our body. People often associate a ‘detox’ with stopping alcohol, and while this is important, it is just one of the substances that we ingest that our body’s organs have to work hard to break down and eliminate. In reality, detoxification is continually going on in our body, especially in our major detoxification organ, the liver. The liver not only filters the blood, but it actively unpacks and repackages compounds so that they can be safely excreted. 

Signs that you may need some extra liver support may include: sluggishness, constipation, headaches, grumpiness, short temper or anger, mood swings, high cholesterol, being overweight, PMS, skin conditions, low energy, bloating, food sensitivities, hayfever, nausea, poor appetite, intolerance of fatty foods, sensitivity to strong smells. 

Supporting our liver to do its detoxification job effectively has three components:

1. Reduce/avoid substances that put an extra pressure on the liver

• Alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes
• Food additives, preservatives, colourings, flavourings
• Processed foods and highly refined or sugary foods
• Fried foods, trans fats
• Many people find it beneficial to avoid dairy foods and red meats for a short period while doing a ‘detox’

2. Increase substances that support the liver’s detoxification processes 

• Herbal medicines such as those listed below
• Fresh fruit and vegetables, organic if possible, especially brassicas (broccoli, kale, cabbage), beetroot and all leafy greens
• Turmeric (fresh or dried)
• Lots of fresh pure water 
• Garlic, onions, and eggs 
• Wholegrains, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds
• Extra fibre helps ‘pull’ toxins the liver has packaged up out of the body via the bowel: Chia seeds, Psyllium, Ground Linseeds, LSA.

3. Regenerate the liver with specific herbal medicines like our certified organic Liver Cleanse. Liquid herbs are always preferable as they minimise the ingestion of tabletting aids, encapsulating agents, fillers etc. Liquids are also easily and rapidly absorbed by the body.

• Globe Artichoke has been scientifically proven to help lower cholesterol. It also aids the detoxification processes of the liver, helps to heal and regenerate it, and protects its against further damage. 
• Milk Thistle (also known as St Mary’s Thistle) is the premium herb for the liver. It contains, among other constituents, the flavonoid compounds known as silymarin. Silymarin has been shown to protect the liver from a huge number of toxic chemical compounds by acting a potent antioxidant. It also improves the detoxification capacity of the liver, and is used by medical herbalists to support those with various types of liver disease. 
• Dandelion Root: This common and much-maligned weed may become your greatest ally in supporting your liver. Dandelion root is a natural ‘bitter’, promoting the production and secretion of all the natural digestive agents the body produces, as well as supporting bowel function to ensure the elimination of toxins.

It is astonishing how revitalised people can feel after even  a simple two weeks on a programme like this. A two-week detox is a wonderful way to regain the clarity, buoyancy and sparkle that helps you feel alive to any and all possibilities.