Jaiden Watt | Hepadip

Liver Detox Made Possible With Acupuncture

Posted on June 21, 2019 by Jaiden Watt

There are numerous symptoms that can point you in the direction of having a burdened liver. The liver has various responsibilities to ensure your body is functioning at its prime at all times. However, over time, your liver is going to give you signs that indicate you may need to undergo a liver detox.

These signs and symptoms can sometimes manifest in the following ways:

Bloating
Liver pain
Excessive weight gain
Heartburn
Dark spots/liver spots
High cholesterol
Fatigue
Mood swings
High blood pressure
Sleep apnea

Liver detoxes can be achieved in various ways, however, this post is dedicated to a unique method used in Chinese medicine – acupuncture. Yes, you read that correctly. Chinese medicine was specifically designed to bring harmony and balance in an individual’s body. Acupuncture is used to restore the body back to health. This means, among other things, that acupuncture has the capabilities to restore interrupted sleep patterns which aid body healing, and encourages liver detoxification.

Acupuncture involves the painless insertion of specialized needles into the skin along the meridian points of the body. The needles used in acupuncture are a lot smaller in diameter compared to normal needles used in western medicine practice.

Earlier, we mentioned how acupuncture is used to restore balance and harmony within the human body. Basically, acupuncture is an alternative healing technique that focuses on the balance of one’s Chi energy. This means that when the body’s Chi pathways are blocked, acupuncture allows for the process of elimination to begin to open the pathways which result in the balancing of Chi levels. These Chi levels are also referred to as meridians.

On the topic of effectiveness, the accumulation of a number of acupuncture sessions over a relatively short space of time will result in numerous benefits including restoration and balancing harmony within the body. This harmony entails better quality sleep, pain relief, toxin elimination in the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, and other health benefits.

Acupuncture has been found to treat the following common problems:

Anxiety
PMS
Sports injuries
Fibromyalgia
Bloating
Insomnia
Tension caused by stress
High blood pressure
Depression
Fatigue
Joint pain
Influenza
Migraines

This alternative healing technique is also a fantastic means of relaxation. We all lead lives jam-packed with stress and the constant need to hustle with work, family commitments, and the demands of life in general. Taking that one hour per week to just simply relax while your Chi levels realign could be all that more beneficial to you. Even if it’s just to take timeout to completely relax yourself. Your body will thank you in the future.

Liver Disease and Preventative Measures

Posted on March 10, 2019 by Jaiden Watt

A diseased liver is no laughing matter, especially if you were born with liver problems. Unfortunately, congenital liver issues cannot be cured, however, as and when symptoms arise they can be treated. If you have a family history of liver disease and are worried that you are susceptible to this later on in your life, there are preventative measures that you can take to avoid history repeating itself.

Healthy Weight

A healthy, high-fibre, low-fat diet will help keep the unwanted body weight at bay. This is beneficial in avoiding fat accumulation in the liver which can result in non-alcoholic fatty liver syndrome.

Good Hygiene

Back in your childhood days, it was probably annoying when your mom made you wash your hands before eating your meals or after you’d visited the toilet. Well, she was right, you know. This sort of good hygiene aids in the prevention of hepatitis A. This type of liver disease is contracted and spread by the exposure to infected feces. Wash your hands!

Vaccinations

For preventative measures, you can get your hands on vaccinations for hepatitis A and B. These injections contain donated blood full of immunoglobulins.

Stay Protected

Hepatitis B and C are particularly contagious and are blood-borne. Coming into contact with the blood of an infected person, unprotected sex, the use of unsterilized needles, and the sharing of needles with recreational drug use are a just a few things that can lead to disaster.

Avoid Overdosing and Recreational Drug Use

Doctors these days always warn against the mixing of medications and alcohol. However, the most abused over-the-counter medicine is paracetamol which is used as a painkiller. Lethal doses of this medicine can result in liver failure which can have fatal consequences.

Drug abuse is on the rise every year. Illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, meth, and other drugs can cause detrimental and sometimes irreversible liver damage.

Keep It In Moderation

Heavy alcohol consumption over a long period of time can result in many things namely inflammation and liver tissue scarring which as a result causes cirrhosis. Everyone’s alcohol tolerance levels are different, however, moderate consumption of alcohol for men and women should be adhered to as much as possible. Abstain if need be.

Every part of the human body is as important as the oxygen that we breathe. Just like we take the necessary measures to decrease levels of air pollution in our cities, we must have the exact same attitude towards our bodies. Protect your liver as prevention is better than cure.

Amazing Liver Facts You Never Knew!

Posted on December 30, 2018 by Jaiden Watt

Throughout this blog, we have come to learn just how important the liver is in the human body. The liver’s various functions include but are not limited to fighting infections, processing proteins and hormones, blood clotting and so much more. Here, we’ve outlined a few facts that show just how amazing this organ really is!

It’s Complicated

You may not know this but your liver plays a pivotal role in most of the bodily functions. So, yes, it does not have one specific job. The mains functions of the liver are to make and store energy, protein production, immune function, and the metabolizing of medications.

The Biggest of Them All

The liver feels rubbery to the touch and is reddish brown in color. When you’re trying to imagine the size of a human liver, imagine about three pounds in weight. Skin is considered to be the largest external organ, however, the liver is the largest internal organ in the human body.

Two Identities

The liver is not only classified as an organ but also as a gland. This is because the liver filters the blood, eliminating toxins, and pushing them out of the system.

Let There Be Blood

This amazing organ is constantly pumping blood throughout the body every single minute that passes by. Approximately 10% of the blood within your body is held by the liver.

Did You Know?

The first liver transplant happened in 1963 by Dr. Thomas E. Starzl in the USA. Unfortunately, it was not a successful operation due to lack of availability of the correct immunosuppressive drugs. Four years later, the correct immunosuppressives became available and finally, a successful liver transplant occurred.

Let It Grow

Here’s a little fact to blow the mind away – the liver can regenerate! The liver can completely restore itself to its original size within two weeks using as little as 25% of the original liver tissue.

Your Brain Depends On It

The liver is also responsible for the regulation of plasma glucose and ammonia levels. However, non-regulated levels of these can result in hepatic encephalopathy which leads to coma.

Watch That Waist Line

It is vital to keep your weight in check throughout your lifetime as obesity can result in a liver disease known as metabolic syndrome. Despite metabolic syndrome, obesity causes other life-threatening diseases too.

Producer of Fluids

We know that bile is responsible for the processing and absorption of fats. The liver produces bile in small ducts and moves it along to the small intestine through the gallbladder or directly.

Now we have a better understanding of why the human liver is necessary for our survival. It works hard and tirelessly throughout our entire lifetime. So, why should we not do whatever we can to ensure a long lasting and healthier life?

8 Power Foods For Your Liver

Posted on September 30, 2018 by Jaiden Watt

You’ve heard all the rumors about diets that help this and that but lack the time and effort needed to implement a tailor-made diet. Well, there is a solution to that problem. Especially if you’re looking for a way to protect your organs such as the liver. Bearing in mind that the liver is one of the most vital parts of the body aiding in survival.

Here, we have compiled a comprehensive list of super foods and liquids you can easily accommodate into your daily food choices. We are all about liver health promotion here so let’s start with the basics. Ultimately, you want to feel good, eat healthily, and be the best you can be!

Coffee

Scientists have found that coffee actually protects the liver from diseases such as the development of liver cancer and inflammation. This is on the basis of consuming an average of three cups of good quality coffee per day.

Two of the main risk factors for liver disease is the build-up of fat and collagen. Coffee drinking is said to aid in the prevention of these risk factors.

Another benefit of coffee drinking is the increase of an antioxidant called glutathione. This neutralizes harmful free radicals produced naturally by the body and ultimately result in cell damage.

Tea

A specific type of tea has been found to benefit the liver: green tea. It is important to remember that it must be pure green tea and not a tea that contains green tea extracts. Scientists found that people who drink more than four cups of green tea per day for a period of more than 12 weeks benefited greatly. The risk of developing liver disease reduced dramatically and improved liver enzyme levels. Also, fat and oxidative stress deposits in the liver decreased.

Grapefruit

This fruit contains two types of antioxidants that protect the liver. These are naringenin and naringin. The antioxidants aid in the protection of the liver by reducing inflammation and protecting cells.

Berries and Grapes

Consumption of berries and grapes for a period longer than 3-4 weeks has been found to protect the liver from damage. Blueberries, in particular, increased immune cell response and antioxidant enzymes.

Green Vegetables

Green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach are said to increase natural detoxification enzymes. These veggies also help protect the liver from damage and improve blood levels of liver enzymes.

Nuts

A moderately high intake of nuts has been found by scientists to actually improve levels of liver enzymes with patients suffering from Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disorder.

Fish

Fatty fish like tuna or salmon contain omega-3 fatty acids. This is a type of healthy fat which lowers your risk of heart disease as well as reduce inflammation.

Olive Oil

Olive oil consumption decreases the levels of fat in the liver. It also increases blood flow as well as improve one’s liver enzyme levels.

Make a change today, to improve your overall health tomorrow!

Why The Human Liver Matters

Posted on July 5, 2018 by Jaiden Watt

The human liver is considered to be one of the most vital internal organs for human survival. It is responsible for various chemical reactions and performs well over 500 functions within the body. The liver is considered to be the largest internal organ as well as the largest gland.

The size of the human liver varies according to gender, age, and body size. A liver found in a male is bigger than that of a female. For example, a female’s liver may weigh 1.2kg whereas a male’s liver may weigh 1.5kg.

Functions of the Liver

Looking at the liver from the glandular aspect, this is where the functions of the organ occur. The most important function of the liver is to rid the body of harmful toxins. However, the liver is also responsible for the secretion of bile which aids the process of digestion. The organ processes all the nutrients we get from food consumption. The body stores these nutrients which are then converted into energy as and when the body needs it. The liver also has the capacity to store blood. In instances when there is a low blood volume, the stored blood within the liver saves the day.

The liver is responsible for the conversion of glucose to glycogen which aids in the prevention of hyperglycemia and low sugar levels. The hepatic secretion of the liver is very important as the secretion of bile, found in the gallbladder, stores and concentrates the bile.

Storage of Vitamins and Minerals

The liver controls the intake and storage of vitamins A, D, B12, Folic acid, and iron. When needed, the liver will provide these to aid the body. Iron is absorbed through the liver which helps the process of blood production. Copper is responsible for development and growth of various organs including the brain, heart, and bones.

Factors Leading to Liver Disease

Excessive alcohol consumption
Recreational drug use
Hyperlipidemia
Genetic diseases
Unprotected sex resulting in hepatitis

Types of Liver Disease

Jaundice – the golden yellow appearance of the skin as a result of the accumulation of bilirubin found in body fluids.
Drug-induced Hepatotoxicity – the damaging effects of drugs on the liver.
Alcoholic liver disease
Cirrhosis – the end-stage liver disease caused by fibrosis
Liver tumors – these can either be malignant tumors or cancerous.

There are many more different types of liver diseases that could develop due to the failure of the maintenance of the vital organ.

Acute and Chronic Liver Diseases

Viral hepatitis
Alcohol abuse
Chronic hepatitis C and B
Primary biliary cirrhosis
Hemachromatosis

From the above information, you can see just how important the maintenance of the human liver is. Most of these types of liver diseases can be avoided by eating a healthy and balanced diet, regular exercise, drinking water daily, low alcohol consumption, and staying far away from recreational drug use!

The Power of the Human Body

Posted on June 3, 2018 by Jaiden Watt

Everyone knows that the human body is very powerful in the ways our minds work and the abilities it has to heal itself. The amazing thing is that there are so many things our bodies do that people have no idea about. In this post, we list a few facts that will blow your mind away!

The human brain has amemory capacity equivalent to more than four terabytes on a hard drive

The brain’s memory storage capacity is quite difficult to calculate because over time as memories are stored, some are forgotten and others are remembered indefinitely. It is also said to be unknown to scientists to measure the size of one’s memory. So, the human brain’s memory capacity is more than 4000 gigabytes.

Your skull ismade up of 29 different bones

From an anatomy perspective, the human skull actually contains 22 bones. These consist of eight cranial bones and fourteen facial structure bones. All these bones are joined together by immovable joints known as sutures. The seven extra bones are found within the sutures and are referred to as wormian bones.

Nerve impulses sent from the brain move atan average speed of 68km/h

A nerve impulse is the information from the brain carried through to the spinal cord, organs, muscles, and tissues. Nerve impulses also referred to as electrical signals, are created by the excitement activated in the neurons of your brain.

The human heart pumps over 200 million litres ofblood during the average lifetime of a person

Whenever a human heart beats, 5-7 litres of blood moves throughout the body in a minute. This equates to 7600 litres of blood being pumped through the system per day.

Afeeling of thirst occurs when water loss is equal to 1% of your body weight. The loss of more than 5% can cause fainting, and more than 10% cause death from dehydration

Drink water all day and every day!

Teeth are the only part ofthe human body which cannot heal themselves

Enamel repairs itself by using minerals from saliva as well as the fluoride from toothpaste. If the tooth decay process continues, over time, the enamel is weakened and destroyed, forming a cavity. However, a cavity is permanent damage.

Fingernails grow approximately four times faster than your toenails

Did it ever occur to you that you cut your fingernails more times than your toenails? Bingo.

The human eye can distinguish between 10million different colors

Look it up. It’s true!

So, there you have it. The human body is THAT powerful! We are capable of so much more than we actually realize. Never underestimate the power of what your body can do for you.

How To Feel Good, Think Positively and Live Well

Posted on April 10, 2018 by Jaiden Watt

Let’s go over a few things that cover why maintaining a healthy body throughout your life is so important. A healthy body promotes mental alertness, greater energy levels, and elevated moods. Sounds awesome, right? Well, let’s break this down into attainable goals so that you can be the best version of you starting today!

Adequate Sleep

When you go to sleep at night, your body takes this time to repair cells and rejuvenate the body. If you are deprived of adequate sleep, your immune system deteriorates which makes you prone to flu and colds. Sleep deprivation also increases fatigue.

Healthy Diet

Vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, fatty acids and carbohydrates combined together ensure your body gets the nutrition it needs in order to be mentally and physically sound. Little changes in your diet such as eating more fresh fruit and vegetables every day can boost nutrition significantly.

Exercise

A little exercise every day like fun aerobic classes or a brisk 30 minute walk around the block not only helps you burn those unwanted calories, but also strengthens your immune system and muscles. All of this adds up to stronger lungs, stronger bones, stress relief, and elevated moods.

Better Body Weight

When you’ve started eating properly and begun a regular exercise routine, you will begin to notice that your body regulates itself to a healthier weight. As exciting as this may be, let’s not forget what a better body weight can do for you: reduces high blood pressure, decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic disease prevention like diabetes and certain cancers.

Good Mental Health

We all know how important one’s mental health is. If we look at the facts, we can see that sound mental health improves your attitude, decreases depression and anxiety, and makes you feel pretty good about life in general. The state of your mind affects the way we think, feel, and act towards ourselves and others. You can strengthen your mental health by meditation, treating yourself with respect and kindness, and relaxation.

There you have it. All the reasons why and how you can always feel good about yourself and your body, have a positive attitude, and lead a long and happy life along the way. Life should not be about losing sleep, unnecessary stress, and starving yourself to keep the perfect weight. You must enjoy today, tomorrow, and every day after that because you can!

The Diet That Keeps You Trim and Liver-Healthy

Posted on March 27, 2018 by Jaiden Watt

Everyone is always after a diet that promises weight loss. However, most diets that pop up these days turn out to be crash diets which result in significant weight loss with side effects like nutrient deficiencies or weight gain as soon as your return to your normal eating habits.

If you’re looking for a foolproof diet that aids in the upkeep of your health with the added benefit of weight loss then maybe you should consider the Mediterranean Diet. This diet is based primarily on the traditional cooking styles from countries along the Mediterranean sea. It is a plant-based diet comprising of the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, good fats, and white meats. The combination of these food groups has been scientifically proven to prevent life-threatening and chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Types of Food in the Mediterranean Diet

The focus is on fresh fruits and vegetables, pasta, rice, fish, chicken, bread, and good fats such as olive oil. These types of foods are rich in protein, healthy fats, and various vitamins and minerals which your body needs.

Bread is a popular whole grain food usually eaten plain or dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Notice that the choice of using the olive oil instead of margarine or butter eliminates the intake of unhealthy trans and saturated fats. The healthier type of fat found in olive oil is referred to as monounsaturated fat which lowers cholesterol levels and provides antioxidants.

Nuts are high in healthy fat and increase your calorie count so it’s important to only have about a handful of raw nuts like almonds every day. Steer clear of sugar coated or salted nuts.

White meats such as fish like tuna, salmon, and sardines are consumed regularly in this diet. Fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids which lower triglycerides, decrease blood clotting and help decrease high blood pressure.

Tips and Tricks

Instead of using salt to season your meals, improve the flavour with herbs and spices
Eat grilled fish once or twice a week
If eating red meat, stick to small and lean types of red meat. Avoid sausage, bacon, or high fat types of red meat
When it comes to dairy products, rather have skim milk, fat-free yogurt, and low-fat cheese
You should have up to ten servings of fresh fruit and vegetables a day
Stick to whole grain pasta and rice

This is a fun, healthy, and delicious sort of lifestyle change that you can start today!

6 Ways To Ensure Better Body Health

Posted on March 12, 2018 by Jaiden Watt

Have you ever stopped to think about how you feel about your body? Perhaps with a self-evaluation you begin to realize that you don’t have the greatest self-image of your body. A body image of yourself is defined as the perception of you and the perception of others. It means you have the self-acceptance of who you are and being happy with exactly that.

The benefits of a good self-image include confidence, self-awareness, and a healthy self-esteem. Let’s not forget about how these benefits play a vital role in ensuring better body health. When you have a poor self-image, you are more than likely going to experience emotional turmoil, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation or fear of intimacy with inter-personal relationships. When you protect your body health, you are also preventing chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, stroke, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.

Here are 6 fireproof ways to ensure better body health:

6-8 hours of sleep
A balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables
Morning meditation
Daily exercise
Relaxation time
Drinking water every day

Adequate sleep enables your body to heal and repair heart and blood vessels as well as reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Your memory functions improve and your energy levels increase.

Healthy coping mechanisms are important to reduce stress levels. Such things include morning meditation rituals, relaxation techniques like breathing exercises. Eating a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables gives you the nutrients your body needs.

Daily exercise regimes are beneficial as your body releases endorphins which result in you feeling happier and energized.

Drinking water daily is important as this helps your body rid itself of toxins and keeps you hydrated.

Living a balanced life is having a healthy work and rest ratio. This means that the time you have not working should be your time of relaxation whether you take a walk in the park or visit the beach for a day.

Remember, a healthy body ensures balance and inner harmony.

Your Body and Metabolic Syndrome

Posted on February 24, 2018 by Jaiden Watt

Metabolic syndrome comprises a number of risk factors that increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and other health-related issues like Type 2 diabetes. There are no concrete symptoms of the risk factors related to metabolic syndrome, however, obesity is an indicator to consider.

The development of metabolic syndrome is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. An example of a genetic factor could be a family history of Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and early heart disease. Environmental factors to consider would be lack of physical activities or excessive weight gain.

The greatest risk factor for this disease is obesity but there are other things to consider such as smoking, post-menopausal women, excessively high carbohydrate diets, as well as lack of exercise.

Metabolic syndrome is also responsible for:

Fat accumulation in the liver which results in cirrhosis
Kidney damage
Sleep apnea
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Increased risk of dementia
Cognitive decline in elderly patients

Metabolic syndrome can be treated with a change in lifestyle such as a healthier diet and a sustainable exercise regime. An example of a healthy diet that is known for helping in the treatment of metabolic syndrome is the Mediterranean Diet. This diet focuses on using good fats like olive oil and an intake of moderated amounts of carbohydrates and proteins. These changes in diet decrease body weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

It is important to remember that body health should be a top priority. A healthy body ensures a healthy mind. These small changes in your lifestyle will help reduce stress levels and aid in keeping your immune system strong to fight illnesses like influenza and metabolic syndrome. If you’re unsure of your medical family history, rather live a healthier lifestyle to prevent health issues to avoid becoming ill later on in life. Prevention is better than cure.

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