Why Am I Itchy?

Supporting the Liver Seasonally

With the dryness of winter, I am feeling a little itchy.

In San Diego, where I live, the Santa Ana winds bring more pollens and dust into the air.

To deal with this, I am getting a little more sleep. I am more mindful of what I eat, including more homemade soups with bone broths to provide the nutrition my immune system needs to fight pathogens of the season.

This is an ideal time of year to support the liver. Doing this supports the skin.

Skin and liver health are deeply connected, as the liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying the body. If the liver isn't functioning optimally, toxins can build up, which might manifest as skin issues such as acne, eczema, or dullness. Supporting both liver and skin health can promote a glowing complexion and overall well-being.

When the liver is overburdened, toxins can accumulate and show up as:

Acne, particularly along the jawline or forehead.
Dull, dry, or oily skin.
Dark circles under the eyes.
Itchy, irritated patches (e.g., eczema or psoriasis).

Food Fixes for Your Body:

Eating nutrient-rich foods supports liver detoxification and provides the building blocks for healthy skin.

Liver-Friendly Foods:
- Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts support detox pathways.
- Leafy greens: Spinach, arugula, and dandelion greens help cleanse the liver.
- Beets and carrots: Rich in antioxidants and promote bile flow.
- Citrus fruits: Lemons, oranges, and grapefruits boost liver enzyme activity.
- Garlic and onion: Contain sulfur, aiding detoxification.
- Turmeric: Has anti-inflammatory and liver-protective properties.
Skin-Loving Foods:
- Fatty fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3s for skin hydration.
- Avocado: High in healthy fats and vitamin E for elasticity.
- Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds provide zinc and antioxidants.
- Berries: Full of vitamin C to boost collagen production.

Drink plenty of water to flush toxins and keep skin hydrated.
Add lemon to water to support liver function.

Exercise: Promotes circulation and helps the liver process waste efficiently.
Sleep: The liver repairs itself during deep sleep; aim for 7–8 hours per night.

Stay tuned next week, where I will be discussing Seasonal Depression.

Want a Deeper Dive? Here are some great links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfFjIL-TrqQ

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6920876/

This week, I posted a video on Instagram, @angiesrealfood, featuring Apricot Lanes Farm making a Beet Kvass recipe for liver cleansing.

Here is a recipe to make at home:

Basic Ferments Beet Kvass is a gentle introduction to your gut with ferments. It also tastes delicious. Beets are known to cleanse both the blood and the liver. What you will need for a tonic: 2-3 Beets, peeled and chopped 1 Tbsp Sea salt 1/4 cup whey or fermented pickle juice 2 cloves garlic, smashed or minced Filtered water In widemouthed 2 qt mason jar, add salt, whey, garlic and beets. Fill to shoulder with water. Let sit two days to ferment. Find further info and more recipes on ferments in “the Heal Your Gut cookbook” -Hilary Boynton

To radically improve your health this year, set up a time for personalized support here:

https://calendly.com/angiesrealfood

For more info on packages and classes with Angie’s Real Food look here:

https://angiesrealfood.com/

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