The Western diet, which is heavy in carbohydrates and processed foods, combined with a sedentary lifestyle, can cause fatty tissue to build up inside the liver. This results in inflammation, which limits the liver’s ability to perform its crucial tasks. Here are suggestions to unclog the liver and keep it healthy.

Healthy Diet and Nutritional Supplements: Consuming five to 10 cups of green tea daily and plenty of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, as well as turmeric, grapefruit, beets and garlic, can help to prevent a buildup of fat in the liver. Adding a supplement that includes milk thistle, choline, dandelion and N-Acetyl Cysteine can also be beneficial.

Light Therapy: Infrared light saunas, referred to in Finland as “the poor man’s pharmacy”, are a natural way to keep the body healthy. They are most effective when used regularly for detoxification, especially for individuals that are taking several medications. Potential benefits that indicate an improvement in liver health include less indigestion and abdominal pressure, an increase in energy, greater mental clarity and stable weight management.

According to Michael Hamlin, Ph.D., a visiting professor at University of Johannesburg and editor-in-chief of the journal Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery, the number of conditions that light therapy can treat is continuously expanding.

Photobiomodulation: Controlled exposure to non-ionizing forms of light sources, including lasers, LEDs and broadband light, may improve the way cells produce energy and antioxi- dants, thereby helping to lessen pain and heal bones, nerves, skin, tendons and ligaments.

Dona Parker is owner of Tree of Light Whole Body Rejuvenation, which offers infrared saunas and ARRC LED photobiomodulation beds, located at 806 Neapolitan Way, in Naples. For more information, call 239-692-9367 or visit TreeOfLightCenter.com.