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| diet, which places an extra burden on liver activity, and avoiding exposure to chemicals, including the pesticides in food. Thus, it is advisable to buy organic foods whenever possible. |
| Of the herbs that enhance the immune system, licorice and the Chinese herbs bupleurum and schizandra are especially important for the liver. Both promote liver function, and bupleurum increases the blood flow to it. Ginger, garlic and rosemary increase production of beneficial liver enzymes. These are all potent antioxidants that protect against liver damage. Garlic, bupleurum and ginseng have even been shown to help safeguard the liver from toxic heavy metals such as the solder in tin cans, cigarettes, dental fillings and some cosmetics. Also drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins, taking some of the stress off the liver and kidneys. |
| The Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis |
| A complex disorder like CFS affects far more than the immune system. Three areas particularly impacted are the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands. Together they coordinate and harmonize body activities, including the immune system and hormones. Their work is so interconnected that together they have been dubbed the HPA axis and are considered the center of stress management. The pituitary and hypothalamus, both located in the brain, are designated the "master glands" because they literally rule the entire body by sending out hormonal messages. The hypothalamus oversees the pituitary's regulation of growth and its release of hormones from |
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