I talk with clients all the time about the health of the liver. The liver is such an important organ. Did you know that our liver plays an integral part in our hormonal health? In fact, the liver can be the root cause of many health conditions and diseases such as digestive troubles, low energy, allergies, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, obesity and infertility just to name a few. So, if I have a client come to me with hormones imbalances or allergies, we talk about the liver’s possible role and ways we can support liver health. Let’s review why you should love your liver to balance hormones and weight (and more)!
What Does the Liver Really do?
The liver is the largest internal organ in the body, and the most important organ of detoxification. Everything that enters the bloodstream from your intestines, lungs, and skin is sent to the liver to be filtered. The liver is continually filtering out toxins found in our food and environment.
What are Toxins and Where do they Come From?
We are exposed to environmental toxins all the time. Babies are born with toxins already in their tiny bodies as toxins cross through the placenta in utero. These toxins come from pollution, second-hand smoke, pesticides, food additives (like artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives), synthetic hormones (found in non-organic cow’s milk), hormone-mimicking chemicals in plastics (containers, non-stick coatings, thermal receipts), too much alcohol and caffeine, chemicals in our household cleaning products, beauty products and more.
While our bodies are designed to detox naturally, they struggle to keep up with the increasing toxic load that we face today. When the liver is taxed, we cannot process toxins or fats effectively. As our detoxification systems reach their limit, we begin to experience symptoms of toxicity including:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Fatigue
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Skin problems
- Weight gain or inability to gain weight
- IBS, constipation, or irregular bowel movements
- Weakened immunity
- Headaches or other aches and pains
- Depression, anxiety, or mood swings
- Sleep Difficulties
- Low sex drive
- Sugar cravings
How can we start helping the liver?
The best thing we can do for the liver is reduce our toxic burden. I’m a big proponent of liver cleansing at least annually, or, even more ideal, seasonally. While Spring may be the time you think of for live cleansing, it’s really a year-round job! Here are my top 10 recommendations for loving your liver and helping it to become more functional, supported, and less taxed:
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Eliminate the toxic load of what you ingest through food and drink. Try to eat organic, when possible, especially for the dirty dozen. Reduce or eliminate your alcohol consumption, at least for a period of time.
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Reduce toxins that enter through your lungs and skin by choosing natural beauty products and non-toxic cleaning products for your home, when possible. Also store foods in glass instead of plastic, never heat your foods in plastics, and opt for cast iron skillets or stainless-steel pans without a non-stick coating.
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Consume warm water with lemon every morning upon rising which gently supports liver detoxification pathways and supports the GI tract daily.
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Stay hydrated by drinking half your body weight in ounces of clean, filtered water daily.
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For a boost in cellular regeneration and liver support, add 1 teaspoon of chlorophyll, spirulina, or any green powder to 10 ounces of water from once a day for a period of time. I like Amazing Grass Green Superfood Original. You can find this at your local health food store or online.
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Support a healthy colon by adding extra fiber, such as organic chia or flax seeds, to meals. My Favorite Green Smoothie is loaded with healthy fiber. Fiber is vital for removing toxins and excess hormones that are in the colon waiting to be excreted.
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Eat foods that naturally cleanse the liver, such as garlic, turmeric, grapefruit, lemons, limes, green tea, beets, carrots, apples, avocados, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, radish, cucumber, spinach, watercress, parsley, cilantro, and other leafy greens.
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Have a green juice or green smoothie every day. Liquefied nutrients are easier to digest and assimilate. Also, have cultured foods which are easier to digest and help to establish good bacteria in your intestines which aid in detoxing your body.
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Close the kitchen three hours before bedtime. By the time you go to bed, your body will be mostly finished with the process of digestion and, therefore, freed up, allowing energy for the liver to begin to clean the body of wastes while you sleep. If you are hungry before bed, hydrate by drinking a natural electrolyte drink. Or, if you tend towards constipation, have a magnesium citrate powder mixed with filtered water, such as Natural Vitality Natural Calm which is calming and can also help with quality sleep. You can find this at your local health food store or online.
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Incorporate at least one of the detox tools (skin brushing, Epsom salt bath, etc.), sweat, breathe deeply, exercise, and avoid constipation every day to help support the body’s natural detoxification pathways.
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