5 Signs It’s Time To Detox Your Liver
The liver is the most metabolically active organ in the body and is responsible for over 500 functions! It's our body's main detoxifier and it processes everything from the coffee we drink to the chemicals in the lotion on our skin.
With the amount of toxins we're exposed to on an everyday basis, supporting the liver is a crucial area for every aspect of our health. In addition to filtering toxins, the liver is important for producing bile for proper fat digestion, metabolizing and breaking down hormones, alcohol and medications and processing nutrients.
Here are a few things that can compromise liver function:
Processed sugars and fried foods
Long-term medication use
Pesticides from non-organic foods
Regular alcohol use
Stimulants such as caffeine and sugar
Build up of toxins from a stagnant colon
Common Signs You Need To Detox:
Weight gain
If you’ve struggled to lose weight, your liver is definitely an area that needs to be addressed! The liver regulates and metabolizes hormones, such as insulin, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. If these hormones are not adequately broken down, this creates imbalances, leading to excess inflammation, imbalanced gut bacteria, increased stress and a sluggish metabolism - all factors that promote weight gain! Cravings for sweets, alcohol, caffeine and other unhealthy foods are also linked to poor blood sugar regulation, another key role of the liver.
Low Energy
Low blood sugar levels, adrenal insufficiency, low thyroid function, excess inflammation and a suppressed immune system can all lead to us feeling depleted and lacking that liveliness we once had. The liver is responsible for so many tasks, like deactivating toxins and microorganisms and filtering heavy metals and other harmful substances. When it’s overwhelmed, our bodies aren’t able to produce enough cellular energy to get all its jobs done and still have enough left over for us. Detoxing the liver can help!
Acne and Skin Problems
Your skin is a window into your health and is another main route of elimination for toxins. When the liver becomes congested, you will often see it through the skin as the body tries to detoxify. Acne, rashes, eczema, redness and other skin issues all point towards your liver needing some love!
Digestive Problems
Believe it or not, the liver is a key digestive organ! It produces bile to aid the breakdown of dietary fats and digestion can quickly become compromised if our liver is under-functioning. An overloaded liver can lead to unwanted symptoms of indigestion, bloating, gas, constipation and more. Additionally, if the digestive system is not functionally optimally, this will increase the production of toxins in the intestines, creating even more work for the liver.
Irritability, Anxiety, Headaches and Fatigue
Symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, irritability, low energy, getting the shakes or sudden, intense hunger when meals are missed mean we need to get your blood sugar levels balanced! The liver is the main regulator of blood sugar and utilizing herbal supplements and liver-cleansing foods are great ways to detox the liver, normalize blood sugar levels and alleviate symptoms.
How to Start Supporting Your Liver Today!
Reduce your consumption of caffeine and alcohol
Reduce sugars and processed foods
Increase your water intake
Eat plenty of dark leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli
Add turmeric to your diet
Reduce exposure to toxins in foods by following The Dirty Dozen by the Environmental Working Group
Support your digestive system to reduce endotoxin production
Consult your practitioner about starting a liver cleanse
Consider coffee enemas to promote liver detoxification
Switch out personal care and cleaning products for natural options
Contact us today to get started!
Sources:
