Liver health, and maybe a liver detox, should be one of the foundations of your wellness plan.
The liver is an essential organ that plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health and wellness. It is connected to almost every organ system in the body. Want to take charge of your liver health? Perhaps a liver detox is right for you.
A liver detox does not always have to involve a lot of supplements, or harsh cleanses. Certain foods are naturally supportive of your livers detoxification processes!
At CBH Energetics,
In this post, we’ll cover:
- The functions of the liver that support liver health
- Signs of liver dysfunction and poor liver health
- The impact of lifestyle choices on liver health
- Tips for maintaining a healthy liver through diet and nutrition
- Incorporating liver detoxification practices into your wellness routine
- The role of exercise and physical activity in liver health
- Stress management and its effect on liver health and function
- Natural supplements and herbs that support liver health
Neglecting the health of our liver can have serious consequences on our overall well-being. By prioritizing liver health, we can revitalize our wellness routine and achieve a more balanced and vibrant life. You may even find that your fatigue is less, with liver health prioritized!
The Functions of the Liver That Support Liver Health
To truly appreciate the importance of liver health, it is crucial to understand the functions it performs. It’s also important to think of the systems it’s linked to, namely the digestive system, and the endocrine system. The liver acts as a detoxification center, with 2 phases of detoxification. It’s like a filter, removing harmful substances from our bloodstream. It also plays a key role in breaking down fats and cholesterol balance, both of which are essential for various bodily functions.
Additionally, the liver produces bile, which gets stored in the gallbladder, and aids in the digestion and absorption of fats.
The liver also stores iron and copper. It plays a role in your blood clotting and in the manufacturing of proteins. The liver plays a role in heme breakdown which produce the breakdown products biliverdin and bilirubin (1).
Without a properly functioning liver, our bodies would struggle to eliminate toxins, digest food, and absorb essential nutrients.
Signs of Poor Liver Health
Recognizing the signs of poor liver health is vital for early intervention and prevention of further damage. Some common symptoms of poor liver health are obvious, and include yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain and swelling, and unexplained weight loss. These symptoms may indicate more serious liver issues, such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or cirrhosis.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a licensed healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Other, more subtle signs of liver issues fall into the term we use, which is liver STRESS. We can also look at this as liver stagnation. Stagnation means the lack of flow, or blocked movement.
In the context of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and stagnation, you may experience “pain and feeling of distension in the hypochondrium, irritability, depression, feeling of distension and pain in the breasts, dysmenorrhoea, disorders of menstruation, lower abdominal pain.” (2)
Spring is a time to boost Liver Qi, or liver health. Many undertake a liver detox in the spring, and even after the holiday season. Why? Well, spring is a time that liver energy changes, and builds. When we see liver stress on a Full Bioenergetic Scan, we also questions emotions. If you find yourself angrier at certain times, we look to the liver, which is said to hold anger in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.
The Impact of Lifestyle Choices on Liver Health
Our lifestyle choices have a significant impact on the health of our liver.
Poor dietary habits, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and lack of exercise can all contribute to liver damage. Consuming a diet high in processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars puts a strain on the liver, leading to inflammation and fatty liver disease. Similarly, excessive alcohol intake can cause alcoholic liver disease, which can progress to more severe conditions if left untreated. Quitting smoking and engaging in regular physical activity can also promote liver health by reducing inflammation, decreasing the toxin burden, and improving overall blood circulation.
Did you know that smokers might have a higher burden of the heavy metal cadmium? We see many smokers, and children of smokers, resonate with cadmium on their energetic toxin profile.
Not all things are a choice in life. Sometimes medications are necessary. They can take a toll on the liver. This is where supportive herbs for liver health and liver detox can help. We’ll cover that shortly!
Tips for Maintaining Liver Health
One of the first things we talk about is an overall healthy diet. This is important for maintaining liver health. Having a generally healthy diet keeps your body resilient during cold and flu seasons, and through the occasional party season, and cocktail.
Incorporating foods that promote liver detoxification and support its function can significantly improve your overall wellness. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet, especially those rich in antioxidants such as berries, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. These antioxidants help protect the liver cells from oxidative stress. Additionally, foods high in fiber, such as whole grains, legumes, and nuts, promote healthy digestion and prevent the buildup of toxins in the liver. Eliminating through the bowel, and through the kidney is called Phase 3 of detoxification.
Are you a holistic health practitioner? Learn more about creating balanced health through bioenergetic testing in our Certification Course!
Incorporating Liver Detox Into Your Everyday Wellness Routines
Liver health through everyday practices can help support the liver’s natural detoxification processes and promote its overall health. One popular way to support your liver is to incorporate liver-supporting herbs and supplements into your wellness routine. Milk thistle, dandelion root, and turmeric in our Bio A Curcumin Blend are some examples of herbs that have been traditionally used for liver health. These herbs contain compounds that help protect the liver from damage and promote its regeneration.
Milk thistle has been extensively studied for its hepatoprotective properties. It contains a compound called silymarin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the liver. It’s very safe for pets, and often is used for our Pet Scan Clients! Artichoke leaf extract also has shown promise in promoting liver health.
However, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplements to ensure they are appropriate for your individual needs. We require a full health questionnaire from everyone we run testing for!
Don’t forget your foods for liver health!
Another way to support liver health naturally is to incorporate liver supportive foods. Brassica family foods, like cauliflower, broccoli, sprouts of any kind are one group of liver supporting foods. Leafy greens like parsley, kale, beet greens, watercress and swiss chard also support liver detox.
We can’t forget the sulfur containing garlic and onions as well! We have lots of idea for you! Many foods promote a natural liver detox!
Did you resonate with liver stress, and an imbalance in potassium? Add some sweet potato into your meal rotation! One large sweet potato may contain almost 700 grams of potassium!
The Role of Exercise and Physical Activity in Liver Health.
Regular exercise and physical activity have numerous benefits for our overall health, including liver health. Engaging in moderate-intensity aerobic exercises, such as brisk walking or cycling, can help reduce the risk of fatty liver disease and improve liver function. Exercise promotes weight loss, reduces inflammation, and improves insulin sensitivity, all of which contribute to a healthier liver. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise, to reap the maximum benefits.
Stress Management and its Effect on Liver Health.
Chronic stress can have a detrimental effect on our liver health AND our overall health and wellbeing. When we are under stress, our bodies release stress hormones such as cortisol, which can lead to inflammation and liver damage if not properly managed. Cortisol is NOT the bad guy. It’s a necessary hormone. We strive for a balanced cortisol curve, where cortisol rises in the early morning, and lowers as the day ends. Chronic stress keeps cortisol elevated and this is the health risk.
Incorporating stress management techniques into our wellness routine is essential for maintaining a healthy liver. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and regular relaxation can help reduce stress levels and promote liver health. Prioritizing self-care and finding healthy outlets for stress, such as hobbies or social support, can also contribute to a balanced and vibrant life.
Top Takeaways for Liver Health
Prioritizing liver health is a crucial step towards revitalizing your wellness routine and creating balanced health in your life. By understanding the functions of the liver, recognizing signs of poor liver health, and making positive lifestyle choices, you can support the health of this vital organ. Incorporating a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management techniques, and natural supplements can further enhance liver health. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and support.
What about toxins that affect the liver?
Almost any toxin can affect the liver. These Include:
- Microbes
- Drugs
- Alcohol
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Cadmium
- Parasites like capillaria hepatica
With a proactive approach to liver health, you can achieve optimal wellness and begin creating balanced health.
