Loving Your Liver

When we talk about liver health many people automatically associate it with alcohol intake. In my clinic I often hear “my liver is healthy because I don’t drink alcohol”, but in fact your liver does so much more than just process alcohol.

The liver is one of the most important organs in your body. It is remarkable in its ability to regenerate given the right environment. It is the largest solid organ in the body, located in the upper right abdomen underneath the rib cage, and is often associated with the digestive system and detoxification. We cannot live without our liver.

What Does The Liver Do?

The liver is involved in many different processes, some of these include- 

• Blood sugar balance and immunity
• Hormone processing and building proteins 
• Clearance and metabolism of alcohol and drugs (including medications), as well as toxins such as herbicides and pesticides
• Production of cholesterols that are needed for important body functions
• Iron processing and metabolism
• Blood clotting regulation

Loving your liver is something we often talk about in Naturopathy and Chinese Medicine but what does this actually mean and what are the signs that your liver may need support?

Common Signs That Your Liver Needs Help

Have you heard the term Shitty Liver, or that someone has a very bilious personality? These terms relate to the signs of liver overload. Common signs that your liver is overloaded and needing some extra love include:

• Hormonal imbalances and infertility
• Signs of toxicity, such as recurring headaches, disturbed sleep, weak immunity, low mood, acne and skin rashes, weight gain (especially around the middle)
• Poor alcohol, caffeine or medication tolerance
• Blood sugar imbalances
• Iron dysfunction, such as anaemia
• Easy bruising, skin and eye discolouration (yellow tinge)
• Inability to tolerate and digest fats
• High cholesterol
• Poor memory, disturbed thinking, quick to anger and irritability
• Bad breath and poorly digested foods
• Pain under the right rib cage that radiates to back of the right shoulder
• Low energy
• Poor wound healing

So many of our common health challenges can be improved by supporting liver function.

Ways To Support Your Liver Health

In an increasingly toxic world it is important now, more than ever, to be taking steps each day to take care of our liver health. Several simple lifestyle practices can significantly impact liver health-

• Balanced Diet: Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables- especially bitter greens such as dandelion greens, watercress, rocket, kale and broccolini as well as whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to provide essential nutrients and antioxidants.
• Hydration: Take in plenty of water per day to aid in the detoxification process, this may include water in fruits, vegetables and herbal teas.
• Exercise: Get moving! Regular physical activity promotes blood circulation and helps the lymphatic system to clear waste, easing the burden on the liver.
• Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption places unnecessary burden on the liver.

Healing Herbs And Nutrients

In addition to these lifestyle choices, integrating specific herbs and nutrients known for their liver-supporting properties can provide additional benefits. 

Specific Herbs and Nutrients include-

1. Milk Thistle Extract: Its active ingredient silymarin supports liver cell regeneration and protects the liver.
2. Kudzu Extract: Contains isoflavones that reduce oxidative stress and the build up of fats in the liver.
3. Schisandra Extract: Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, schisandra aids liver function and supports detoxification.
4. Dandelion Root Extract: Helps bile production and enhances liver detoxification pathways.
5. Ginger Extract: Aids in the digestive process and its anti-inflammatory properties support liver health.
6. Burdock Root Powder: Contains compounds that help blood purification.
7. Artichoke Leaf Extract: Supports bile production and aids digestion.
8. L-Taurine: An amino acid that supports bile salt formation, aiding in fat digestion and detoxification pathways.

Powerful Synergy of Herbal Combinations

When these herbs are combined, as they are in Abeeco's unique Liver Care Formula, their synergistic effects can amplify their individual benefits. For example, regeneration and detoxification is amplified by Milk thistle and Dandelion Root, and the inclusion of Ginger and Burdock root support digestion, thereby enhancing liver function.

Taking care of your liver through natural means not only supports its vital functions but also contributes to optimal health and well-being. By incorporating lifestyle changes and targeted herbal supplements like milk thistle, dandelion root, and kudzu extract, you can enhance the detoxification pathways and promote longevity. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.

Give your liver the love it needs, and start your herbal boost today!