Have you been feeling extremely tired, noticing new skin conditions popping up, or feeling like your digestive system has been a little sluggish? Your liver may need some TLC!
That’s right. The liver is at the forefront of eliminating toxins from the body, which means it plays a major role in keeping us healthy. And when the liver is not working as efficiently as it can, we can start to feel those effects.
Read on if you’re curious to learn how you can support your liver.
Getting to know your liver
The liver is an important organ that’s located in the upper-right area of our abdomen and weighs about 3 pounds. That may sound small but the liver is actually the body’s largest internal organ and it has many responsibilities within the body! Some of its main functions include:
- Filtering food and toxins out of the body
- Detoxifying blood so toxins and waste products can leave the body through urine or stool
- Storing fat-soluble nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as B12
- Releasing those nutrients into the blood when the body needs them
- Producing a substance called bile, which supports healthy digestion
Why should you support your liver?
The liver is involved in so many vital processes that keep us alive. Without a healthy liver:
- Toxins and waste products can build up within the body, which can contribute to skin conditions and a slow digestive system.
- You will have fewer defenses against bacterial and fungal infections, lowering your immune response.
- Your blood will not be able to clot properly, meaning that even a small cut can bleed uncontrollably.
Paying special attention to your liver can help give your body a boost of energy. This is because a well-functioning liver means our bodies can properly absorb and use important nutrients that the liver is responsible for filtering out, which provides us with the resources we need to stay active. So, supporting the liver with everything it needs to thrive can in turn help us feel our best as well!
How to know when your liver needs TLC
Our bodies give us signals to let us know when something is off. Watch out for these signs to know when your liver needs a pick-me-up.
Bloating and constipation
What we put into our bodies makes a huge difference on our health. This means that eating a poor diet with foods that are high in sugar, salt, refined carbs, and saturated fats can put a heavy load on our liver to filter out all the toxins. That’s why it’s common to experience digestion troubles like bloating, constipation, and a sluggish digestive system when your liver is being overworked.
Fatigue
Experiencing fatigue can be another sign that your liver can benefit from a detox. Studies suggest that a poor functioning liver can trigger changes within our brains. When there is a buildup of toxins in the blood as a result of an unhealthy liver, you can experience cognitive changes like confusion and mood changes, which includes feeling tired to take part in activities you usually would have the energy for.
Dark urine and yellow skin
When our livers are not working as efficiently as they can, we tend to see high levels of a substance called bilirubin in the bloodstream. This can cause our skin to appear yellow along with making our urine dark.
Hormonal imbalances
The liver plays a role in regulating our hormones and keeping them balanced by removing any excess hormones that can build up due to stress, certain medications, or lifestyle habits. When we don’t have a well-functioning liver, we can start to notice some changes in our hormonal system. This can show up as mood swings and irregular menstrual cycles.
Tips to show your liver some love
When it comes to taking care of your liver, there are a few lifestyle and diet changes that can help.
Regular exercise
Exercise can do wonders for maintaining a healthy liver because it can help reduce the accumulation of fat in the liver. This excess fat is one of the main culprits of a condition called fatty liver disease. This disease is also referred to as a silent liver disease since it often happens without showing any symptoms. Fatty liver disease can develop into nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH, which causes the liver to swell and results in scarring, ultimately leading to liver damage.
Try to incorporate some form of exercise into your daily routine. This can be a morning or evening walk, a dance class, or even a quick at-home workout. Anything to get that body moving!
Limit exposure to toxins
While we may not be able to completely avoid external toxins, trying to limit our contact with them can help support your liver health. This means being mindful of the cleaning products you bring into your home.
Try switching out non-stick pans with ceramic-coated ones instead. When it comes to your household products, try to stay away from fragrant detergents that can disrupt your hormonal system and reach for a fragrance-free product.
Eat a liver-healthy diet
Prioritizing foods that our
liver loves can help keep it happy and healthy! Think a balanced diet with fresh fruits and veggies that are high in antioxidants and fibre. Some examples include cranberries, beetroots and cruciferous veggies like broccoli, as well as legumes and whole grains. Additionally, try to limit your intake of foods high in added sugars, salt, refined carbs, and saturated fats. Cutting out alcoholic beverages can also be very beneficial for your liver.
If you’re looking for additional support for your hard-working liver, try reaching for one of Orange Natural’s effective tinctures. Milk Thistle has been known to have miraculous effects on the liver. It works by protecting specialized immune cells in the liver that scoop up and destroy bacteria, toxins and other foreign matter. By protecting these cells, Milk Thistle helps keep the liver healthy and up to the task of clearing toxins from our bodies.
Another great option is
Turmeric. This powerful cooking spice is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to help reduce inflammation anywhere in the body, which can help protect the liver as well.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids as well! This goes a long way in helping the liver filter out all the waste and toxins from our bodies.
The liver is a vital organ that we need to keep in tip-top shape! Watching out for signs of an overworked liver and supporting it with essential nutrients, exercise, and supplements can help keep your multi-tasking liver healthy.
Sources:
Liver: Anatomy and Functions
Can You Live Without a Liver?
Liver Cleanse: Separating Fact from Fiction
Signs You Need to Detox Your Liver ASAP—And How to Do It
10 Foods to Include in a Healthy Liver Diet
Discover the Amazing Health Benefits of Liver Detox
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
