The liver weighs about 4 pounds and is the bodys largest and hardest working internal organ. A healthy liver fulfills over 500 functions, holds about thirteen percent of the bodys blood supply at any given moment, and filters over a litre of blood each minute! In addition, it contributes to production of over 13,000 different chemicals and maintains over 2000 internal enzyme systems.
Main Functions
What Burdens The Liver?
Some factors that negatively affect liver health include obesity, lack of exercise, insulin resistance/blood sugar imbalances, heart problems, chronic stress/insomnia, estrogen imbalance, poor diet (high in sugar/fructose, refined/processed foods, wrong fats, alcohol and low in fibre, water, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants) as well as toxic overload (internal from candida overgrowth, poor digestion leaky gut, poor gut flora, food sensitivities, low enzymes/HCL, constipation or external from chemicals and hormone mimickers in food, personal care & cleaning products, tobacco and environment). Note that the health of the liver is very much dependent on the health of the gut!
What Can Go Wrong?
Sluggish Liver is described by an impairment in the ability to detoxify or remove toxins.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease is characterized by progressive stages of fat buildup, inflammation, scarring and hardening, tissue damage, limited blood flow and eventually complete failure.
Gallstones occur due to an imbalanced composition of bile, when production/circulation/quality is impaired. Bile is composed of fats (cholesterol, lecithin, and fatty acids), bile pigment (bilirubin), bile salts/acids, water, and minerals. Approximately, 80-85% are made of cholesterol and 15-20% of calcium/bilirubin (pigment stones).
When the liver is congested, it not only creates inflammation and cell damage, but toxins end up overflowing into the bloodstream and re-circulating, eventually being stored in fatty tissues. A burdened liver leads to various signs and symptoms such as headaches, skin problems, body odor, food sensitivities, poor digestion, excess weight retention, cholesterol buildup, constipation, hormonal imbalances (PMS/thyroid), fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, etc.
Suggestions
1) Eliminate Triggers
2) Ensure Good Nutrition
3) Consider Liver Support Ingredients
Choose a LIVER CLEANSE that enhances both Phase I & II detoxification, supports liver functions (hormone processing, blood sugar regulation) and stimulates bile production.
4) Lifestyle Recommendations
Ask a health care advisor which products are right for your specific needs and lifestyle!
Read the original here:
Liven Up Your Liver - mySteinbach.ca (blog)
