The liver is the largest internal organ, and its job is to filter blood from the digestive system before it travels around the body. Your liver is one of the organs responsible for detoxification, removing toxins from the blood and processing nutrients.
While the liver is best known for filtering out toxins such as alcohol, it also helps the body to clean out excess hormones. By looking after your liver, you can help to improve the elimination of excess hormones and support healthy hormone balance. It’s important to look after your liver, and these are some simple habits that may help do this and maintain a healthy hormone balance!
Cut Back on Stimulants
Alcohol affects our health in many ways, not least of all, it has the potential to damage or destroy liver cells. If avoiding alcohol altogether is not a viable option for you, try to be mindful of how much alcohol you consume, and how often. If drinking, make sure to drink plenty of water to reduce the immediate pressure on the liver. Limit your caffeine intake as this also places pressure on your detoxification system including your liver and can take up to 10 hours to detoxify caffeine!
Reduce Your Exposure to Toxins
Since the liver’s main job is to filter toxins out of the body, it makes sense that cutting down exposure to toxins will support a healthy liver. Avoid smoking (even secondhand smoke), choose natural cleaners and beauty products wherever possible, and opt for whole foods over packaged varieties.
Maintain Health Weight
Carrying excess weight puts a lot of pressure on your liver, and for those who are overweight or obese, there is an increased risk of developing non alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Liver-Friendly Foods
Give the liver a helping hand by including some of these liver-friendly foods everyday!
- Garlic - As well as being a delicious addition to almost any meal, garlic is rich in allicin and selenium which are natural detoxifiers. Garlic reduces oxidative stress in the liver which is the cause of most liver injury. Opt for fresh garlic cloves over minced or powdered varieties wherever possible
- Green Tea - Green tea is high in antioxidants, and has been found to support the liver, improving enzyme levels and reducing oxidative stress.
- Onions - Rich in allicin, onions are packed with phytonutrients, flavonoids, fibre and Potassium and support the body’s natural detoxification process.
- Broccoli - Broccoli is certainly a super-food and is a good source of Calcium, Potassium, Folate, fibre and phytonutrients. Broccoli is part of the cruciferous vegetable family, along with cauliflower, bok choy and brussels sprouts
- Fatty fish - Fatty fish, such as salmon, are great sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. Studies have shown that these fatty acids can help regulate enzyme levels, fight inflammation, improve insulin resistance and brain health
Alongside nutrient and lifestyle modifications, there are many herbs & supplements we use regularly to support liver function.
Book in with one of our naturopaths to support your detoxication system & balanced hormones by clicking the link HERE.
