If ever there were an organ that deserved a standing ovation, it would be the liver. This approximately three-pound workhorse is the largest solid organ in the body, and it performs over 500 functions!
What Does The Liver Do?
Liver functions include:
- maintaining healthy blood sugar levels
- removing toxins from the blood supply
- regulating blood clotting
- helping with the digestion of fats and sugars
- converting and processing hormones
- clearing infections
- supporting the absorption and storage of nutrients and minerals
...and more.
It’s no understatement to say that our livers work hard for us.
Causes of Liver Damage
In spite of the liver’s stellar work ethic, it can take a beating through modern lifestyle choices and environmental effects.
Here’s how we may be damaging our livers:
- Lifestyle and environment:
- Alcohol consumption
- Prescription drug use
- Mold exposure
- Smoking
- Stress
- Intake of industrial seed oils:
- canola oil
- corn oil
- cottonseed oil
- safflower oil
- soybean oil
- Excessive salt and sugar intake.
- Sugar can be as toxic as alcohol to the liver.
- Too much salt increases blood pressure in the liver’s main artery.
- Not drinking enough water.
- Keep the body hydrated to prevent toxin buildup in the liver.
- Unbalanced liver-related emotions:
- anger
- resentment
- bitterness
- irritation
- hopelessness
Signs of Liver Damage
How can we know if our livers are damaged? Here are some possible signs:
- Skin issues
- Sluggish digestion
- Headaches
- Bloating and inflammation
- Hormonal issues
- Brain fog
- Slow metabolism
- Histamine and food sensitivities
- Compromised immune system
- Trouble sleeping
NAFLD
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a serious sign of an unhealthy liver.
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How Common is NAFLD?
This condition used to only be associated with alcoholics. But in the past few decades, non-alcoholics have been developing this disease as well. In fact, it’s estimated that one in four adults deals with NAFLD.
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What Can Cause NAFLD?
Why are we seeing such high incidences of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease?
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High-Fructose Corn Syrup
One reason can be attributed to a drastic increase in high-fructose corn syrup consumption.
This sweetener is found virtually everywhere, especially in packaged foods and soft drinks.
High-fructose corn syrup is damaging to liver cells and leads to increases in liver fat deposits.
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Environmental Issues
Another reason for an increase of NAFLD is pesticide and herbicide exposures (particularly glyphosate).
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Can NAFLD Be Treated?
NAFLD can be prevented and even reversed.
Medication, lifestyle changes, surgery, and even liver transplants have all been used for treatment.
Natural Treatment for The Liver
Fortunately, there are many natural strategies to help heal the liver.
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Eat Healthier
A particularly important one is consuming more healthy foods.
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Avoid Junk Food
Reduce intake of fried, fatty, sugary, or starchy foods.
Opt for fresh fruits and vegetables to provide the liver with the nutrients it needs.
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Avoid Seed Oils
Instead of seed oils, use:
- avocado oil
- coconut oil
- extra-virgin olive oil
- grass-fed butter
- ghee
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Eat Liver-Friendly Foods
To promote liver health, consume:
- garlic
- green tea
- oatmeal
- berries
- grapes
- grapefruit
- nuts
- fatty fish
- olive oil
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Follow a Special Diet
Adhering to the Mediterranean Diet, the DASH Diet, or a blood sugar friendly eating plan (less seed oils, grains, and sugars—especially high-fructose corn syrup) can be helpful.
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Try Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting helps reduce inflammation and burns fat around the liver.
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Consider Bitters
To regenerate liver cells, eat bitter foods (arugula, parsley, artichoke).
Consider taking bitter herbs (dandelion, milk thistle, yarrow).
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Use a Castor Oil Pack
A time-honored tradition that can help reduce liver inflammation is the use of castor oil packs.
Castor oil, derived from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, contains ricinoleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid that can aid in the detoxification process.
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Supplement with Herbs
Other herbs and supplements can help support liver health, including:
- glutathione
- NAC
- schisandra
- nettle
- green tea polyphenols
- licorice root
- turmeric
- garlic
- ginger
- astragalus
Keep in mind that while certain herbs have been linked with aiding liver health, others have been associated with liver damage and medication interactions.
Speak with your healthcare provider before herbal supplementation.
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Do a Simple Detox
Drink lemon water to encourage internal cleansing.
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Make Lifestyle Changes
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Face Unaddressed Issues
Deal with any anger, bitterness, or resentment you may feel. The liver is where we hold on to these emotions.
- Get support for trauma (particularly from when you were younger).
- Lower stress by practicing meditation and deep breathing.
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Exercise Regularly
Exercise regularly to help reduce inflammation and promote healthy blood flow to the liver.
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Track Your Sleep
Keep track of your sleep schedule.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each organ has an association with a different time of day or night. The liver qi period is between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m.
If you find yourself frequently waking up during this time, it may mean there’s a liver issue to work on.
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