Hormone Issues? Why your liver needs some love

“The liver and kidneys are the organs that ‘age’ us.”

Our liver has over 500 known functions. Some of the most important ones includes the breaking down toxins, regulating hormones, detoxifying and purifying our blood. One of it’s lesser known functions is that of mood regulation. So it’s no surprise that after an evening of drinking, the next morning you may find yourself irritable and moody.

The health of our digestive system greatly depends on the health of the liver. When the liver becomes overloaded it can’t keep up it’s daily tasks, function starts to slow down and symptoms start to appear such as skin issues and hormonal imbalances.

Those PMS symptoms you’re experiencing aren’t normal. Common, but if your body is healthy and working efficiently you shouldn’t be experiencing any symptoms. Surprised? For example, I’m noticing a bit of breast tenderness this month. (I’m using this technique to help clear the lymph in my breast tissue.) This symptom helps me evaluate my nutrition and exercise these past few weeks. If i’m perfectly honest, I’ve been indulging in chocolate more than I should. Now chocolate for most people isn’t much of an issue, but I have severe food sensitivities to chocolate and shouldn’t be consuming any in order to completely heal my gut and which will then allow me to eat chocolate again. Food sensitivities generally indicate poor gut health. But hey I’m human and it’s sometimes it’s hard to resist. This has elevated my levels of inflammation which affects liver and hormone function. So for the next few weeks, it’ll be reducing my inflammation by saying goodbye to chocolate, increasing my daily turmeric consumption, eating more leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables, and generally staying away from foods that don’t support my health like gluten and dairy.

Staying hydrated during these summer months is also so important. Proper hydration is important for bowel movements which is important for the removal of toxins and hormones. I’ve noticed I’ve been a bit dehydrated so drinking LOTS of water is at the top of my list everyday. Don’t discount those simple daily habits.

Link To Breast Health

When your liver is healthy and excreting hormones efficiently, there is little estrogen accumulation in breast tissue. Estrogen is a cell division stimulator and will fuel the growth of fibroadenomas, cysts, lumps, and tumors. It will also create symptoms like breast tenderness. Breast massage is a great way to help drain the lymph.

Causes of Liver Congestion

Overeating
Pollution
Unfiltered water
Pesticides,
Stress
A diet high in Inflammatory, refined and processed foods
Drugs (prescription and non), alcohol
Chemical filled skin care, hair care, make-up

Symptoms of Liver Congestion

Signs of an overloaded liver may include varicose veins, hemorrhoids and dark blue bags under the eyes.
Hormone imbalances – PMS symptoms, fibroadenomas, fibroids
Skin issues, breakouts along the chin and jaw line, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis. When the liver is overloaded the next place the body will try to remove toxins is via the skin.
Poor digestion and absorption
Bloating, gas, constipation
Fatigue
And lots more…

“ A healthy liver means a strong immune system. “

Ways to support a healthy Liver

Herbs

Dandelion: increases bile flow which benefits liver congestion
Milk thistle: helps the liver to detoxify
Burdock: liver cleansing agent
Turmeric: protects the liver from toxins
Schizandra: helps the liver flush out hormones, reduces liver inflammation
Astragalus: protects the liver from viruses

Food

Radishes: black, red, daikon
Apple juice
Cruciferous vegetables
High fibre fruits and vegetables
Drinking lots of water
Artichoke
Beetroot and greens
Leafy greens
Fresh vegetable juice
Papaya
Citrus fruit
Spirulina and chlorella

*And exercise, get plenty of exercise!

Therapy

Castor oil pack- great for decongesting the liver.

Liver Flush

If you’re experiencing any hormonal, digestive, sleep, skin, fatigue issues, supporting a healthy liver function will be an important place to start.

TCM Wisdom

The liver and kidneys are the organs that “age” us. Longevity herbs used are liver and kidney tonics.
The emotions associated with the liver are anger, frustration and resentment
The liver distributes power
Between 1-3 am the liver goes into repair, fresh new blood is made and toxins are released
The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of energy, emotions and cycles