Liver health is a key factor in hormone health. The liver is responsible for over 200 processes in the body. It has to metabolize fats, proteins and carbohydrates, as well as store vitamins and minerals.
Most notably, for those who have hormone issues, the liver excretes the hormones in our bodies. If the liver is not healthy, then your hormones are not going to be healthy either.
At the age of 30, I was shocked to discover that I had a sluggish liver after learning about the signs of it. “I’m so young! This doesn’t make sense!” was my reaction. Why? How?
In our modern world, our bodies process hundreds of chemicals on a daily basis! From air, water, food, health and beauty products, and virtually everything we are in contact with. Our livers have to work hard each day to process these things. Processing everything from our environment to medications, birth control, and alcohol, these organs can get overwhelmed easily.
If you are suffering with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s, or really any hormonal imbalance, you need to consider focusing on improving your liver. Here is a quick start guide to priming this amazing organ that we depend on.
Remove as many toxins from your everyday life as you can.
Please don’t overwhelm yourself with this. Start with one category and work your way through. I started with food, and then went to personal care, cleaning products, and then it became a habit. There are more options (affordable!) now than five years ago. Take a look under my Home Environment or Personal Care for everything you need to get started.
Crowd out alcohol and caffeine with more water and healing drinks.
I have an entire ebook just on healing drinks and yummy alternatives to the beverages we go to for energy or comfort. Use the coupon code HEALING5 to save $5.
Alcohol and caffeine are unfortunately major culprits in the game of weight gain and fatigue because they screw with your hormones. Alcohol puts you in estrogen dominance, and caffeine creates stress hormones. Use caution and moderation. Get a good quality water filter like this for your tap and shower, and drink away. Add lemon or frozen fruit for antioxidants and extra liver cleaning power. Lean on herbal or mushroom coffees that tone your adrenals and give you healthy energy. Juicing is always a powerful way for me to reset and give my liver and other organs some R&R. That could be a whole other post!
Find more ways to eat plants and colorful foods.
If you have kids, they will seriously make this into a game. Take them to the store and tell them they have to pick foods from every part of the rainbow. No, Lucky Charms does not count. Can’t afford organic? Follow this list of the safest produce. But seriously; don’t sweat the organic part if you can’t do it. Just clean the produce with vinegar and water before eating.
Be sure to eat some protein with each meal.
Most people are not getting enough protein. If you exercise, you really need to be sure you’re getting adequate amounts. A woman should have about 45 grams of protein a day, but closer to 55 or 60 grams if you work out. If you are pregnant, then add 10 grams more. A man should have 55 grams if sedentary, and then probably 65-70 grams if working out. Protein intake is also important for the liver and overall detoxification.
Lean on healthy supplements and drinks if you have gaps in your diet.
If you’re like me, and you struggle to get solid servings of fruits and veggies in for yourself or your kids, then check out a couple of these products below:
I also encourage you to look at a liver supplement for yourself and your kids.
Do I Have to Do This Stuff Forever?
I suggest being on the liver supplements for a good 3-6 months depending on your symptoms. If you’re really tired, having trouble losing weight, struggling with your periods/hormones, etc. I suggest staying on a liver cleanse supplement until you start feeling better. This can take up to 6 months.
If your kids are cranky, get angry easily, and seem “off” then the same goes for them. Getting ticked off easily is a sign of liver trouble for all of us.
As far as your lifestyle goes, yes, you have to commit to the water filters, eating better, drinking better, and taking care of yourself and your family. It’s not going to be perfect, but being mindful of how our environment affects us will help stay the course!
We are living in a much different environment, and in order to live our best lives, we have to take action.
If you need more guidance and coaching, check out my latest thyroid and hormone balance course. It comes with self-paced lessons, a coaching session with me, email support, and an online community. You can also set up a free consultation where we can discuss a plan for healing.
From my heart,
Lindsay
Disclaimer:
Always consult your doctor if you have any questions. I am not a doctor. I am a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. My suggestions are based upon my education, personal healing experience, and the experience of my clients.
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