Liver function, health and cleansing

The liver is a large, vital organ in the upper right side of the abdomen, beneath the diaphragm. It is crucial in numerous bodily functions, primarily related to metabolism, detoxification, and digestion. The liver is the body's main detoxifying organ, processing everything we eat, drink, and absorb through the skin. The liver plays a crucial role in thyroid and hormone health by regulating various hormones' metabolism, activation, and elimination.

Key functions of the liver include:

1. Detoxification: The liver filters and removes toxins, waste products, drugs, and harmful substances from the blood.

2. Metabolism: It helps metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, converting them into energy and other essential molecules the body needs.

3. Bile Production: The liver produces bile, which helps digest fats and absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) in the small intestine.

4. Storage: It stores essential nutrients, such as glycogen (a form of glucose), vitamins, and minerals, and releases them as needed.

5. Blood Clotting: The liver produces proteins necessary for blood clotting, helping to stop bleeding after an injury.

6. Cholesterol Regulation: It regulates cholesterol levels, producing cholesterol when needed and removing excess from the blood.

A healthy liver is essential for detoxification, digestion, and overall metabolism.

Here's how the liver contributes to hormone balance, particularly for the thyroid and other endocrine functions:

1. Thyroid Hormone Conversion:

• The liver is responsible for converting thyroid hormone T4 (thyroxine) into the active form T3 (triiodothyronine), which is the hormone that regulates metabolism, energy production, and many other functions. Approximately 60% of T4 is converted to T3 in the liver.

• If the liver is sluggish or impaired, this conversion process may be inefficient, leading to hypothyroidism-like symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and low energy levels.

2. Hormone Detoxification:

• The liver detoxifies and breaks down excess hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol. It removes these hormones from the bloodstream to maintain balance.

• If liver function is compromised, excess hormones can build up in the body, contributing to hormonal imbalances, such as estrogen dominance, which may lead to symptoms like PMS, weight gain, mood swings, and increased risk of certain cancers.

3. Regulation of Cholesterol and Steroid Hormones:

• The liver helps regulate the production and elimination of cholesterol, which is a precursor to steroid hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol. Healthy liver function ensures proper hormone synthesis and balance.

• A liver that is not functioning optimally may impact the production of these steroid hormones, affecting overall hormonal health and balance.

4. Blood Sugar and Cortisol Regulation:

• The liver plays a key role in maintaining stable blood sugar levels by storing and releasing glucose as needed. This helps regulate the body’s response to stress hormones like cortisol.

• Unstable blood sugar and poor liver function can cause imbalances in cortisol, leading to symptoms of stress, fatigue, and adrenal dysfunction.

5. Elimination of Toxins and Xenoestrogens:

• The liver also detoxifies environmental toxins and xenoestrogens (chemicals that mimic estrogen in the body), which can disrupt hormone balance.

• A healthy liver efficiently processes these toxins, helping to reduce the burden on the endocrine system and support hormone regulation.

Summary:

The liver is essential for converting thyroid hormones, detoxifying excess hormones, regulating cholesterol and steroid hormone production, and maintaining overall hormonal balance. Supporting liver health is crucial for optimal thyroid function, hormone metabolism, and endocrine health.

Healthy liver detoxification pathways 

Metabolic detoxification is a way to normalize the body’s metabolization of xenobiotic and endogenous compounds while temporarily reducing the incoming toxic burden.

Step 1: Fat-soluble toxins are transported from the intestine to the liver. These include metabolic end products, chemical pollutants and contaminants, microorganisms, food additives, drugs and medications, and alcohol.

Step 2: In the liver, toxins undergo Phase 1 detoxification to neutralize certain toxins. Phase 1, called “functionalization,” involves the release of enzymes by the liver that break down xenobiotics and produce harmful free radicals.

Step 3: The remainder of the unneutralized toxins move into Phase 2 detoxification, which transforms them into water-soluble compounds. Large molecules combine with modified xenobiotics by conjugation to produce harmless water-soluble substances.

Step 4: Newly transformed toxins are then transported to either the kidneys, where they are excreted in the urine, or to the gallbladder, where they are eventually excreted via the feces in Phase 3 of detoxification. Phase 3 relies on the pH scale (acid-to-alkaline ratio). The proper pH level is more alkaline than acid (pH at seven or above).

Unhealthy liver detoxification pathways 

In an unhealthy liver, toxins cannot be detoxified at the rate they are brought to the liver. Phase 1 occurs too quickly for conversion to Phase 2. In this case, toxins build up and recirculate in the blood, contributing to long-term poor health. These un-neutralized, fat-soluble toxins can be stored in body tissues such as fat, the brain, and the nervous system, causing systemic symptoms.

There are many different ways to upregulate liver function as well as some liver cleanses. We are familiar with and have tried several methods and offer valuable guidance.

Vegetables and herbs that support liver function: (to mention a few)

• Milk thistle

• Dandelion

• Beets and beet greens

• Himalayan Liver care

Liver Hacks:

Castor oil packs: Use high-quality Organic castor oil and place it over the liver for at least 2 hours three times per week.

Coffee Enemas: once a week (see our home remedies for the art of giving and enema

Infrared Saunas: sweating helps the detox pathways.

Essential Oils: Mandarin Orange, Geranium, Rosemary. A few drops on the skin over the liver area after a hot shower

Bitter lettuces: Mustard greens, dandelion, Kale, etc. have the necessary nutrients to aid liver function.

Organic Dandelion tea: one cup daily

1. Health Disclaimer:

   The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new health regimen, treatment, or using essential oils, supplements, or other therapies mentioned. The content is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Results may vary, and what works for one individual may not work for another. Use any information provided here at your own risk.                                               

---

You may also like