The liver is one of the biggest organs in the human body. In fact, it is the second largest after the skin. It is also the largest gland in the body. It has many functions and is therefore a very important organ to keep healthy.
In this article, I look at why the liver is so important, the signs of a potentially unbalanced liver, and then explore ways to keep it healthy.
1. The functions of the liver
The liver is a major organ contributing to the body’s homeostasis (balance). It has many functions; I will explain some of them here in a simple way.
- It produces bile which helps to digest fats.
- It helps to regulate blood glucose levels through the metabolism of carbohydrates.
- It helps the metabolism of proteins.
- It cleans the blood from drugs and toxic substances, including alcohol.
- It removes hormones which are not needed by the body from the blood circulation, to help maintain healthy hormone levels.
- It stores several vitamins and minerals: most notably vitamins A, B12, D, E and K, iron and copper.
- It also has a role in the immune system: some of its cells can capture and digest bacteria and other unwanted molecules.
If you wish to deepen your knowledge of the subject, feel free to explore other resources.
2. Potential signs of an unbalanced liver
The body is intelligent and gives us warnings when it is not happy. Here are some of the signs that can indicated your liver is out of balance. Please note that other reasons may also be the cause of these issues.
- Waking up most nights between 1 and 3am.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the time of the liver is at night between 1 and 3am. If you find you wake up most nights during those times, then it is a possibility that your liver is unbalanced.
- Acne, pimples, or other skin issues.
The skin is an organ of elimination, and so if the liver isn’t working properly, the skin has to work extra hard to eliminate toxins. This can result in spots, often with pus, or other skin disorders. Anyone at any age can experience this, but it often happens during adolescence, before a period or during pregnancy as there are more hormones in the blood to deal with.
- Tiredness in the morning or after lunch.
If you find you are sluggish in the morning and take a long time to before being operational, or feel lethargic after lunch, this can also mean that your liver is unbalanced.
- Pale or floating stools.
Yellow to white stools or floating stools indicate the liver has difficulty dealing with fats, often from a lack of bile. If this occurs, please consult your GP to check there is no underlying serious issue.
- A dark urine can happen because of an unhealthy liver, or there can be an issue with the kidneys.
- Pain in the liver area, or pain in the right shoulder. The back pain will be as if poked by a stick.
- A yellow tinge to the skin or the white of the eye (yellow sclera).
- Bad breath can also be caused by an unhealthy liver.
Please consult your doctor if you are worried.
3. Ways to keep the liver healthy
The good news is that there are many things you can do to support your liver.
- The obvious one is to avoid alcohol, artificial food, excessive fat and sweet, unnecessary medication.
- Supportive foods
In addition, the liver thrives on dark green vegetables and bitter leaves (such as rocket). Other supportive foods include garlic, berries, olive oil and green tea.
- Drink freshly squeezed lemon in a glass of warm water.
It is best to do it first thing in the morning and wait half an hour before having breakfast, but can be done at any time.
- Skin brushing
This helps to remove the uppermost layer of the skin and stimulates the lymphatic system to eliminate toxins. Use a moderately stiff brush such as this one and do it in the morning before your shower, or in the evening if you prefer.
Start on the top of the right foot, going up towards your hip (back and front), then do the other leg. Brush your abdomen and then your back with movements going towards your heart. Follow with brushing your right hand up to your shoulder, left hand and arm, and finish with the top of your back and chest, again going towards your heart. You will probably find that it raises your heartbeat for a few seconds.
As a word of caution, avoid doing skin brushing if you are constipated.
- Herbal tinctures
Milk thistle, artichoke or dandelion tinctures can be very useful in helping to support the liver too. I would suggest you get further advice from a herbalist to avoid interactions with what you are taking.
- Get your body moving!
It won’t come as a surprise that exercise helps the digestion and has a positive impact on our mental health, reducing stress levels, and therefore stress hormones circulating in our blood. Sweat is another way to expel toxins, relieving some of the burden on your liver.
Walking, jogging, dancing, practicing yoga or Pilates are all good. Choose an activity which you like so you can enjoy its full benefits.
- Homeopathic remedies can help too!
There are various remedies available, either more constitutional remedies such as Lycopodium, or “organ drainage” remedies such as Chelidonium (pictured above). It is best to consult a homeopath for these.
If you would like to find out more about a homeopathic treatment, please contact me using those details.
With best wishes for a healthy life,
Priscille Francetti LCCH MARH
Homeopath
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