The liver is the largest and one of the heaviest organs in our body, it’s functions like metabolism, blood storage, and bile secretion to emulsify fats are critical to our daily life. The liver has a relationship gallbladder and spleen and when the liver’s functions are impacted, it can lead to imbalances and various health issues. It puzzles me that doctors always recommend (in a very vague way) that people take care of their hearts, yet rarely if ever advise to care for the liver. The liver can often create those persistent symptoms that are non-emergency. For example fatigue, muscle and sinew aches, and emotional imbalances, many people tolerate those symptoms or they get them misdiagnosed and the actual problem with the liver remains unsolved.
Fatty liver is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in liver cells. This fat buildup can occur when the liver’s ability to metabolize and process fats becomes impaired, leading to the storage of triglycerides and other lipids within the liver cells.
There are two main types of fatty liver disease:
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: This is the most common form of fatty liver disease and is not related to excessive alcohol consumption. It’s often associated with obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels. It can range from simple fatty liver (steatosis) to a more severe condition called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis which involves inflammation and can lead to liver damage and scarring (fibrosis) over time.
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: This fatty liver disease is caused by excessive alcohol consumption. The liver processes alcohol, and excessive intake can disrupt its normal functions, leading to fat accumulation. It’s important to note that alcohol-related fatty liver disease can progress to more severe conditions like alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis if alcohol consumption continues.
Here I will focus on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver since it has become increasingly common due to a diet high in processed sugar and high fructose syrup, seed oil-laden foods as well as poor lifestyle choices.
Fatty liver often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, as the condition progresses, symptoms like fatigue, discomfort in the upper right abdomen, and weight loss may occur. Severe cases of fatty liver disease can lead to complications such as liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver tissue), and an increased risk of liver cancer.
Diagnosis of fatty liver typically involves medical history assessment, physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI. Treatment and management of fatty liver involve addressing the underlying causes, such as lifestyle changes to improve diet, exercise, and weight loss. For alcoholic fatty liver disease, reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption is crucial.
Here are some common symptoms of fatty and overburdened liver:
- Fatigue: burdened liver can lead to a feeling of general fatigue and lack of energy.
- Weakness and Lethargy: people with liver deficiency might experience muscle weakness and overall lethargy.
- Digestive Issues: indigestion, bloating, and other gastrointestinal discomforts.
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Menstrual Irregularities: such as painful periods, irregular cycles, or even amenorrhea (absence of periods), which lead to fertility problems.
- Emotional Imbalances: irritability, mood swings, depression, or a tendency to experience frequent anger and frustration.
- Dry Eyes and Vision Problems: The eyes are believed to be connected to the liver in Eastern Medicine. Liver deficiency can lead to dry eyes, blurry vision, or other vision-related issues.
- Headaches: frequent headaches, especially tension headaches.
- Muscle and Joint Pain: stiffness, joint pain, and aching limbs.
- Dizziness and Vertigo and a feeling of unsteadiness
- Pale Complexion: A liver deficiency might cause a pale or sallow complexion.
- Brittle Nails and Hair: liver is believed to influence the health of nails and hair. Liver deficiency can lead to brittle nails and hair
Excess alcohol harms the liver. Unhealthy dietary practices are: frequent consumption of deep-fried foods, processed foods, and products high in processed sugar. Detrimental to the liver are also: overeating, inactivity, a sedentary lifestyle, sitting long hours at a desk, avoidance of movement outdoors and in nature, going to bed later than 11 pm, and poor management of emotions. For so many it is almost every weekend outing involving alcohol, junk food, and late-night drama.
A diet high in foods that contain a lot of carbohydrates especially fried in oil is harmful to the liver. For example donuts and any other kind of fried dough. Dishes like appetizers fried foods that are dipped in oil-based sauces like mayonnaise, pastries that contain sugar and margarine or cream, also carbonated beverages with processed sugar like cola.
Foods high in additives, preservatives, transfats, and rancid or poor-quality oils should be minimized to reduce the burden on the liver.
Nutrition for a healthy liver emphasizes foods that are easy to digest and support the body’s natural detoxification processes.
Bitter, sour, and astringent flavors have a positive impact on the liver. Incorporate plenty of greens like arugula, romaine, radicchio, fresh sprouts, fresh sour-tasting fruit, red beets, vegetables, and high-quality proteins. Avoid or minimize heavy, fried, processed, and overly spicy foods. Steamed foods are best for liver healing for example rice with steamed vegetables and baked fish.
Fatty liver can be reversible and liver is an organ that can regenerate itself. Some of the best herbs for liver support are:
- Milk Thistle has a protective effect on the liver by promoting the regeneration of liver cells and supporting detoxification processes.
- Dandelion is considered to have cooling and detoxifying properties, which can help to clear heat from the liver and improve its function.
- Bupleurum is believed to promote the smooth flow of energy and help relieve emotional and physical tension.
- Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and liver-protective properties. It is believed to invigorate blood circulation.
- Chinese Skullcap clears inflammation, alleviates irritability, and supports the liver’s detoxification processes.
- Goji Berries nourish the liver. They are often used in Eastern Medicine formulas to support overall vitality.
Taking proper care of your liver will increase the quality of your life by increasing your energy levels, weight loss, strengthening your metabolism as well as supporting positive emotions.
If you are looking for a Liver Cleansing Program or Liver Cleansing Supplements I am here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact me.