The Liver: Your Body’s Overworked, Unappreciated Superhero

Your liver is like that loyal friend who’s always there for you but rarely gets the thanks they deserve. Operating around the clock, it transforms carbs, fats and proteins into energy, regulates blood sugar levels, and serves as a crucial storage unit for essential vitamins like A, D, and B12. But perhaps its most important role is as your body’s chief detoxifier. Like a bouncer at an exclusive club, the liver filters out toxins and ensuring nothing harmful sneaks past (good vibes only!)

However, the liver doesn’t work alone —it’s closely linked to your gut health. So, when your gut is off-balance—whether from poor diet or toxic overload—your liver has to pick up the slack. An overworked liver isn’t a happy liver, and sooner or later, it’s going to show.

Signs Your Liver Needs Some TLC

Ever had one of those days where you feel bloated, cranky, and your skin's breaking out like you’re back in high school? That could be your liver waving a little white flag, begging for a break. Some signs that your liver needs attention include:

• Bloating (Nope, your jeans aren’t shrinking, your liver’s just a bit grumpy)
• Pale or loose stools (Yes, your bathroom habits are a big clue)
• Acne (Your skin’s doing its best, but your liver needs some backup)
• Frequent headaches (Your liver’s way of saying, “Stop feeding me junk!”)
• Fatigue (Constant need for a nap? Blame liver overload)
• Jaundiced eyes (Yellowing eyes are a serious red flag that your liver’s in distress)

Simple Steps to Show Your Liver Some Love

The good news? Your liver is a tough cookie, and with just a few lifestyle changes, you can give it the TLC it needs to keep functioning at its best. Here are a few different ways you can lighten the load:

1. ‘Marie Kondo’ Your Pantry: Time to declutter your pantry. Start by looking at what you’re eating. Many packaged foods contain preservatives, additives, and unhealthy fats that can burden the liver. For instance, did you know that some Coles branded canned foods have less sugar than other popular brands? (In Podcast Episode 16 of What the Health, we discuss how even small swaps can make a world of difference).

2. Limit artificial ingredients: When you consume artificial colours, flavours, and sweeteners, your liver must exert extra effort to process these unnatural substances. Swapping them out for natural alternatives, such as fresh herbs, spices, or organic sweeteners like honey, can help reduce this strain.

3. Choose organic foods where possible: It’s not just a trendy label. Organic produce and whole foods are free from pesticides and harmful chemicals, meaning your liver doesn't have to work as hard to filter them out. Adding ‘liver-friendly’ foods such as spinach and kale can aid in detoxifying the blood, while beets, rich in antioxidants, help to promote healthy liver function as well.

4. Moderate alcohol consumption: We all love a glass of wine here and there, but your liver? Not so much. Moderating your intake (or taking a break altogether) gives your liver some much-needed time to catch up on its detox duties.

I'd suggest also suggest looking at Liposomal Gluthathione. Glutathione is one of the bodies master antioxidants. Lots of toxin exposure whether it be from foods, alcohol, medications or environmental all rely on glutathione for detoxification. So the more toxins we have, the more glutathione we need. Taking glutathione is like sprinkling fairy dust throughout your body!

Whether it’s glowing skin, more energy, or just feeling like your best self, taking care of your liver is a simple but powerful way to give your body the boost it deserves. By making these small changes, you can help your liver perform its essential functions more efficiently. Remember, a happy liver means a happier you! It’s truly a win-win.