Liver Support

What does the Liver do?

The liver is the largest internal organ in the body and plays many key roles in our health. Commonly known to filter out toxins and harmful substances, like alcohol. Blood passes through the liver's multiple lobes that act like finely tuned fishing nets so that clean blood continues to flow like water while the larger toxins are trapped to be removed or destroyed.

The liver is also where we get our bile. The bile produced not only helps us digest fats, but it carries waste out and away. Like the bouncer butting in to escort out a dangerous guest, the liver sends dangerous things we've consumed back out in a flood of bile.

When should I start to worry about my Liver?

You should always be listening to the signals from your liver. The ways it reacts when something's gone wrong can present themselves in a variety of ways:

• If your eyes or skin start to yellow, also known as jaundice.
• If your legs or abdominal region begins to swell uncomfortably with fluid.
• If your stool or urine drastically changes color.
• Fever, weight-loss, fatigue, disorientation.
• Nausea or diarrhea; if your bile is trying to kick something out, chances are whatever's in it is causing problems.

Unlike other major organs that may experience problems, such as the heart or lungs, the liver remains so complex that modern medicinal aids, like the ventilator or heart-pump, have not yet become available. The only current replacement is the transplantation of another healthy liver.

A toxin in one system can have a chain reaction throughout your entire body.

What may lead to Liver Failure or Disease?

While over-indulgence of alcohol or drugs is an obvious answer, it is not the only thing that causes issues. Anything that can lead to the damage of the liver's cells or bile ducts is something you'll want to keep in focus when investigating. Reactions to medicines or herbs, hepatitis or other viral infections, fatty-liver disease, enzyme disorders, abundances of copper and iron, immune-system attacks, genetic disposition or abnormalities can all play a role in liver injuries.

If ignored, complications can worsen quickly, forcing the liver and many of its functions to shut down. Without it you risk dangers roaming free and unsupervised throughout the bloodstream. They may lead to bleeding in the intestinal tract, ascites or salt build-ups, scar-tissue on the liver, affecting blood-flow or even spots of lumpy tissue growth. This may even spread further to the heart, kidneys, or lungs.

How do I take care of my Liver?

It's important to keep mindful about our habits and what we decide to introduce to our bodies. Whether it's lotions, food, medications, or even potential elements or minerals in your water, everything gets absorbed on some level and is introduced into your bloodstream.

While genetics and other special cases may play a part, there are simple things you can apply to your existing routines that can help reduce risks.

• Limit, if not avoiding, amounts of alcohol or recreational drugs like tobacco.
• Avoid risky environments or behaviors such as re-using needles or breathing in mold from the walls.
• Use caution with chemicals in cleaning supplies. (Maybe a mask or gloves with a window open.)
• Eat foods with fresh ingredients or less tampering like pesticides and hormones.
• Limit fats and fried or processed foods in your diet.
• Minimize the salt or processed sugar in your diet.
• Excercize, maybe take the stairs when you can or take a small lap around the house even when you know you wont be grabbing anything from the fridge this time.
• Take quality vitamins or supplements.
• Wash your hands regularly and be mindful of hygiene.

Addressing and maintaining health will never be one-hat-fits-all, but the core concerns remain the same. Staying active and making healthy decisions can only improve your wellness journey. A journey we don't have to walk alone. Never be afraid to ask questions and try to never avoid a problem. Chances are, it's not getting better on its own.