Liver: your detox superstar! Your liver is the second largest organ in your body, only beat out by your skin. It works tirelessly to filter toxins from your blood. As well as metabolizes compounds such as vitamin D, iron, cholesterol, fat and more. Many symptoms and diseases are the result of poor detoxification. Holistic health focuses on supporting healthy detoxification as a way to heal and maintain good health.
Some signs and symptoms that your detoxification systems are overburdened can include:
- Dull skin tone, acne, rashes, eczema
- Poor digestion, particularly fat
- Chronic pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Constipation
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
- Mood issues: anger, depression, irritability
- Edema
- Slow/poor wound healing
- Food and seasonal allergies
Herbs are a great way to love your liver. They can be effective in moving toxins through the liver and protecting the liver from damage. Herbs that move the liver help to encourage bile production and excretion which helps to improve the liver’s ability to clear waste and also pull toxins from fat cells for elimination. Popular liver moving herbs are dandelion, burdock, yellow dock, and chicory. Liver protective herbs help to safeguard the liver from damage due to toxins. They can promote regeneration of the liver and promote proper liver-supportive antioxidants like glutathione. Popular liver protecting herbs are turmeric, milk thistle, ginger, and schizandra.
Supporting your body while detoxing can help to mitigate some potential side effects. Many people can experience a temporary uptick in symptoms such as breakouts, headache, fatigue and brain fog as the liver begins to move stored toxins. Be sure to drink plenty of water, rest, move, and be sure to eat a whole foods diet that avoids processed foods.
